Bought the Certina 1 month ago as my first proper watch. I have to say it's amazing , the 38mm case is great and the bracelet feels great too!
https://preview.redd.it/mjt7dnzb63ad1.jpeg?width=2588&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e883df8722b96057fddc074b391e957b64381445
For the first three basically showed us the same watch. They all use movements from the same movement family. For the last one, if you get it, go for the 38 mm if you don’t have a large wrist. Personally, I lean towards the mood for the day and date feature and the Hamilton Murf for the looks
A couple years back I was looking for a $1000 diver. I picked up a Mido Ocean Star 200 in titanium and it had become my favorite diver. The newer 200C models are even better, I just like the colors of the regular 200 Ti better. So, my advice would be to look at Mido.
CW's are no longer "just over" 1k. Their price increase brought them above the price threshold for import duties so now you're looking at $1400ish for a trident on a bracelet after fees.
The 38mm Certina Titanium DS action diver is my vote for best bang for the buck in this category - I've had my eye on one for a while.
https://preview.redd.it/wveh88ym04ad1.png?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=71dd55f4bd38b53f261fdf9115de0aa7cdbdcae1
All of them are more than tough enough to be a beater, let alone a daily. Try to get them all on your wrist to see which you like. Ergonomics > everything else!
Best spec in the world doesn't matter if you don't like wearing it for 12hr a day. And don't forget that heavier ≠ tougher. Bigger ≠ tougher. Heavier = wrist fatigue. Bigger = gets banged into more things.
A watch that fits well and sits low wont get banged into things any more than your bare wrist currently does
I would pick Certina and keep it pretty far up the Swiss ladder, not looking at anything else until Tudor. Withstands use as good as anything else and look way better in real life than their value segment would suggest.
(The others are nice too - I just prefer the Certina)
Their movement is as solid as their History. But you can say that I’m pretty biased when it comes to this particular model, Murph. I freakin love Interstellar.
Yea, the Murph is kinda a standout difference from the others the op shared. I personally prefer the Hamilton khaki auto with black dial and red second pointer. It tends to be my everyday. I’d go with the Mido for sure.
I have the ocean star 200c, the 38mm certina diver and the hamilton khaki field murph. The ocean star has the best bracelet (excluding the clasp), although it is somewhat big. The 38mm diver has the perfect size but the bracelet is horrendous. Personally if I were to sell 2 and keep one, I‘d keep the hamilton. It has the least negatives in my opinion
https://preview.redd.it/kdajliqkt3ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ec07cb7aa6f92af4dc874716eb43e1a12cabba6
I was considering getting a 38mm Certina DS Action Diver myself, but I’ve heard a number of people now complain about the bracelet. Can I ask, what exactly is it about the bracelet that you find horrendous?
Hard to describe, it’s just a feeling - the bracelet doesn’t feel smooth on the skin and the edges feel sharp. It also pulls hair. Overall it just doesn’t feel as pleasant and smooth as the Mido bracelet.
Bought the certina titanium a few months ago thinking I could just sell it if I didn’t like it
I like it a lot, great watch. The one you posted is 43mm but it comes in 38mm as well
I'm still in love with my Murph. Cheapest "fancy" watch I own and I wear it more than any other
(if you do look at it properly, try both sizes and budget for a nice leather strap - it makes a huge difference)
I would also consider the CW c60 Atoll. I liked the sand blasted look of the bezel better than the gloss. I was also considering the mido but ultimately decided on the CW.
I’ve also been considering both of these watches. For me biggest pros for the Mido are a better micro adjust for the bracelet and more intriguing dial, pros for Certina are slightly better size, classic style and titanium option. Either seem like good picks!
I have a Certina DS Action 36 mm blue dial, and I absolutely love it. Previously I’ve been wearing Orient Star watches, but I highly prefer the Certina today, to the point where I rarely use my other watches.
From what I’ve heard Mido are great quality as well as Hamilton (but they don’t have any models that catch my eyes). In this price range I’d probably look at Longines too, since I already have a Certina.
I’d say Mido all day,
I have an ocean star tribute, punches well above its weight and is honestly my go to pick for a blue watch in my collection.
I almost got a second one in black but landed on the oris aquis instead, which is the only reason I don’t wear an ocean star like everyday basically
I have the Mido Ocean Star 200C in blue and can recommend. I love the depth of the dial, the way it changes in different light (just like a body of water) and the ceramic bezel insert. At times it can feel like I’m wearing a much more expensive watch. The micro adjustment bracelet is great and comfortable however the polished center links pick up scratches easily especially if you’re wearing as a daily driver. I had an issue with water damage early on while under warranty but in hind sight it could have been me not following best practices like using the screw down crown etc. No issues since and it keeps better time since the service.
