Certina DS-2

When it comes to vintage dive watches, we love the heavy hitters just as much as the next guy. The Rolex Submariner, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, and the Omega Seamaster 300 all have special places in our hearts - and collections. But for every well-known name in the dive watch world, there’s one or two that make us stop and say,

“Now this is why we got into collecting watches in the first place.”

In the 1950s and 1960s, lots of brands got into the dive watch game, some using contract cases and movements, while others went down the route of building a purpose built, ground-up, sea going weapon to vanquish its competition.

The Certina DS-2 falls into that select group of watches. This brilliantly over-engineered 200 meter diver was made in the 1970s and features a lovely blue dial. Featuring a 40mm stainless steel cushion case housing an automatic Calibre 25-651 movement, its screwdown caseback and rotating bezel assembly are instantly identifiable to dive watch fanatics the world over with a profile that is not easily forgotten.

This particular example remains in great condition throughout with a brilliantly patinated dial, timing bezel insert, unsigned screw-down crown, caseback with Certina engravings in deep relief.

Its not often that a funky, colorful, 70s diving watch becomes an artifact sought after by dive watch enthusiasts  - but the Certina DS-2 is a rare bird that checks all of the boxes!

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 two-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.