Arms-On With The New Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Assortment

The DS-2 was an vital look ahead to Certina. Launched in 1968, it marked the beginning of a brand new period within the model’s historical past, being the second technology of watches to function Certina’s double-security system – which DS stands for. The watch was successful and got here in lots of guises, but essentially the most recognizable stays the tonneau-shaped unique watch. The DS-2 was revived in a visually devoted method final 12 months, but with trendy building and mechanics. Accessible and cool-looking, it’s been effectively obtained and it’s now time for the model to carry some new editions… They usually take the form of a dive-inspired assortment with a rotating bezel, obtainable in metal or in a particular version in titanium with safety of the surroundings in thoughts. Let’s take a look on the new Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Assortment.

The preliminary DS-2 Watch was first launched in 1968 and it was identified for its (on the time) strong building with double-security expertise. The double-security system prevented mud and water to enter the case, and saved the motion secure from shocks. Through the years it proved fairly standard and Certina made fairly quite a lot of completely different variations. Time-only, time-and-date, day-date and even chronograph variations all noticed the sunshine of day between 1968 and 1976. Final 12 months, the model was in for an encore, by bringing again the DS-2 design in a modernized timepiece, outfitted with Swatch Group’s highly effective automated motion and pretty priced.

The design was all about retro-cool, with an similar tonneau/barrel form, a domed crystal to imitate a plexiglas and typical Nineteen Seventies ending of the case. The dial… basic, with baton markers and palms. And regardless of being a reasonably basic, virtually elegant piece, it was water resistant to 200 metres. Later that 12 months, we’ve seen the watch again in bolder and extra luxurious colors, however nonetheless with the identical general design.

The brand new Metal Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel

Now, it’s time for the DS-2 assortment to evolve into sportier territories. And that has been performed by barely updating the case and its dimensions, in addition to including a really apparent rotating bezel. 3 variations of the DS-2 Turning Bezel are introduced, one as a particular version in titanium (extra on that later) and a pair of in chrome steel.

First, the usual fashions. Made from polished metal with brushed accents, the case retains the basic DS-2 form, with tonneau/barrel design and rounded surfaces throughout. There’s an simple late Nineteen Sixties aptitude to the gathering, which has been revered right here, regardless of the sportier look. The case has grown a bit in dimension, now measuring 41mm accross – which must be accounted to the bezel, barely bigger than the case. Most parts are similar, with a screw-down crown and a screwed again with see-through window, and a cushty 200m water-resistance nonetheless.

What modified principally is the addition of a unidirectional rotating bezel on high of the case, which options an aluminium insert in black or blue with fully-graduated 60-minute scale with luminous pearl. Relating to the appears, it comes near what we’re used to see on different, extra strong retro-inspired dive watches of the model, such because the Tremendous PH500M. Two vital mentions when evaluating the DS-2 Turning Bezel to its basic counterpart. First, the sapphire crystal is now flat (not box-shaped anymore) and, surprisingly, these new divers are thinner at 11.70mm versus 12.65mm for the basic DS-2 – which principally has to do with the form of the crystal. And that makes them simple to put on and ideal sporty all-rounders.

As for the metal fashions, the dials retains mainly the identical take a look at the non-rotating bezel editions. Clear, graphic, with straight baton palms and markers, the brand new DS-2 Turning Bezel solely differs with a barely extra pronounced minute observe. As for the metal editions, two dials can be found, with matching bezels, in darkish blue or black (barely gradient) with a sunray-brushed ending. The dials are complemented by a metallic framed date window and an utilized DS-2 emblem. Legible, clear and discreet.

Contained in the case, no shock… It’s the identical automated motion as earlier than, the trendy Powermatic 80 with 3Hz frequency, 80-hour energy reserve and an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring. The motion is seen by means of the caseback and with industrial ornament – anticipated on this worth vary. These two fashions come on a cultured and brushed metal bracelet, with a butterfly clasp and quick-release spring bars. A further leather-based or material strap can also be included.

Each basic metal editions of the Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel at the moment are obtainable from the model and retailers, and priced at EUR 1,110.

The Titanium DS-2 Turning Bezel Sea Turtle Conservancy

Along with the 2 basic metal fashions, Certina is releasing a 3rd watch, which is a part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy sequence – a yearly initiative we’ve seen already with the 2020 DS Motion Diver, the 2021 DS Motion Diver 38mm and the 2022 DS Tremendous PH500M. As all the time, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, a non-profit group that has been working for many years to guard sea turtles and their habitats – a worthy trigger that Certina has supported for a few years.

Whereas the design of this third version of the DS-2 Turning Bezel stays similar to the metal variations above, which incorporates the identical dimensions and specs, the Sea Turtle Conservancy version is right here fabricated from light-weight and corrosion-resistant titanium, with a matte end. It additionally differs with a matte black dial with the identical rectangular palms and markers, nonetheless, the seconds hand is right here executed in gentle blue.

Nonetheless powered by the identical automated motion, the Powermatic 80, the Titanium DS-2 Turning Bezel Sea Turtle Conservancy is worn on a striped grey-blue material NATO strap made out of #tide ocean materials and fitted with a titanium pin buckle. The aluminium insert of the bezel is right here performed in black and the caseback is embellished with the non-profit group’s emblem. Launched as a particular, non-limited version, this mannequin retails for EUR 1,045 and is now obtainable.

For extra particulars, please go to www.certina.com.