Certina DS Action 38mm - NWA with a twist!

A couple of days ago I decided to buy my second Swiss made watch, next to my Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic in 38mm.

Since I like Rolex Explorer and Rolex Sub, and curently far away from buying those watches, I wanted to move a bit from my Seiko collection and create my Explorer/Sub alternatives, but not clones or hommages, but really good watches!

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I was so excited with this combo! But, just two days into owning a DS, i noticed an issue in a form of misalignment of a bezel at 3 o'clock. It's only a mm or mm and a half, but when you see it - it can't be unseen!

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At first, I was trying to ignore it like I did with a couple of my Seiko 5 Sport series watches, but this was different. These two (Certina and Hamilton), even though they are not the most expensive watches in my collection, had to be my two Swiss made watches that are in my mind perfect!

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Part of my collection: Watches that I regulary wear, as of June 2023. 👆

This morning I decided to contact the retailer where I bought the watch, but since I bought it like that, I thought they couldn't do anything. When buying watches, I mostly focus on possible scratches and things like that, but I haven't noticed the misalignment (next time I'll be smarter!).

Only 30 minutes after I sent an email, I got response from the store in which they offered to order a new watch and replace this one!

So, now I'm waiting for a week or two to get their call so I can come and replace it!

Fingers crossed the next one will be aligned as it should be 😁

Reply
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Beautiful watch and good service from the retailer!

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I am glad that the store took it seriously. It was going to bother you.

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Very cool collection. I don't see any nonesense there. All well selected. Congratulations

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I wouldn't have noticed that in a million years.

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I've heard of Glycine, but never explored it a bit.. Thanks for the info!

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foghorn

I wouldn't have noticed that in a million years.

But, when you notice it.. 😂 Once a while, I just enjoy watching my watches, and then I notice things 😁

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ivan101

I've heard of Glycine, but never explored it a bit.. Thanks for the info!

Check them out on Ashford.com -- great deals to be had.

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I also own a Certina ds action but the blue version and it is probably the watch i enjoy wearing the most in my collection. I think it is the best dive watch under 1000 dollars.

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Great Certina and wonderful collection !!

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I’ve been meaning to pick up a Certina DS Super PH500m for a while now. Brilliant watches for the money. I’m glad the retailer took the issue seriously. Customer service is paramount.

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Great to hear that your AD listened. Certina is a solid and interesting brand today as well for their vintage pieces. Your DS Action looks looks really good.

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I'm confused as to how this one point misaligns when nothing seems out of place.

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Ah, the perils of OCD. I understand, my wife has a thing about symmetry.

I think it adds character when there's a slight imperfection, but that's just me.

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PoorMansRolex

I'm confused as to how this one point misaligns when nothing seems out of place.

I agree! Other indices are also a little bit off, but the one at 3 o'clock is the most noticable

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Pallet_Fork

Ah, the perils of OCD. I understand, my wife has a thing about symmetry.

I think it adds character when there's a slight imperfection, but that's just me.

I agree with you. I have a couple of Seikos with the imperfection on the dial (yes, very known story about the Seiko's QC). But, those watches are a bit cheaper and the imperfections are not so noticable. Since this one is on the bezel and the watch is more than double value, it burns my eyes 😄 If I had to, I'd live with it. There are worst things in life

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Got the 43mm version. Good value for money given the specification and finish.

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You need to commend specifically your AD or retailer so we know they are really behind the customer!!!

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Zozozo

You need to commend specifically your AD or retailer so we know they are really behind the customer!!!

At the end, it was like I sad - they've called and replaced the watch, easier than I expected! 😄

I've noticed one difference in the watch - the three o'clock mark (see below). My watch with the missalignment had this bigger mark, and the new watch doesn't have it. I've noticed both watches on reviews and photos on the internet. Don't know why are there is the difference, but I assume they've updated it for some reason.

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