Certina DS Chronograph Automatic Watch Review
Thursday - 05 November 2020
A wonderfully classic timepiece with technology to match, the new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic has stunned the industry with its brand new high-quality automatic calibre and elegant aesthetic inspired by a historic Certina model from the late 1940’s. They have combined more than 130 years of watchmaking expertise into one design to bring wearers a truly timeless finish with their finest innovations.
While normally centre stage for their iconic diving watches, Certina are proving they can do more than just robustness and water resistance. Today, they have proved sophistication and elegance is possible as well, harnessing their famous DS – or Double Security – concept within the new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic watch. Showcasing all five key elements of the DS concept, including sapphire crystal glass, an O-ring on the setting stem, two O-ring seals on the crown, a special seal in the case back and a reinforced case back, the classic chronograph is just as tough and reliable as it is handsome.
Measuring to a 42mm in diameter and only 13.9mm in height, the 316L stainless steel case of the Certina DS Chronograph Automatic watch sits neatly on almost every sized wrist while the smooth 316L stainless steel bezel gives off a polished shine in the light. Assisting in the water resistance of 100 metres, the timepiece also features a screw down crown and a reinforced screw down case back, both of which are beautifully engraved with the historic Certina logo. Rather than the modern-day turtle shell logo, we are greeted to the famous ‘double C’ motif which was used in their early years up until 1960.
One of the hallmarks to this Certina DS Chronograph Automatic watch is its domed box crystal glass. In the past, curved glass was a sign of a large movement housed within but now, with mechanical watch movements shrinking in size every day, it has become a symbol of traditional, fine watchmaking. For a contemporary touch, the glass is made from sapphire crystal renowned for its scratch resistant protection, yet it still retains its box shape which allows the watch to be noticed from every angle and retains the coveted vintage aesthetic.
As well as boasting exceptional scratch resistance, the sapphire crystal glass provides an unprecedented view of the traditional silver dial. The dial is beautifully detailed with silver Arabic numerals and slender indexes around its circumference and gently curved blue painted hands at the centre. The Certina DS Chronograph Automatic watch is also home to a unique telemeter scale which allows you to calculate distances using the speed of sound. A fantastic time to use this is during a storm to see how far away it is; you simply activate the second hand when you see lightening and stop it again when you hear thunder. This innovative feature remains inspired by military watches from the past.
The silver-plated dial also provides central hands for hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, two subsidiary dials and a power reserve of 60 hours. Small seconds is at 9 o’clock and the 30 minutes chronograph counter sits at 3 o’clock. Powering each of these functions is a brand new Certina movement named the A05.H31 calibre, an advanced development of the famous Valjoux 7753. A first for Certina, if features a state-of-the-art silicon balance spring which delivers outstanding quality and the constant precision of time.
The Certina DS Chronograph Automatic watch is available to order on the Jura Watches website today at a retail price of £1,690. If you have any questions about this model or you’d like to speak to a member of the team about our free delivery and interest free finance options, get in touch on 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications: Certina DS Chronograph Automatic Watch (C038.462.16.037.00)
- Case Size: 42mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screw down with vintage Certina logo
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: A05.H31 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, central chronograph seconds, small seconds, 30 minutes counter
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Dial: Silver
- Strap: Black alligator leather
- Buckle: Folding
- RRP: £1,690
