Certina DS vintage

A vintage Certina DS-2 Automatic, a highly respected and robust watch that originally debuted in 1968 as the successor to the original DS (Double Security) line.


The Case & Design
​Shape: It features a very distinct "turtle-shell" or cushion-shaped case, which was a signature design trend of the late 1960s and 1970s.

​Material: Brushed and polished stainless steel.
​Crown: The crown prominently features the classic Certina "C" logo
​The DS System: "DS" stands for Double Security. Inside this beefy case, Certina pioneered a shock-absorption system where the entire movement is suspended inside a thick, elastic rubber ring, giving it incredible resistance to impacts and water entry for its era.

​The Dial & Hands
​Color/Patina: It has a gorgeous fumé (gradient) dial that transitions from a lighter, brownish-gold/olive center to a darker perimeter.

​Indices: Applied, chunky double-bar hour markers with white/lume inserts that perfectly match the retro aesthetic.

​Hands & Date: It features straight baton hands and a striking bright orange sweep-seconds hand, which adds a sporty racing flair. There is a framed date window at the 3 o’clock position.

​Text: It reads "CERTINA automatic" at the top, "DS-2" at the bottom, and "SWISS MADE" right at the very edge of the 6 o'clock marker.

​. The Caseback (The "Turtle")
​The caseback is one of the most iconic parts of this watch. It features the beautifully embossed Certina DS Turtle design in high relief. The turtle symbolizes the watch's water resistance and tough, protective outer shell.

​Movement & Strap
​Movement is the highly reliable, in-house Certina Caliber 25-651 automatic movement.

​Strap: It is currently paired with an aftermarket tan/brown leather Rally-style (perforated) strap. While not original to the watch, the racing-hole style pairs perfectly with that orange seconds hand and the sporty case.

​Condition Notes
​The watch looks to be in great, honest vintage condition. The acrylic crystal has some light hairline scratches (very typical and easily polished out with a compound like Polywatch), and the case retains its sharp lines without having been overly polished down over the decades. It's a fantastic, highly collectible piece of watch history!

No service history with me so it would benefit from one as do all vintage watches