I own the Certina PH1000m and love it. A lot of people here are saying the orange minute hand on the yellow dial creates a contrast issue--that's exactly the point. In the Tektite II Program, they found this yellow-orange dial provides the best visibility underwater. The lumed hands are meant to be viewed against that dial underwater. The contrast is seen underwater, which how you know this is a true mechanical dive watch, and a great reissue. Hurry if you want one of these--they are selling out fast!
While on active duty in the Marine Corps I picked up a Willard. The watch did serve its purpose, I found it to be just OK. Since retiring to Europe I have become a big fan of Certina, Alpina, and and Squale. You also mentioned Doxa. Also one of my favorite brands.
Fun fact: the Certina does have some serious military history behind it…NZ and Aussie divers and special forces were issued the Turtle (among a few others as well). HELSON watches, made a near exact recreation of the Turtle for a while. The early Helson/Certina homage pieces were limited and had an incredible spec and build quality-using the ETA 2892. I’m extremely happy with mine, and will definitely be adding the Certina to my collection soon as well.
Actually this Certina has quite interesting history, it was used during Tektite II program in the 70s, co-funded by NASA with 5 Aquanauts living & researching in a small space under water. it was also issued to Royal Australian Navy in the 70s, so there you go, pretty solid heritage.
Certina makes the best divers for the pricerange and this one is a true no nonsense tool diver. It's built like a tank and it probably will survive you. I own the black dial one and it's hands down the best diver I ever had (and thats including the Submariner and Seamaster)
I personally think so based on your video presentation. Better movement & Swiss made. Certina sits under the swatch umbrella now & Certina has it own history as well for narrative. 😊
To meet current ISO specs to be a "Diver" watch there needs to be a lumed marker at 3 (as of 2021). The Seiko has one, but the Certina doesn't. Why would Certina go to the trouble of building a spec monster watch and miss the one step that would make them an ISO certified diver? I like the Certina, but I love the Seiko.
Definitely the right answer here. That Willard case is just so snug on the wrist, I also love the massive contrast between the matte bezel insert and the shiny sapphire when you hold it at an angle. I was tempted by the Certina definitely, but there’s just something off about the dial design for me. The best looking bit of it is that conical bezel though, wow.
It's my understanding that watches don't need helium escape valves to go ANY DEPTH. They need them for saturation divers, who wind up in depressurization chambers. The expanding helium from those chambers would make the crystals pop off. We associate He valves with watches that go deep, but that's a mistake. They're also on Omega SMPs, and those don't go especially deep. Because depth isn't what they're for.
@@PepRex totally forgot about this video and was thinking about the tuna. I personally don't like the Willard. It just looks ugly. The Swiss watch looks more palatable to me.
Two very different watches. The certina is a chunky tool watch. It doesn't have the curves of the Willard. Maybe if I saw the certina in person, I would change my mind. I own that Willard you have. It is on a vintage style bor bracelet. So comfortable, and stunning.
I think you need to look at your Willard again. It’s a semi flat. It has a slight dome to the crystal, which makes for a vintage aesthetic that you can’t do without.
I've been looking to upgrade my diver from my Citizen Promaster Automatic, which I absolutely love and will continue to wear it as an everyday timepiece. A few brands have my attention, Certina being one of them and the runner up sadly is no longer made but you can find last years stock if you shop around. The other contender then is the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Saturation 68, between the pair I like the Zodiac's history better but the Certina does everything the Zodiac does only for $800+ less all said and done. Do I need a 1000M Diver? Likely not but I do dive recreationally and having a piece that isn't scared of water is kind of important. Of the Two, which would you choose, and why?
nkuwan You are so well-informed about luxury watches. You've obviously done your due diligence and the comparison to the US is very informative...because of course, I live in New York. thank you very much
Certina could Be a really brilliant watch, they have history they have heritage but for some reason the swatch group are not willing to promote them in that way which is a shame, perhaps my favourite watch restoration on RUclips is the restoration of a Certina labora by watcheyes. This is a decent watch but in the modern era they don’t do enough to push these forward and make them quality when they could really be a sub $2000 winner.
