Certina DS-2 Dive Watch

Dive watches have been in vogue for quite a while, and off-brand vintage divers are really getting hot right now. My Enicar super-compressor has gotten more notice than almost anything else I own, and the segment just keeps getting more interest. This Certina DS-2 is a steal, with bidding starting at just €200, since it’s a nice retro diver with real history and a wearable 37mm case.

Update: Sold for €200 to me! I couldn’t resist at this price…

The Certina DS-2 has real history and a devoted fan base. Plus it looks great!

Certina is a brand with real history, and this DS-2 is an excellent example! Though the root company was founded way back in 1888, the Certina brand dates to 1938. It continued through the quartz crisis of the 1970’s before being absorbed into SMH in 1983 (today’s Swatch Group). This puts it in great company, with similar history to better-known brands like Tissot and Longines.

The Certina calibre 25-661 is shock-mounted inside, making it particularly durable

In 1959, Certina developed a groundbreaking technology they called “Double Security” or “DS” for short. They enclosed the movement in a sealed case, surrounded by a foam rubber protective shock mount. Many DS watches also featured high levels of water resistance, and additional protective features were also incorporated.

See Also: Certina DS-2: Alternative Dive Watch

The DS-2, introduced in 1968, featured a “turtle” case that protected the crown, which itself was double-sealed against water intrusion. These watches were equipped with Certina’s in-house manual-wind or automatic calibre 25.

This particular DS-2 features the hand-wound calibre 25-661, which adds a date complication. The case looks great, with the turtle on the back, though the strap is all wrong for a classic diver. I’d source a Tropic rubber strap or perhaps a NATO! Although the box (below) doesn’t look correct, the watch is a steal at the €400 estimate! It goes under the gavel on January 14 at Auctionata.