Certina is known for tough watches with everyday practicality, and their new DS‑X GMT continues that legacy—this time with a modern twist. Designed from the ground up, this watch isn’t based on any vintage reissue. It’s part of the all-new DS‑X collection aimed at outdoor explorers, travelers, and anyone craving color and function in a midsized tool watch.

The DS‑X GMT offers dual-time capability, water resistance to 200m, and a unique rotating dual-bezel system—all powered by a Swiss quartz movement that keeps things slim, accurate, and surprisingly clever.

A Fresh Concept from Certina

The DS‑X GMT marks a new direction for Certina, introducing updated geometry, original functionality, and a design that feels both rugged and playful. It leads the brand’s all-new DS‑X collection, aimed at offering real-world utility, adventure-ready specs, and bold wrist presence. What sets it apart is the clever integration of a dual-bezel system—an outer compass ring and an inner 24-hour GMT scale—giving you the ability to track your bearings and multiple time zones on the move. It’s all backed by Certina’s long-standing reputation for toughness, now paired with a surprising dose of personality and wearability.

To keep things practical, Certina opted for the ETA F06.865 quartz movement—a reliable, no-fuss caliber that allows for independent adjustment of the local hour hand. It’s a traveler’s GMT in the truest sense—ideal for jumping time zones on the go.

Design and Wearability

At 41mm wide and just over 12mm thick, the DS‑X GMT hits a comfortable middle ground. The case is sculpted from 316L stainless steel with sharp bevels, brushed surfaces, and a nicely contoured shape that wears well even on slimmer wrists.

There are five variants at launch, but the standout is easily the white dial with turquoise strap, paired with a vibrant orange and blue GMT bezel and orange GMT hand. It’s energetic and made for summer travel. The other four models feature a charcoal grey dial with either red or green accents and come on either a matching rubber strap or a brushed steel bracelet.

The rubber strap itself deserves a quick note: soft, flexible, and equipped with a quick-release system. The caseback and crown are screw-down, helping secure the 200m water resistance.

GMT + Compass: A Unique Dual-Bezel Setup

Here’s where the DS‑X GMT gets interesting: the bezel is a two-part system. The outer bezel is engraved with compass directions (N, E, S, W, plus intercardinal points). The inner rotating ring holds a 24-hour GMT scale. By pressing the bezel down, you can engage one or the other—making this a clever and uncommon setup. You can use it to track up to three time zones if needed.

It’s a genuinely useful feature for travelers, outdoors enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a more functional take on the GMT format than the usual dive-style setup.

Built to Handle More Than Just Travel

Beyond its playful colors and travel-friendly functionality, the DS‑X GMT is built with serious durability in mind. The watch offers 200 meters of water resistance, secured by a screw-down crown and caseback, making it more than capable for swimming, hiking, or everyday rough-and-tumble wear.

Certina has also applied the latest evolution of its DS Concept—a long-standing design philosophy focused on shock protection. This updated version, called the New DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance, combines the brand’s proven construction with three new enhancements developed through high-tech testing and engineering. Together, they make the DS‑X GMT one of the most impact-resistant quartz watches in its price range. For wearers who want a watch that won’t flinch at a fall, bump, or unexpected knock, it’s reassuringly overbuilt in all the right places.

Movement: Quartz, But Not Basic

Powering the DS‑X GMT is the Swiss-made ETA F06.865, a quartz movement that quietly brings a lot of practical functionality to the table. It’s a “flyer” GMT, meaning you can independently adjust the local 12-hour hand without stopping the watch—ideal for frequent travelers crossing time zones. Timekeeping is accurate and reliable, with no need to worry about winding or power reserve. Certina also incorporates their HeavyDrive technology, which adds shock resistance to protect the hands and prevent jumping if the watch takes a hit. While it may not have the prestige of a mechanical caliber, this quartz setup offers real-world usability, long-term convenience, and helps keep the price and case thickness in check.

Final Thoughts

Certina has managed to craft a watch that’s more than just colorful—it’s practical, well-built, and genuinely different. The DS‑X GMT stands out in a crowded GMT field with its unique dual-bezel concept and sporty proportions. The white and turquoise version is especially fun for summer, but all five colorways offer versatility and solid specs.

At under €600, it lands in that sweet spot of value-packed adventure watches. Whether you’re looking for a rugged travel companion or just want something fun and functional on your wrist, this one deserves a closer look.

Certina DS-X GMT – Specs

• Case: 41mm diameter × 12.15mm thick
• Lug-to-lug: 48.2mm
• Case material: 316L stainless steel
• Bezel: Dual rotating — outer compass, inner 24h GMT
• Movement: ETA F06.865 quartz GMT (independent hour hand)
• Features: HeavyDrive™ anti-shock tech, 3-time zone tracking
• Water resistance: 200 meters
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands, markers, and dial
• Strap: Quick-release rubber or steel bracelet
• Price: €570 (rubber) / €595 (bracelet)
• Models available: 5 variants (white, grey w/ red, grey w/ green)
• Release: Summer 2025