Certina Audi Sport Chronograph

There is perhaps no more versatile complication than the chronograph.

From race cars to rocket ships, boats to battlefields, you are likely to find a chronograph being employed to measure a plethora of tasks and times. From the Greek khrónos (“time) and gráphō (“to write”), a chronograph is a watch that has the ability to record time, generally via the addition of small sub-counters that register minutes and hours.

The complication of choice for timing motor sports events, over the years, a number of prominent car manufactures have partnered with celebrated watch brands to create special edition chronographs to serve both industries.

Released in 1983 as a cooperation between Certina and Audi, the Certina Audi Sport Chronograph was introduced to celebrate the creation of Audi’s Quattro Sport GmbH. Only about 1,000 examples of this collaboration are expected to have been made across the entire production period.

Designed to be worn like a bracelet or around one’s neck, the incredible sport chronograph was specifically intended for motorsports, serving as the ultimate watch for an Audi enthusiast.

The Certina Audi Sport Chronograph measures 41mm in titanium carbide, and is equipped with a Valjoux Calibre 7750 automatic-winding movement within. In addition to the chronograph functionality, this piece also provides day and date complications for everyday wear.

Complete with its full kit of factory ephemera, this piece is in exceptional condition and ready to accompany a horologically conscious automotive enthusiast on many exciting drives.

Founded in Grenchen, Switzerland in 1888 by Adolph and Alfred Kuth, Certina originally produced movements for other watchmaking companies in the area. Employing three people in a small workshop, the firm steadily grew until by 1938 — its 50th anniversary — it numbered over 200 workers. Attracted to the Latin word “certus,” meaning “sure,” Certina registered this word in 1939 and chose to operate under the name in 1949. A turtle shell was chosen in 1959 as a symbol to represent the company’s robust wares.

That same year, Certina released the DS, an automatic watch with 200m of water resistance; by 1960, a DS model had traveled over 8,000 meters into the Himalayas with flawless performance. 1965 saw a further milestone, with a DS model accompanying divers on the Sealab II project to study the underwater environment under the auspices of the US Navy.

Following on the heels of numerous other milestones, Certina was acquired by the SMH Group in 1983; founded by Nicolas G. Hayek, this conglomerate would subsequently change its name to Swatch Group Ltd. in 1999. Today, Certain produced mid-priced timepieces packed with incredible value under the auspices of the Swatch Group, including contemporary versions of the DS series of dive watches. Meanwhile, its vintage wares likewise present an excellent, accessible entryway into the watch collecting hobby.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.