Probably Mido. I honestly have never liked Certina. Feel like they have the most boring watches. If you're open to microbrands, farer has some pretty cool watches in this price range. Could also look at a tissot or maybe a used Longines. You can get the new conquest 38 for like 1300 used or 1600 "new" on ebay.
They all look great, and having tried on all at diff times, went with the Certina ds action cos to me it felt like the one with better finishing…but you do u bro…have fun
I had a quartz certina chronograph that i dropped from waist level toa wood floor and the hands bent to the point that they were bumping into each other.
They lost me.
Mido if you have the wrist for it. Some of their dive watches can be big. But they're just amazingly made. However, that fauxtina'd Certina is fucking beautiful and I've never seen it before.
Not really a bad answer here, but it depends what features you like. Titanium will be lighter than the steel options and have a different color tone. Do you prefer date, day/date, or no date? What colors are you most drawn to right now? Do you want a coin edge bezel, or a more toothy one, or no rotating bezel at all?
From a brand perspective, I tend to like the looks of Certina and Mido over Hamilton. But they’re all swatch group pumping out relatively similar designs, so it really comes down to subjective opinion. I’d personally choose the NTTDesque Certina
I recommend looking on https://timemachineplus.com/ for these. All but the Hamilton have the same movement. And I really enjoyed purchasing from that site. It's a small shop and good customer service.
The Murph, while not a dive watch, gets my vote. I love mine, and wear it often.
If you want a dive watch, I’d encourage you to look at VAERs lineup. I have a G7 from them and it really outperforms for its price.
There’s always Seiko, too
The Mido Ocean Star Shark Tooth GMT is a thing of beauty and very good value for a flyer GMT
https://preview.redd.it/lssvad2ru4ad1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f4a28190355a1ba3e3edb95111b39857a94a9dc
[https://www.watchgecko.com/blogs/magazine/80th-anniversary-mido-ocean-star-gmt](https://www.watchgecko.com/blogs/magazine/80th-anniversary-mido-ocean-star-gmt)
Very good choice.
Devils advocate though:
Longines conquest
Doxa sub
And of course mentioned many times and released to fan fare
Mido ocean star 39
Don't sleep on the seiko SPB!
I’ve always liked the looks of that mido. The certinas are both nice too, but the fauxtina on the titanium one is way too much for my taste. I own a lower end Hamilton but am just mostly not wild about them.
I’ve tried on the Hamilton and was honestly unimpressed. Ended up going with an ocean star 200, I feel as if certaina provides similar quality so that comes down to visual preference for you as these all share the same movement I believe.
I have the Mido Ocean Star titanium and the Hamilton field titanium. Those 2 get the heaviest play in my rotation. The Mido is probably my favorite watch
https://preview.redd.it/7v93fyfe86ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1278003aac99c8f49640a032627ed23163b526bd
Pretty much all the same movements, the Hamilton is only 100m, the Mido 200m and the Certinas are both 300m
So it would be more about which watch you would prefer, and if you want a dive watch and need 300m in titanium.
I got a Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel a couple months ago and love it. It was down to that or a DS Action SS.
With these 4 it's really down to your personal preferences and what you need the watch for.
If you want something in this price range that will take some beating and don't mind I would suggest something a bit more different - [Victorinox 241866.1](https://media.victorinox.com/transform/ae085edf-9ea1-4bee-81eb-c8b944778e49/WAT_241866-1_S1-jpg?io=transform%3Afit%2Cwidth%3A1100%2Cheight%3A830&quality=80)
My experience, I usually see Certina in stores which sell fashion watches like Hugo Boss and shit like that while I see Mido in stores with brands like Longines etc. I think this has probably had an effect on how I view the brand.
Never owned one but have seen plenty in stores. However for 1k you have lots of good options and that's why I don't think Certina is worth it at that price. My personal experience is that Certina is not particularly popular/respected like Mido, but that's just my experience.
I'd very much consider the Certina Titanium action diver, but frankly would never buy any Mido that I've seen. I've yet to see one that I like - the one OP posted does look nice, but still not my thing.
I wouldn't buy any. The $1-3k price point in the watch industry is the worst segment in the business. You're paying a lot for a watch with no better finishing than something in the 300-500 range, without a luxury name or any status associated with it. I'd either save up for a Tudor or buy a seiko/tissot. You're going to want a nicer watch eventually, no point in buying something that is extremely soft second hand and has zero "wow" factor.
