Certina DS2 Automatic, circa 1968

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

Certina DS2 Automatic, Reference 5801.300-M, Calibre 25-651, On Dual Marked, Certina/NSA Bracelet In 1959, Certina launched the Double Security, or DS. The movement floated inside a sealed case, cushioned by a ring of shock-absorbing material, so that a knock or a splash had a harder time reaching it. The DS-2 followed in 1968. It wrapped the same thinking in a chunkier case that guarded the crown, and it stands as one of the sturdiest watches of its era, with a look to match. What's On Offer We are delighted to offer this Certina DS-2 Automatic, dating from circa 1968. At 38mm across and 42mm lug-to-lug, with 18mm lugs, it is a chunky, confident watch, and the thick, rounded case has the protective feel the DS name promises. The stainless-steel case shows brushing and surface marks consistent with age, and it sits on its original, dual-marked NSA bracelet. Charmingly, the caseback is engraved with a turtle, accompanied by the Certina DS signature. The gradient blue dial fades from deep blue at the edges to a pale steel-grey at the centre, almost resembling faded denim texture. Slim baton indices with white metal inserts mark the hours, and a framed date window sits at three o'clock. Tiny luminous pips sit snugly above each index. The Certina signature and "Automatic" sit under twelve, with "DS-2" above six. A vivid orange seconds hand adds a single flash of colour. The crystal is acrylic. Inside is the Certina Calibre 25-651, a 27-jewel automatic movement with quickset date and approximately 44 hours of power reserve. The watch is in working order and runs relatively well. The reference “5801.300-M” is engraved inside the case back. Rated 8.8/10, this is a characterful, robust and strikingly dialled early-seventies-feeling sports watch. It is offered without box or papers.