The Bulova Mil Ships has a extremely well designed push down to rotate bezel 😊. This is a great looking watch but the Seiko for me is the better choice. ❤
Id honestly take this over a Turtle, but thats just due to it being different and the color. Not sure its actually better in any way size or movement wise Also i was just looking at buying this two days ago. So great timing on thsi review!
Everyone can make every turtle that fit theirs desire, but a real turtle.. Always Seiko Turtle series, despite like or dislike, Seiko that give a turtle design become legend, and not sue everyone that mimic their design. Even Seiko give same machine to everyone to make their own desire watch.
Man, I’m happy you updated the Zero Pass, but I’m sad it’s still not available in 19mm and 21mm. Would be a shame not to use a strap this great on some common Rolex models.
Not true.. the current Rolex Sea-Dweller lineup are rated to 1220 meters, which is more than the Certina. The Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller is rated to 3900 meters. Thank you for the video!
Better than the Seiko turtle? Mmmm… I don’t think so. A decent alternative? Perhaps. It is a very nice piece, good specs, that bezel thing is cool- yet, come on, the story behind the “Willard”, the myth that grew for decades now- that charm is unbeatable, imo.
Disagree on value. You can normally get a good discount on Certina too if you shop around. I have never paid full price for one. So specs/dollar goes to Certina.
Seiko putting the X on all of their watches is like Jordan Brand replacing the Nike on the heel with the jump man. It’s “ the same” but not exactly the same and I have a problem with that.
Hey Max! Love this. Certina needs more coverage. Question… Can you do a video on the microbrand bracket? I would love to see a summary of the watches at a high level as you work through the bracket to “reveal” the winner 🥇
The smallest Rolex Sea Dweller has a marked depth rating of 1220 meters. You are misstating the Certina at 1000 meters. The Most desirable Rolex Submariner has a depth rating of 300 meters! All FYI
Getting really sick of these titles. Why can’t a watch just be good on its own accord? Why does it always have to be explicitly “better” than something else?
People just click it more with an inflammatory title. Click baiting is the name of the game. We as viewers in a broad sense only reward the inflammatory titles.
Although the Turtle evolved from the Willard, today's Turtle is a different, and less expensive, animal. The upgraded King Turtle is routinely available for +/- $500. The Certina looks like a quality watch, but the 3 o'clock crown and lack of contoured case crown guards make it nothing like a Turtle. For me it's the Turtle all day.
I have the LE Seiko SPB183. It's underwhelming to say the least. It's no more accurate or better made than an SKX (7S26) or new Turtle (4R36). It's still a good watch in some respects, don't get me wrong, but definitely not worth 1K. If you're thinking about buying one because you like the 6105 then I suggest you try to find a vintage 6105 in fair condition. You won't get any of the charms that made the 6105 legendary with the SPB "Willard". I haven't seen this Doxa but if it has a proper movement inside then I'm pretty sure that, as a watch, it will be better in every category. Price wise I've never seen any SPB "Willard" variant at a lower price than the RRP for the PH1000m where I live. It might be different in other regions.
That fact that you had to change the alignment of the Bezel, means the Seiko is returned in the post to the AD... Their Shit QC should not be accepted by anyone.. Certina every day for me!!
I own the Certina PH1000m and love it. A lot of people here are saying the orange minute hand on the yellow dial creates a contrast issue--that's exactly the point. In the Tektite II Program, they found this yellow-orange dial provides the best visibility underwater. The lumed hands are meant to be viewed against that dial underwater. The contrast is seen underwater, which how you know this is a true mechanical dive watch, and a great reissue. Hurry if you want one of these--they are selling out fast!
What accuracy have you experienced?
@@jw4111 Right now, +5 s/d, which is admittedly the highest gain/loss of any Powermatic 80 based movement I own. My Certina DS Action runs at 0 s/d.
@@davidmwatches thanks! Greetings from Chapel Hill!
While on active duty in the Marine Corps I picked up a Willard. The watch did serve its purpose, I found it to be just OK. Since retiring to Europe I have become a big fan of Certina, Alpina, and and Squale. You also mentioned Doxa. Also one of my favorite brands.