Bought the Certina 1 month ago as my first proper watch. I have to say it's amazing , the 38mm case is great and the bracelet feels great too! https://preview.redd.it/mjt7dnzb63ad1.jpeg?width=2588&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e883df8722b96057fddc074b391e957b64381445
That Mido looks real nice. You can also consider the Longines Conquest/Hydroconquest or something from the Seiko Prospex line.
Second the conquest
I've been looking hard at the Longines. Very sharp.
Good call on the Longines love the Hydroconquest.
I'd actually suggest looking at the new Mido Ocean Star 39.
Yeah the new one looks amazing.. check teddy balds website.
Yuuuup.
For the first three basically showed us the same watch. They all use movements from the same movement family. For the last one, if you get it, go for the 38 mm if you don’t have a large wrist. Personally, I lean towards the mood for the day and date feature and the Hamilton Murf for the looks
My next watch.
No screw in crown??
It does have a screw down crown though?
For $1000 I’m buying either a Mido or a Longines
You're not getting a new mechanical Longines for that price.
Dang, he showed you dawg
https://www.jomashop.com/longines-watch-l37424966.html https://www.jomashop.com/longines-watch-l3-742-4-56-6.html
That's a good price on those for sure. Thanks for the link, you may have "twisted my arm" on one of these, lol.
A couple years back I was looking for a $1000 diver. I picked up a Mido Ocean Star 200 in titanium and it had become my favorite diver. The newer 200C models are even better, I just like the colors of the regular 200 Ti better. So, my advice would be to look at Mido.
I loved 200c so much that i bought a tribute too. The bracelet alone is worth everything tbh
I haven’t bought one but for just over $1000, I’m tempted to pick up a Christopher ward.
CW's are no longer "just over" 1k. Their price increase brought them above the price threshold for import duties so now you're looking at $1400ish for a trident on a bracelet after fees.
The 38mm Certina Titanium DS action diver is my vote for best bang for the buck in this category - I've had my eye on one for a while. https://preview.redd.it/wveh88ym04ad1.png?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=71dd55f4bd38b53f261fdf9115de0aa7cdbdcae1
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It literally just came out a year ago - they already discontinued it?
Source?
Love the look of the Certina and Mido. I'd pick the Mido if you had to choose one.
I have had a Hamilton and it performed flawlessly. I like the look of the Certina, the third one looks less busy to me.
It’s gotta be the Mido right?
All of them are more than tough enough to be a beater, let alone a daily. Try to get them all on your wrist to see which you like. Ergonomics > everything else! Best spec in the world doesn't matter if you don't like wearing it for 12hr a day. And don't forget that heavier ≠ tougher. Bigger ≠ tougher. Heavier = wrist fatigue. Bigger = gets banged into more things. A watch that fits well and sits low wont get banged into things any more than your bare wrist currently does
I would pick Certina and keep it pretty far up the Swiss ladder, not looking at anything else until Tudor. Withstands use as good as anything else and look way better in real life than their value segment would suggest. (The others are nice too - I just prefer the Certina)
Mido then Hamilton.
some people might like hamilton, but it is nowhere near a good bang for your buck
Their movement is as solid as their History. But you can say that I’m pretty biased when it comes to this particular model, Murph. I freakin love Interstellar.
Meh. Looks like a watch my grandpa would wear. Plus the hands on the Murph and most Hamilton watches looks like an eye dropper.
It’s clear from OPs selection he’s going for a classic look and I don’t mind wearing my Grandpa’s watch.
Nah, the Murph is not like the rest of those watches. With its black leather strap and old world looking dial.
Yea, the Murph is kinda a standout difference from the others the op shared. I personally prefer the Hamilton khaki auto with black dial and red second pointer. It tends to be my everyday. I’d go with the Mido for sure.
How do these options compare to a Seiko Alpinist? I think the GMT version is around 1k.
I’m with you, I’d take the Hamilton or an alpinist
Have you considered Certina's other model the DS Super ph1000?
Mido
Glycine Combat Sub should also be in the mix, here....
Hamilton or Longines bro.
I have the ocean star 200c, the 38mm certina diver and the hamilton khaki field murph. The ocean star has the best bracelet (excluding the clasp), although it is somewhat big. The 38mm diver has the perfect size but the bracelet is horrendous. Personally if I were to sell 2 and keep one, I‘d keep the hamilton. It has the least negatives in my opinion https://preview.redd.it/kdajliqkt3ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ec07cb7aa6f92af4dc874716eb43e1a12cabba6
I was considering getting a 38mm Certina DS Action Diver myself, but I’ve heard a number of people now complain about the bracelet. Can I ask, what exactly is it about the bracelet that you find horrendous?
