Why This Watch Matters This is a simple Certina dress watch in 18k yellow gold, an excellent example from a brand in the vintage world that is growing in popularity by the day. The Full Story Certina was originally founded by the Kurth brothers in 1888, and the manufacturer first produced movements, and later watches, under the name Grana. The name was changed to Certina in 1939, and they quickly started producing automatic watches in the 1940s, eventually introducing the DS series in 1959. The DS divers, a few of which we have been happy to offer in the past, have taken hold in the larger vintage collecting universe over the past few years. On the back of the DS, Certina in general is growing in popularity as collectors continue to be impressed by the reliability and solid build quality. Modern Certina is having a bit of a moment as well here at the HODINKEE as the brand recently returned to the U.S. market exclusively through the Shop. With that growing appreciation, more attention has come to the lesser known Certina watches as collectors come to understand the build quality of the brand. Lesser known watches like this humble dress watch in 18k yellow gold. Whereas other brands that remain under-the-radar in the vintage world can sometimes disappoint in build quality, Certina impresses even the most seasoned of collectors. You can feel the difference right in your hand. While the case is simple with four sharp lugs, this Certina's dial and hands are stunning and extremely well made. You can see the attention to detail in the black paint portion of the hands which ties into the black color within each hour marker as well as the simple vertically brushed finish. We are continually attracted to these non-lume watches as they can be worn a bit more worry-free. A simple knock on the table or door jam will not lead to damage to those pesky and fragile lume plots. Like Cole P says "Always read the caseback." Turning this Certina around we find an engraving depicting The Three Crowns of Sweden, the national emblem, and reading "FÖR NIT OCH REDLIGHET I RIKETS TJÄNST" or, translated from Swedish, "for zeal and honesty in service of the kingdom" we can assume this watch was a gift given by a member of the Kingdom of Sweden to a great citizen or friend of the state. This example is in really excellent condition with some light patina that presents nicely. The watch is even fitted to a Certina black leather strap with a signed gold-tone tang buckle. The Fine Print Maker: CertinaModel: N/AReference: 5210.136Year: 1970sCase No: 162082Material: 18k yellow goldDimensions: 34mm diameter; 8mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoneCaliber: Certina, manually-wound, caliber 25-66Bracelet/Strap: Certina, black leather, strap with a signed gold-tone tang buckleLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Like NOS condition with Certina strap and tang buckle- Brushed finish on dial- Kingdom of Sweden engraving on caseback Things To Know: - Light scratches and patina on case- Some very light wear to the strap This Certina is in excellent, honest condition. The case has some light scratches and warm patina but appears unpolished with sharp lines. The caseback has scratches and shows some wear. The caseback engraving is crisp and deep, it is engraved "FÖR NIT OCH REDLIGHET I RIKETS TJÄNST." The case number between the lugs at 12 o'clock is crisp and visible. The hallmark between the lugs at 6 o'clock is crisp and visible. The dial is in great condition with a light patina throughout. There is a starburst pattern to the dial and patina. The applied hour markers, applied Certina logo, and hands have developed patina. The dial, crown, case, and movement are signed by Certina. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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