Fun fact: the Certina does have some serious military history behind it…NZ and Aussie divers and special forces were issued the Turtle (among a few others as well).
HELSON watches, made a near exact recreation of the Turtle for a while. The early Helson/Certina homage pieces were limited and had an incredible spec and build quality-using the ETA 2892. I’m extremely happy with mine, and will definitely be adding the Certina to my collection soon as well.
Oh hell no Max ……. Hell no they didn’t !!!
The alignment is bound to be better simply because it lacks the name SEIKO on the dial
@@ailestriker9888 🤦🏻♂️
Haha, seiko still wins my heart ❤️
@@WatchCrunchOfficial at least your sure it’s genuine with that bezel
You have to be MAD to buy a seiko turtle at retail 👀🤣🤣
Actually this Certina has quite interesting history, it was used during Tektite II program in the 70s, co-funded by NASA with 5 Aquanauts living & researching in a small space under water. it was also issued to Royal Australian Navy in the 70s, so there you go, pretty solid heritage.
Would choose the great Certina DS PH1000M, which was used in the Tektite II (NASA) and by the Australian Navy.
Great take on these two pieces. I've come to the same conclusion as you, Willard gets the nod. Still Certina is doing some truly great work under 1k.
Certina makes the best divers for the pricerange and this one is a true no nonsense tool diver. It's built like a tank and it probably will survive you. I own the black dial one and it's hands down the best diver I ever had (and thats including the Submariner and Seamaster)
damn high praise ...
You totally ignored the fact the Certina watches also have a military background.
I personally think so based on your video presentation. Better movement & Swiss made. Certina sits under the swatch umbrella now & Certina has it own history as well for narrative. 😊
The Willard. I have the same one. Love it. Perfection.
To meet current ISO specs to be a "Diver" watch there needs to be a lumed marker at 3 (as of 2021). The Seiko has one, but the Certina doesn't. Why would Certina go to the trouble of building a spec monster watch and miss the one step that would make them an ISO certified diver? I like the Certina, but I love the Seiko.
Definitely the right answer here. That Willard case is just so snug on the wrist, I also love the massive contrast between the matte bezel insert and the shiny sapphire when you hold it at an angle. I was tempted by the Certina definitely, but there’s just something off about the dial design for me. The best looking bit of it is that conical bezel though, wow.
It's my understanding that watches don't need helium escape valves to go ANY DEPTH. They need them for saturation divers, who wind up in depressurization chambers. The expanding helium from those chambers would make the crystals pop off. We associate He valves with watches that go deep, but that's a mistake. They're also on Omega SMPs, and those don't go especially deep. Because depth isn't what they're for.
Speaking as a certified Swissophile, I wouldn't never kick The Willard out of bed for this Certina. It's a great watch, but it ain't no Willard.
Right, its better.
@@PepRex please, you can have your quartz watch
@@PepRex totally forgot about this video and was thinking about the tuna. I personally don't like the Willard. It just looks ugly. The Swiss watch looks more palatable to me.
Love me some Seiko designs but that bezel issue lends credit to Certina being superior in my mind I’m gonna give this to Certina
The yellow Certina does it for me. Great video Max, as always!
Two very different watches. The certina is a chunky tool watch. It doesn't have the curves of the Willard. Maybe if I saw the certina in person, I would change my mind.
I own that Willard you have. It is on a vintage style bor bracelet. So comfortable, and stunning.
I think you need to look at your Willard again. It’s a semi flat. It has a slight dome to the crystal, which makes for a vintage aesthetic that you can’t do without.
I also own the spb237 and I'd pick it over this certina every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Just way more character imo
Awesome, I am loving the lesser known swatch group pieces...
I wore my friend's mini turtle for a week and it was pretty sweet. I'm sure Certina does a good job, though.
I have a Certina DS special edition and its a nice tool watch 😊😊😊😊
No. Willard-x all day. Especially on an Uncle Straps candy bar rubber strap. My favorite combo for this watch.
Seiko turtle is very beautiful!
Still the SPB237 and ( off-topic) Citizen "Ashtray" for me. I own both. Legibility is king.
Love it!
This orange dial is a killer piece !!! I love orange dial for Certina. But Seiko turtle is an excellent watch !!! Both are good watches.
