Certina Vintage Watches
Since its founding in 1888 by brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth in Grenchen, Switzerland, Certina has epitomized Swiss watchmaking excellence. With a history spanning over a century, the brand is celebrated for its precision, durability, and innovative spirit. A landmark achievement came in 1959 with the introduction of the DS (Double Security) Concept, revolutionizing watch durability and water resistance. Today, Certina's vintage timepieces, such as the DS-2 and DS-1, continue to captivate enthusiasts with their timeless design and reliability.
The DS Concept: Pioneering Durability in Watchmaking
In 1959, Certina unveiled the DS Concept, standing for "Double Security," which set new standards for robustness in wristwatches. This innovation featured enhanced shock resistance and water resistance up to 200 meters, achieved through a reinforced case and movement suspension system. The DS Concept not only showcased Certina's commitment to engineering excellence but also solidified its reputation for producing timepieces capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
Iconic Models: Certina DS-2 and DS-1
Certina's dedication to quality and innovation is exemplified in its iconic models, notably the DS-2 and DS-1. Introduced in 1968, the DS-2 established new benchmarks for resistance, featuring a robust design that appealed to adventurers and professionals alike. The DS-1, with its elegant and understated aesthetic, offers a modern interpretation of classic watchmaking, incorporating advanced movements and materials while honoring the brand's rich heritage.
Certina Vintage Watches For Sale
The Pioneering DS Concept
In 1959, Certina introduced the DS (Double Security) Concept, revolutionizing watch durability. This innovation featured enhanced shock resistance and water resistance up to 200 meters, achieved through a reinforced case and movement suspension system. The DS Concept set new standards for robustness in wristwatches.
Certina DS-1: The Original Trailblazer
The inaugural Certina DS-1 model exemplified the DS Concept's capabilities. Renowned for its resilience, the DS-1 accompanied mountaineers on the first successful ascent of Dhaulagiri in the Himalayas in 1960, enduring extreme conditions without compromising performance.
Certina DS-2: Evolution of Durability
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Certina DS-2 was launched in 1968. It featured a modernized design and continued the tradition of exceptional durability, becoming a favorite among professionals and adventurers.
Notable Vintage Models
Certina's commitment to excellence is evident in several vintage models that have stood the test of time.
Certina Biostar: Monitoring Biorhythms
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Introduced in 1971, the Certina Biostar was the world's first watch to display a person's daily biorhythms. This innovative timepiece provided wearers with insights into their physical, emotional, and intellectual cycles.
Certina Argonaut: The Diver's Companion
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The Certina Argonaut series catered to diving enthusiasts with features like enhanced water resistance and luminous markers. Its robust construction made it a reliable companion for underwater adventures.
Distinguished Movements and Calibers
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At the heart of Certina's vintage watches are meticulously crafted movements that underscore the brand's horological prowess.
Caliber 25-651: The Workhorse Movement
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Launched in 1960, the Caliber 25-651 was celebrated for its slim profile and reliability. This automatic movement became a mainstay in numerous models, including the DS series, and was pivotal in establishing Certina's reputation for mechanical excellence.
Caliber 28-353: Pioneering Electronic Timekeeping
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In 1971, Certina ventured into electronic movements with the Caliber 28-353, used in the Biostar model. This movement, based on the ESA 9154 Dynotron, featured an electronically controlled balance wheel motor, marking Certina's foray into modern timekeeping technologies.
Caliber 25-65: The Slim Automatic
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Introduced in 1960, the Caliber 25-65 was a significant advancement for Certina, offering a slimmer profile at just 4.95 mm in height. This 27-jewel automatic movement operated at 19,800 beats per hour (bph) and was renowned for its robustness and reliability. It became a foundational movement in many of Certina's models during the 1960s and 1970s.
Caliber 25-66M: The Manual Wind Precision
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The Caliber 25-66M, produced between 1975 and 1977, is a manual-winding movement measuring 25.6 mm in diameter and 3.85 mm in thickness. Equipped with 17 jewels and operating at 19,800 bph, it offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. This movement is celebrated for its precision and was commonly found in models like the Certina Club 2000
Caliber 28-16: The Workhorse Manual Movement
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The Caliber 28-16 is a manual-winding movement introduced around 1965. With a diameter of 28.0 mm and a height of 4.4 mm, it features 17 jewels and operates at 19,800 bph. Known for its reliability and straightforward design, the 28-16 was a staple in many of Certina's mid-20th-century timepieces.
Caliber 28-45: The Early Automatic Innovation
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Launched in 1953, the Caliber 28-45 marked Certina's foray into automatic movements. This movement measures 28.0 mm in diameter and 6.0 mm in height, contains 21 jewels, and operates at 18,000 bph. Its introduction signified a significant technological advancement, setting the stage for future developments in Certina's automatic watch offerings.
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