Horological Meandering

A review of the Certina DS 200m First Gen

Hi all,

today I present my last catch, the Certina DS Diver first generation.

This is the first DS version of a long line of divers.

The DS (Double Security) appeared in 1959. Here's how:

Surrounds the caliber a large joint, he's here to protect the caliber against shocks.

Certina was a beautiful house that has produced really original divers.

DS 2nd version, 1964

©vintagecertinas.ch

Version from 67

©vintagecertinas.ch

DS 2 early 70

©vintagecertinas.ch

the superb DS PH500m with the Nut Bezel

©vintagecertinas.ch

DS 2 1000m, ultra 70'

©vintagecertinas.ch

The last, the DS 3, last version

©vintagecertinas.ch

Returning to the first gen DS. here with its original box.

This diver is 38mm in diameter. The case is very classic, a beautiful design.

A beautiful friction bezel which almost completely mask the small crown signed. This bezel is very simple, a nice radioactive triangle and for the rest, just some sticks. I love the simplicity that contrasts with the complexity of the dial.

This one is painted, with nice index in relief. The Cardinals are massive and well-stocked Tritium in a bit like a vintage Kontiki.

©Michel

Broad Arrow are really perfect, it makes the watch even more vintage.

The case is of incredible finesse, I love the primitive divers, we often find that mix of thin case and worked dial.

We find this combination of the legendary Breitling Superocean.

©Momonico

Here, the horns are drilled, a fine and beautiful style the chamfer is all.

Caliber is a Certina 25-65.

©vintagecertinas.ch

We see the big white joint surrounding the caliber.

A good tractor slow frequency, 19'800 A / h, 11.5 lines.

The technical board:

©vintagecertinas.ch

The case back is screwed with the beautiful turtle logo.

Finally, a beautiful holy diver this primitive Certina. A serious construction for its time, waterproof 200 m, very readable and a reasonable proportion, I love ...

Best.

Doug

💰216 Marketplace Listings for Breitling›

Great catch ...

By: nilomis : July 2nd, 2012-07:36

Thank you for sharing. Certina, the DS diver line, is always on my short list but is rare, very rare, here where I live. Cheers, Nilo

Thanks Nilo...

By: Caius : July 2nd, 2012-08:41

Happy Hunting. Best Doug

very nice classic diver. i like it a lot

By: G99 : July 2nd, 2012-08:22

lovely looking piece in great condition for its age. do you know how to date these as i've seen the one you have listed as 1964, but with no date on the ad. i assume it was started in 1964, but was produced for a few years so just buying one wont guarante...

Thanks Graham.

By: Caius : July 2nd, 2012-08:40

The only thing I know about the second version is the years of production, from 1964 to 1967. In 1967, the DS PH200m was launch: http://www.vintagecertinas.ch/img/tabelle/ds-ph200m.jpg The problem is the variation of this sort of old diver watch, for exem...

thanks Doug, i’m doing...

By: G99 : July 2nd, 2012-08:44

thanks Doug, i’m doing some research, but it will probably papers that prove the date. i’ve already found one of the 64 onwards models, but no idea or specifics. thanks again G

Send you a PM ;) [nt]

By: Caius : July 2nd, 2012-08:52

thanks, reply sent G...

By: G99 : July 2nd, 2012-08:54

thanks, reply sent G

In my opinion, the nicest Certina.

By: amanico : July 2nd, 2012-08:36

Bravo, doug, that is a superb example, with a nice patina and in good condition. From all those Certina you showed, this one is by far my favourite. A superb dial with a sensual case. for a watxch which has a lot of character and charm. I am in love! Best...

Thanks Nico...

By: Caius : July 2nd, 2012-08:42

Have to show you this beauty. Best my friend Doug

Whenever you want. Will take some pics of this lovely watch with great pleasure! [nt]

By: amanico : July 2nd, 2012-08:43

Nice catch and presentation

By: ztirual : July 2nd, 2012-10:32

Yes DS1 are great watches. My humble contribution, all DS1. No way as nice as yours... Best Z' ...

A beautiful line Z

By: Caius : July 2nd, 2012-11:55

I really want to see the other face of the Z line ! A question, do you have a serial number like mine ? http://i42.servimg.com/u/f42/13/42/38/06/certin17.jpg Best doug ...

Hi Doug & Matt

By: ztirual : July 2nd, 2012-14:48

I posted more pictures earlier this year. Here is link (I hope it works, for I have never tried posting a link on this site before) http://ahci.watchprosite.com/show-forumpostf/fi-17/pi-5180758/ti-776688/s-0/ As for the serial number, 2 of my watches exhi...

The line...

By: Caius : July 3rd, 2012-01:03

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc394/ztirual/P1090856.jpg A great shape this simple Certina case. Best Doug ...

that's quite a line up!!!

By: MattS : July 2nd, 2012-12:26

as Doug I'd love to see the bright side!!! Matt

nice one Doug!

By: MattS : July 2nd, 2012-12:27

beautiful picture with the coffee! Matt

Thanks Matt [nt]

By: Caius : July 3rd, 2012-01:04

Thanks a lot Caius for the report.

By: foversta : July 3rd, 2012-13:30

I love its dial, especially the indexes. Fx

Welcome F.X. [nt]

By: Caius : July 5th, 2012-07:49

Great catch - congrats

By: Ubik : July 4th, 2012-05:38

Thanks for such a great post. This is a watch I haven't seen before and what a beauty it is. I have to say I do like the monster cases of the later Certina's as well. The way the numerals are inset in the dials reminds me of the early Eterna Kontiki, whic...

Thanks Ubik...

By: Caius : July 5th, 2012-07:52

The Kontiki is a great watch. If you like vintage 70 certina, you have to hunt this one : http://www.vintagecertinas.ch/img/tabelle/ds-3-super-ph1000my.jpg The big DS3 ;) ...