I like the look of my "dark manta" king turtle much more than the Certina. I'll keep my SRPF77 forever!
I wish they would have placed even at least a _rudimentary_ lume pip at 3, but its a gorgeous watch, and I love that bezel!
just got old Certina DS Pilot with still using ETA, have to say I'm impress with how they built
Nice score!
Big fan of Certina, massive respect. But on this one? Politely speaking, not even close. Seiko is king 🌊
I've been looking to upgrade my diver from my Citizen Promaster Automatic, which I absolutely love and will continue to wear it as an everyday timepiece. A few brands have my attention, Certina being one of them and the runner up sadly is no longer made but you can find last years stock if you shop around. The other contender then is the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Saturation 68, between the pair I like the Zodiac's history better but the Certina does everything the Zodiac does only for $800+ less all said and done. Do I need a 1000M Diver? Likely not but I do dive recreationally and having a piece that isn't scared of water is kind of important. Of the Two, which would you choose, and why?
What a fun watch. Love the bezel
The Tag Heuer Aquagraph has a bezel you must push down to move.
Certina evokes the 70s more for me. I've tried and failed a few times to bond with the Willard - I just don't get it.
confused with the diameter.....is that 43mm with or without th crown included??
nkuwan You are so well-informed about luxury watches. You've obviously done your due diligence and the comparison to the US is very informative...because of course, I live in New York. thank you very much
I'd go for the Certina for sure. Great vid!
Thanks for the great videos. It's too bad your Zero Pass straps don't come in 21mm.
Seiko turtle is either 6309 and JDM 6306
I also would take the Willard.... Do it too 😊
Sea-Dweller is 1220 M how is 1000 M deeper than 1220 M?
Certina could Be a really brilliant watch, they have history they have heritage but for some reason the swatch group are not willing to promote them in that way which is a shame, perhaps my favourite watch restoration on RUclips is the restoration of a Certina labora by watcheyes. This is a decent watch but in the modern era they don’t do enough to push these forward and make them quality when they could really be a sub $2000 winner.
The Bulova Mil Ships has a extremely well designed push down to rotate bezel 😊. This is a great looking watch but the Seiko for me is the better choice. ❤
Id honestly take this over a Turtle, but thats just due to it being different and the color. Not sure its actually better in any way size or movement wise
Also i was just looking at buying this two days ago. So great timing on thsi review!
The basic Seiko Turtle SRPE923 is like $370 everywhere. I'm not sure why you compared it to the Willard version.
It's a remake of a watch I owned some 40 years ago, if you're not a serious diver you don't need a heavy 1000m diver's watch.
The legibility of the yellow one suffers a great deal from the lack of contrast.
I wasn’t sure, is this a Watch Crunch commercial, or a Zero Pass commercial?? 🤔
For Me it's Definitely the Captain Willard for the Win. My SBDC109 is a Keeper, the Certina would be buy enjoy a bit and then flip Piece.
I bought the ph1000m the moment I could. Fantastic watch. Wear it way more than the SPB237.
Everyone can make every turtle that fit theirs desire, but a real turtle..
Always Seiko Turtle series, despite like or dislike, Seiko that give a turtle design become legend, and not sue everyone that mimic their design. Even Seiko give same machine to everyone to make their own desire watch.
I like that certina, and really respect the brand ... But no one out turtles or will out turtle Seiko
no thanks. its still Seiko for me. Good video regardless. Cheers
Slim turtle is king imo. The original pure unfettered tool. Great size and slimmest Seiko prospex diver.
There is an Asian exclusive orange dialed Turtle release about 4 years ago. They call it the Nemo Turtle...
Man, I’m happy you updated the Zero Pass, but I’m sad it’s still not available in 19mm and 21mm. Would be a shame not to use a strap this great on some common Rolex models.
Stay tuned 😉
Hi. What's your wrist size? Thanks
What's the reference number of that Seiko 5 at 3:21? Thanks
A shout out for the Synchron Poseidon Ice Diver.
Still liking my Willard.
Though not liking Seiko's pricing of late.
