The DS-1 by Certina has been completely reworked, and the style of the pieces launched at Baselworld 2016 reflects 1960s watches. Available in several versions, DS-1 is an attractive three-hand watch, at prices ranging from €665 to €745. The principal features of their design are the domed dial with sunray finish, triangular hour markers, faceted triangular hands, and the double-C Certina logo, a historical design not usually seen on contemporary Certina watches. The most interesting version is the Himalaya Special Edition commemorating the ascent of the Dhaulagiri peak in 1960, by an exhibition supplied with Certina watches.
Inside, the watch is powered by the self-winding ETA Powermatic 80, which supplies 80 hours power reserve. Powermatic 80, ETA CO7.111, is part of ETA’s new generation of movements, in which power reserve is doubled from the 40 or so hours of the class ETA 2824 movements. This increase is attained in two ways: by reducing balance wheel frequency from 4 Hertz to 3 Hertz, and by the use of a special alloy made by Swatch Group company Nivarox. Its high flexibility makes it possible to reduce the diameter of the central mainspring arbour and increase the total length of the spring. The case is the Certina DS (double security), providing water-resistance of 10 bar (100 metres). It has a sapphire caseback revealing details of the movement.
References and prices
The Certina DS-1 Himalaya Special Edition is reference C029.807.16.031.60, with silver dial, rose-gold trim and brown leather strap. The sapphire caseback includes a view of the profile of Mount Dhaulagiri, which is above the movement and oscillating weight and so obscures the view of the movement itself. But that’s OK, because the movement finish is at a respectable but standard level. The watch costs 725 Swiss francs, £530, €710. Available from July 2016:
Another version of this watch is reference C029.807.11.031.60, with silver ring, hands and indices, and a stainless steel bracelet, 745 Swiss francs, £550, €745. Available from July 2016.
The basic version of the Certina DS-1 Powermatic 80, with silver dial and brown leather strap, is reference C029.807.16.031.01, and costs 660 Swiss francs, £495, €665. Available from July 2016:
The same watch is available with black dial, reference C029.807.16.081.01, price 660 Swiss francs, £495, €665. Available from July 2016.
The DS-1 Powermatic is also available with black dial and stainless steel bracelet, reference C029.807.11.051.00, 695 Swiss francs, £520, €695:
In the photo below, caseback of the Certina DS-1 Himalaya Special Edition:
