Horologii

Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 Watch Review

Vintage chronograph collectors rejoice as Certina surprises with a new re-edition Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watch. The cushion case, vintage strap and divers bezel takes inspiration from a 1960’s model known as the Certina Argonaut.

With a history that dates back to 1888, Swatch-owned Certina have no short supply of vintage watches to revive. Just recently, we have seen them focus on their retro divers catalogue with launches like the DS PH200M and add vintage touches to a selection of dress watches in the DS Powermatic 80 series. For their next release, the Swiss watch manufacturer goes back to 1968 and elects the Argonaut Chrono 200M watch as its next subject of inspiration. This watch could be found under ref. 8401 002 and delivered a statement square-like case, a Valjoux automatic winding movement and a bi-compax dial in either black or white. This very aesthetic is revived as two new watches, a classic stainless steel Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watch with bold orange accents on the dial and a second all-black PVD case with a matching monochromatic display.

Certina have always been very good when it comes to vintage revivals, ensuring enough of the original’s DNA is present while offering the spec expected from a modern-day timepiece. The new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 is no different with some added improvements here and there but the core design staying the same. This applies to the cushion case of the original 1968 which is revived in the same shape but with a slight size increase to 43.5mm by 43.5mm in diameter. The unidirectional rotating bezel is also replicated closely engineered with a black sapphire insert and printed with a contrasting white 60 minute divers scale.

As we mentioned, the Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watch comes in a choice of two case finishes, the first in regular stainless steel and the second in black PVD. The former is much closer to the historic predecessor while the latter offers a nice contemporary and arguably stealthy finish to the wrist. Both cases are equipped with sapphire crystal on the front and back, the front electing anti-reflective treatment for easy legibility of the chronograph display and the back allowing a glimpse into the automatic winding movement within.

The case back of the Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watches is screw down to match with the screw down crown at 3 o’clock allowing the dive-worthy design a 200 metre water resistant rating. The cases are also secured by a choice of two straps, the first a black NATO strap engineered from recycled #tide ocean plastic and adorned with two silver stripes and the second a dressier black calfskin leather with contrasting white stitching. The NATO strap closes by a standard pin buckle while the leather strap opts for a butterfly clasp.

The two Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watches also differ for their display. The stainless steel variant boasts a smooth black dial with bold orange applied indexes while the black PVD model keeps things simple with a black backdrop and white hardware. Both models feature white hour and minute hands set with Superluminova, a sleek chronograph seconds hand and two printed counters for the small seconds and 30 minutes. Just like the original model, the new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic neglects a date complication.

Powering the chronograph is the ETA A05.H31 automatic winding movement equipped with a silicon balance spring for magnetic, temperature and shock resistance and a total of 27 jewels. We’re also promised a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and an impressive 60 hour power reserve. You can enjoy the simple decorations of the movement through the exhibition case back including the historic Certina logo printed in black on the brushed oscillating rotor.

If you’d like to learn more about the new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watch and shop the range for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.

Specifications:

  • Case Size: 43.5mm x 43.5mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel or black PVD
  • Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel with black sapphire insert and 60 minute scale
  • Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
  • Crown: Screw in
  • Case Back: Exhibition
  • Water Resistance: 200 metres
  • Movement: ETA A05.H31 automatic winding
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph seconds, small seconds, 30 minute counter
  • Power Reserve: 60 hours
  • Jewels: 27
  • Frequency: 28,800vph
  • Dial: Black with white elements (Black PVD), Black with orange indices and white elements (Steel), both come with Superluminova inserts
  • Strap: Black NATO or black leather
  • Limited: No
  • Reference: C040.462.18.051.00 (Steel) C040.462.36.041.00 (Black PVD)
  • RRP: £1,720 (Steel), £1,760 (Black PVD)