Certina revives the quintessentialy retro DS-2 assortment

When first launched in 1968, the Certina DS-2 marked the beginning of a brand new period in Certina’s watchmaking historical past. The watch was recognized for, on the time a minimum of, its sturdy development and spectacular reliability. The double-security system, which DS stands for, by the way in which, saved the motion protected from shocks, mud, and water. It made the DS-2, following the DS-1 from 1959, fairly successful, with numerous variations to comply with. Quick ahead 54 years and Certina reintroduces the tonneau-shaped watch below its Heritage Assortment. An interesting mixture of classic model and trendy mechanics, that is the Certina DS-2 Powermatic 80 Assortment.

The unique DS-2 from Certina got here in lots of guises. It was accessible with handbook wound or automated actions, and with varied issues. You would have a easy time-only model, or broaden its indications with a date, a day-date and even two- or three-register chronograph shows. The dials got here in many colors and with slight variations between every era. Whereas sizes could fluctuate relying on the precise mannequin, all of them share the identical general form. Right here you may see an authentic DS-2 from the early Seventies, owned by me, facet by facet with Certina’s new DS-2;

1973 Certina DS-2

2022 Certina DS-2 Powermatic 80

The case appears to be like to be very near the unique 1968 DS-2, when it comes to general form but in addition when it comes to measurement. It measures 40mm by 38mm, and 12.65mm in top. The tonneau-shaped chrome steel case has built-in lugs, a flat high floor and a domed sapphire crystal. This mixture provides it that exceptional Nineteen Sixties-Seventies model that is still fairly common at the moment. An replace in comparison with the outdated DS-2 is the screw-down crown, adorned with a classic Double-C brand. The most important change in design is changing the beloved turtle caseback for one with a sapphire crystal.

In whole there are 4 completely different dials accessible. The primary one is an easy black-lacquered dial, whereas the remaining three are sunray brushed in silver, blue or black. The hour markers are utilized and look relatively near the unique DS-2 fashions. Even the minute monitor is near classic specimens of the DS-2, though mine has longer markers. Time is indicated with comparatively easy palms, with Tremendous-LumiNova inserts. The framed date window at 3 o’clock reveals the white date disc beneath. The dial additionally options utilized double-C and DS-2 logos, related in model to the unique DS-2 watches.

As its identify suggests, the brand new DS-2 assortment is powered by Swatch’s ETA 80.611 automated motion. This motion was launched a number of years in the past and poses a closely up to date model of the good-old ETA 2842-2. It makes use of a Nivachron anti-magnetic steadiness spring, an extended energy reserve (80 hours) and a discount in frequency (21,600vph as a substitute of 28,800vph). It may be seen by way of the caseback, with a view of the Certina-branded rotor.

The brand new Certina DS-2 assortment provides you many choices when it comes to model. The black lacquered dial model comes on a chrome steel mesh bracelet whereas the opposite three come on a black or blue textile strap. No matter which you go for, you find yourself with a relatively enjoyable watch with an attention-grabbing mixture of classic design and trendy supplies and mechanics. Relying on the strap the Certina DS-2 retails for EUR 870 (sunray brushed dials, textile strap) or EUR 940 (black lacquered dial, mesh bracelet).

For extra info, please go to Certina.com