Certina was founded well over a century ago in 1888 and knows a thing or two about mid-century watches. When it comes to vintage-inspired chronographs, the brand is well versed with pieces like the 1940s-inspired DS Chronograph Automatic. The latest chrono looks back at a 1960s model and brings the case and movement to 2022 standards. That’s not to say that the vintage model was lacking; it was state-of-the-art in its day with its 200-metre water-resistance rating and Valjoux movement. The latest Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 improves on this with modern touches.
Certina became a subsidiary of Swatch Group almost 40 years ago, in 1983, when it was still the SMH Group. This has allowed the brand to leverage the resources of a large conglomerate, and the new model really demonstrates this benefit. Not many affordable Swiss chronographs have an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, for example. With open access to movements and component suppliers, Swatch Group allows Certina to innovate and revive classic models at affordable prices. At less than CHF 2,000, the new chrono is a value proposition for sure. It’s a versatile watch that can go just about anywhere, combining the benefits of a mechanical timer with a dive-ready case and rotating bezel. And let’s not forget that Certina was independent for almost 100 years, so pulling from mid-century classics within its historic portfolio is certainly not a gimmick.
The stainless steel cushion case of the Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 has the same design as the model that inspired it, the 1968 DS Argonaut (ref. 8401 002). It’s 43.5mm x 43.5mm, which is larger than the original model but well-sized for a contemporary diver. The unidirectional rotating bezel has a sapphire insert with a black ring underneath and a contrasting white print. The case itself comes in two finishes – regular stainless steel or a black PVD coating. There are sapphire crystals front and back, with the latter displaying an impressive Swiss automatic.
Water-resistance is rated at 200 metres, which is the same as its mid-century predecessor. That’s adequate for all but professional divers and shows how well equipped the original piece was. The screw-down crown is unguarded, and there are simple chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, and all match the original’s aesthetic. Strap options include a black NATO with twin silver stripes (steel case) or black leather with white stitching and butterfly clasp (black case). The latter comes with quick release levers, while the NATO is made from recycled #tide ocean plastic.
There are two dial options, depending on the case finish. The PVD black case comes with a black dial and mostly white elements, including the hands, sub-dials and inserts in the silver indices. The regular steel case has the same dial layout, but the indices are a punchy orange, along with the brand’s logo at 12 o’clock and a curious “45” within the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock (which is a subtle grey on the black PVD model). The hour and minute hands and all applied indices have white Super-LumiNova inserts. The small seconds sub-dial sits at 9 o’clock, and a detailed minute/seconds track spans the outermost perimeter. Like the original model, there’s no date.
Powering the watch is an ETA A05.H31 automatic, which is based on the ETA/Valjoux 7753. As mentioned earlier, this movement has a silicon balance spring for magnetic, temperature and shock resistance. It has 27 jewels and beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 60-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter and small seconds. There’s also a date complication, but it’s not used in this case. Seen through the exhibition caseback, it’s relatively simple and undecorated but nice to look at nonetheless.
The new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 retails for CHF 1,930 with the steel case and NATO strap and CHF 1,970 with the black PVD case and leather strap. Not bad at all for a retro Swiss diver with a respectable water-resistance rating and silicon balance spring. It’s available from June 2022. For more information, please visit Certina’s website.
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Commit Changes
The latest chronograph from Swiss watchmaker Certina moves easily from one world to another. Its design is inspired by a model from the 1960s, but its heart beats to the rhythm of a state-of-the-art automatic movement with a silicon balance spring. The cushion-shaped case makes it a stylish accessory, while its chronograph functionality, water resistance up to 20 bar and the unidirectional rotating bezel testify to genuine sportiness. It’s perfectly obvious: the DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 feels right at home everywhere – and at any time.
Inspired by heroes from the past
This timepiece, which goes back to the DS Chronograph Automatic 1968, carries a legendary name: at the end of the 1960s the DS Argonaut caused a sensation with its striking case and robust workmanship. Inspired by this model, the Swiss watchmaker has developed a worthy successor that would cut a fine figure in any tale of mythical heroes. The DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 is presented in a cushion-shaped stainless steel case (43.5 mm x 43.5 mm) with a black PVD surface. Sapphire crystal on the front and back of the watch provide optimal clarity and legibility. A round sapphire ring, fitted with a black/white scale printed from beneath, lends visual depth to the unidirectional rotating bezel. And thanks to their Super-LumiNova® coating, the sharply angled hands and indexes stand out clearly against the black dial even in the dark.
Functionality and resistance
An elegant vintage style is only one of the many facets of the new DS Chronograph Automatic 1968. Another is its sporty character, underscored, for example, by the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and complemented by the central stop seconds and a small seconds at 9 o’clock. The striking screw-down crown and water resistance up to 20 bar (200 m) contribute to enhanced robustness. The matt black leather strap with white decorative stitching – easily exchanged thanks to the Certina quick-change system – offers additional safety and comfort. Along with the black version, a stainless steel edition with orange accents on the dial and a black and white striped NATO strap made from recycled #tide ocean material® is also available.
A calm and steady heartbeat
Ticking tirelessly inside the watch is the A05.H31 automatic (self-winding) movement with a 60-hour power reserve. It is equipped with a silicon balance spring whose innovative material protects it against the everyday enemies of mechanical rate precision: magnetic fields, changes in temperature and shocks have no effect on its steady reliability.
The new DS Chronograph Automatic is available from July 2022 from authorised Certina dealers worldwide.