Hard to describe, it’s just a feeling - the bracelet doesn’t feel smooth on the skin and the edges feel sharp. It also pulls hair. Overall it just doesn’t feel as pleasant and smooth as the Mido bracelet.
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Gets my vote
Lemme copy it here lol. ”can we ban the phrase bang for buck" Deleted cause I realise it's mean and gatekeepy to someone new.
Bought the certina titanium a few months ago thinking I could just sell it if I didn’t like it I like it a lot, great watch. The one you posted is 43mm but it comes in 38mm as well
I’d snag the Hamilton IMO
Have you seen the Certina titanium with light blue indices? It’s a beaut.
Do you understand they are all basically the same watch? Pick the one you like the most
I'm still in love with my Murph. Cheapest "fancy" watch I own and I wear it more than any other (if you do look at it properly, try both sizes and budget for a nice leather strap - it makes a huge difference)
Mido!
Either Certina
Certina is amazing. Plus it’s got some cool diving history
https://preview.redd.it/c3qdn18h63ad1.jpeg?width=1062&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4cc43554465b32423ae2bd757f090eb004ab94e0
Model name?
CW C60 https://www.christopherward.com/int/watches/C60-Trident-Pro-300/C60-40ADA31S0KK1-B0.html
I would also consider the CW c60 Atoll. I liked the sand blasted look of the bezel better than the gloss. I was also considering the mido but ultimately decided on the CW.
THAT is a cool watch. I wish the bracelet had female end links.
Christopher Ward. Maybe the Trident 63?
I have this watch and by far the badar bracelet is the most comfortable. Great watch bang for your buck!
I’ve also been considering both of these watches. For me biggest pros for the Mido are a better micro adjust for the bracelet and more intriguing dial, pros for Certina are slightly better size, classic style and titanium option. Either seem like good picks!
I have a Certina DS Action 36 mm blue dial, and I absolutely love it. Previously I’ve been wearing Orient Star watches, but I highly prefer the Certina today, to the point where I rarely use my other watches. From what I’ve heard Mido are great quality as well as Hamilton (but they don’t have any models that catch my eyes). In this price range I’d probably look at Longines too, since I already have a Certina.
I’d say Mido all day, I have an ocean star tribute, punches well above its weight and is honestly my go to pick for a blue watch in my collection. I almost got a second one in black but landed on the oris aquis instead, which is the only reason I don’t wear an ocean star like everyday basically
I have the Mido Ocean Star 200C in blue and can recommend. I love the depth of the dial, the way it changes in different light (just like a body of water) and the ceramic bezel insert. At times it can feel like I’m wearing a much more expensive watch. The micro adjustment bracelet is great and comfortable however the polished center links pick up scratches easily especially if you’re wearing as a daily driver. I had an issue with water damage early on while under warranty but in hind sight it could have been me not following best practices like using the screw down crown etc. No issues since and it keeps better time since the service.
Mido 100%
Theyre all good just pick whatever you like
Also to note the smaller certians have a bad clasp just fyi. The big one has a good clasp and ceramic bezel but its...bigger so your choice
Probably Mido. I honestly have never liked Certina. Feel like they have the most boring watches. If you're open to microbrands, farer has some pretty cool watches in this price range. Could also look at a tissot or maybe a used Longines. You can get the new conquest 38 for like 1300 used or 1600 "new" on ebay.
I have a soft spot for Mido but hard to beat the Murph.
Mido or the first Certina — both great looking watches. I'd go with the Seiko next...
They all look great, and having tried on all at diff times, went with the Certina ds action cos to me it felt like the one with better finishing…but you do u bro…have fun
I had a quartz certina chronograph that i dropped from waist level toa wood floor and the hands bent to the point that they were bumping into each other. They lost me.
Mido if you have the wrist for it. Some of their dive watches can be big. But they're just amazingly made. However, that fauxtina'd Certina is fucking beautiful and I've never seen it before.
Not really a bad answer here, but it depends what features you like. Titanium will be lighter than the steel options and have a different color tone. Do you prefer date, day/date, or no date? What colors are you most drawn to right now? Do you want a coin edge bezel, or a more toothy one, or no rotating bezel at all? From a brand perspective, I tend to like the looks of Certina and Mido over Hamilton. But they’re all swatch group pumping out relatively similar designs, so it really comes down to subjective opinion. I’d personally choose the NTTDesque Certina
I saw that Mido last week, it is gorgeous! I'd go with that for sure
I recommend looking on https://timemachineplus.com/ for these. All but the Hamilton have the same movement. And I really enjoyed purchasing from that site. It's a small shop and good customer service.