Not true.. the current Rolex Sea-Dweller lineup are rated to 1220 meters, which is more than the Certina. The Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller is rated to 3900 meters. Thank you for the video!
Well done comparison!! I really like the black face Certina.
Better than the Seiko turtle?
Mmmm… I don’t think so.
A decent alternative? Perhaps.
It is a very nice piece, good specs, that bezel thing is cool- yet, come on, the story behind the “Willard”, the myth that grew for decades now- that charm is unbeatable, imo.
I agree the Seiko has the more attractive design for me although having had an orange Doxa on wrist I’d go with that.
Steeldive just aced both of them for under a100 USD?
Willard SLA for the win.
i still prefer the turtle over the Certina. watch collecting speaks to the heart more than the mind in this case.
My vintage edox hydro sub is king.
If this had an orange dial, I’d be in!!
Seiko Marine Master to me is one of the best diver watches ever made.
Not even close, Seiko is king 👑 especially the Willard!
Disagree on value. You can normally get a good discount on Certina too if you shop around. I have never paid full price for one. So specs/dollar goes to Certina.
Seiko putting the X on all of their watches is like Jordan Brand replacing the Nike on the heel with the jump man. It’s “ the same” but not exactly the same and I have a problem with that.
No contest - Willard all day, every day.
Negative. The turtle is the turtle. Comparing this to the Willard is fun content but cmon man
No amount of superior specs will make an homage better than an original.
Nothing beats the captain willard imo.
Sea Dweller is 1200 ft water resistant
Certina and Doxa
Wish there was an orange dial Willard
Sea-Dweller has 1220m wr btw…
Certina for the win
Hey Max! Love this. Certina needs more coverage.
Question… Can you do a video on the microbrand bracket? I would love to see a summary of the watches at a high level as you work through the bracket to “reveal” the winner 🥇
The Bulova Oceanographer already killed the Seiko Turtle when it came out years ago.
I like when a Neurologist takes on the task of making watch straps! Outstanding! Willard all day - other one is cool but not the legend.
🤣🫡
The smallest Rolex Sea Dweller has a marked depth rating of 1220 meters. You are misstating the Certina at 1000 meters. The Most desirable Rolex Submariner has a depth rating of 300 meters! All FYI
Good catch!
Getting really sick of these titles. Why can’t a watch just be good on its own accord? Why does it always have to be explicitly “better” than something else?
I know, watching less and less of these videos after finally realizing how repetitive this content is.
People just click it more with an inflammatory title. Click baiting is the name of the game. We as viewers in a broad sense only reward the inflammatory titles.
Agree. Some of these videos make me feel bad about what I have until I can forget what was said.
Agree with you there, and since when should this be a competition, both have their own attraction
Certina DS Super PH 1000M the new blue 👍👍👍
Good video as usual
Can you look at wise
great review !!!!!
Although the Turtle evolved from the Willard, today's Turtle is a different, and less expensive, animal. The upgraded King Turtle is routinely available for +/- $500. The Certina looks like a quality watch, but the 3 o'clock crown and lack of contoured case crown guards make it nothing like a Turtle. For me it's the Turtle all day.
Certina is the orginal Turtle watch, not Seiko.
Not my style of watch, but I'd go Willard if I had to.
3 o'clock crown will always win me over... something about 4 o'clock crowns dont work for me
I have the LE Seiko SPB183. It's underwhelming to say the least. It's no more accurate or better made than an SKX (7S26) or new Turtle (4R36). It's still a good watch in some respects, don't get me wrong, but definitely not worth 1K. If you're thinking about buying one because you like the 6105 then I suggest you try to find a vintage 6105 in fair condition. You won't get any of the charms that made the 6105 legendary with the SPB "Willard". I haven't seen this Doxa but if it has a proper movement inside then I'm pretty sure that, as a watch, it will be better in every category. Price wise I've never seen any SPB "Willard" variant at a lower price than the RRP for the PH1000m where I live. It might be different in other regions.
Sea Dweller is rated to 1220m.
That fact that you had to change the alignment of the Bezel, means the Seiko is returned in the post to the AD... Their Shit QC should not be accepted by anyone.. Certina every day for me!!
I love this watch
Is it just me or does his yellow dial look orange?