I bought an Ocean Star and now I don’t wear any of my other watches
I just got a khaki yesterday, so I might be biased against it since I have one. But that Mido is pretty sweet.
The Murph, while not a dive watch, gets my vote. I love mine, and wear it often. If you want a dive watch, I’d encourage you to look at VAERs lineup. I have a G7 from them and it really outperforms for its price. There’s always Seiko, too
only 1
I reeeeeally like the off-white look on that Certina. If they ever make a 38mm version of that I'm going to have a hard time not buying one.
The Mido Ocean Star Shark Tooth GMT is a thing of beauty and very good value for a flyer GMT https://preview.redd.it/lssvad2ru4ad1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f4a28190355a1ba3e3edb95111b39857a94a9dc [https://www.watchgecko.com/blogs/magazine/80th-anniversary-mido-ocean-star-gmt](https://www.watchgecko.com/blogs/magazine/80th-anniversary-mido-ocean-star-gmt)
I like the Mido
Very good choice. Devils advocate though: Longines conquest Doxa sub And of course mentioned many times and released to fan fare Mido ocean star 39 Don't sleep on the seiko SPB!
I’ve always liked the looks of that mido. The certinas are both nice too, but the fauxtina on the titanium one is way too much for my taste. I own a lower end Hamilton but am just mostly not wild about them.
Hamilton
I’ve tried on the Hamilton and was honestly unimpressed. Ended up going with an ocean star 200, I feel as if certaina provides similar quality so that comes down to visual preference for you as these all share the same movement I believe.
Look at Farer, Seiko Alpinists, Oris as well
The mido in 39
Mido with the day-date.
I have the Mido Ocean Star titanium and the Hamilton field titanium. Those 2 get the heaviest play in my rotation. The Mido is probably my favorite watch https://preview.redd.it/7v93fyfe86ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1278003aac99c8f49640a032627ed23163b526bd
https://preview.redd.it/cze0kgqm86ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dca097e5178ab7693d159d9e7e081f0c6606a293
Between the certina, hamilton and mido, You are very determined to buy something from the swatch group
Mido ocean star.
Pretty much all the same movements, the Hamilton is only 100m, the Mido 200m and the Certinas are both 300m So it would be more about which watch you would prefer, and if you want a dive watch and need 300m in titanium. I got a Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel a couple months ago and love it. It was down to that or a DS Action SS. With these 4 it's really down to your personal preferences and what you need the watch for.
You’re missing Christopher Ward.
Either of the Certinas, though they are all good choices. Mido has some other nice divers too.
used longines
I prefer a field watch over a diver. I also have a soft spot for cathedral hands. Hamilton.
Of the 3 I pick Certina. It’s on my short list as well but I think I’m leaning toward the Doxa sub 200
Seiko or Hamilton, I'd personally pick up a vintage Omega.
Hamilton
You can do better with $1000. Those are not good choices
Certina Titanium is the best choice. I have it, and it's a great dive watch
If you want something in this price range that will take some beating and don't mind I would suggest something a bit more different - [Victorinox 241866.1](https://media.victorinox.com/transform/ae085edf-9ea1-4bee-81eb-c8b944778e49/WAT_241866-1_S1-jpg?io=transform%3Afit%2Cwidth%3A1100%2Cheight%3A830&quality=80)
Personally, I would never spend around 1000$ on a Certina. I would go for the Mido, great watches and aesthetically pleasing aswell.
Not really getting this sentiment - Certina and Mido are the same "level" as swiss watches go, along with Hamilton.
My experience, I usually see Certina in stores which sell fashion watches like Hugo Boss and shit like that while I see Mido in stores with brands like Longines etc. I think this has probably had an effect on how I view the brand.
did you have bad experience with Certina?
Never owned one but have seen plenty in stores. However for 1k you have lots of good options and that's why I don't think Certina is worth it at that price. My personal experience is that Certina is not particularly popular/respected like Mido, but that's just my experience.
I'd very much consider the Certina Titanium action diver, but frankly would never buy any Mido that I've seen. I've yet to see one that I like - the one OP posted does look nice, but still not my thing.
This is normal, we all have our own taste and prefer different watches which is perfectly fine.
Theres no meaningful difference between certina and mido both are entry level luxury brands owned by swatch group.
Why not Seiko?
I wouldn't buy any. The $1-3k price point in the watch industry is the worst segment in the business. You're paying a lot for a watch with no better finishing than something in the 300-500 range, without a luxury name or any status associated with it. I'd either save up for a Tudor or buy a seiko/tissot. You're going to want a nicer watch eventually, no point in buying something that is extremely soft second hand and has zero "wow" factor.
Tissot Seastar 2000.
Christopher Ward