Why This Watch Matters Here's a classic dive watch that you aren't likely to see another of at the next meetup. 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. The Argonaut line hit the Certina catalog a bit later, toward the end of the 1960s, really taking off in variety and popularity in the 1970s. In what appears to be Certina's idea of an aviator's watch to pair with the DS diver, a whole range of Argonaut-branded, Valjoux-powered chronographs were offered by the brand. In addition to those chronographs, time-only with and without date the functional Argonauts filled in the gaps for customers that desired a more simple but well-designed and reliable wristwatch. The Argonaut we have here is pretty cool. It featured a nice matte black dial with red 24 hour time underneath the lume hour plots and a red cross hair in the center. The pale yellow lume works very well with the black and red on the dial too. In addition to the dial details, the case shape is something to mention. The case has super interesting down turned thick lugs giving the whole watch a solid wrist presence as well as a look you don't see everyday. Throw in a classic black rotating bezel and we have a real winner. The Fine Print Maker: Certina Model: Argonaut Reference: 5801-122 Year: 1970s Case No: 6718739 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 36.5mm width x 41.5mm height; 12.25mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: 25.651 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Holland Calfskin Watch Strap In Camel Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Crisp and interesting case and lugs- Red accents on dial including 24 hour time and cross hair - Attractive lume color Things To Know: - Light scratches on case- Patina in center of dial The watch is in overall excellent, honest condition. The case is nice with sharp lines on the sides and lugs and is likely unpolished. There are some light scratches on the case, notably on the caseback, something most likely caused from the case being opened. The reference and case number on the caseback are clearly visible. There are a few scratches on the top of the lugs. The matte black dial has developed a very light patina throughout with a bit more in the center under the hands. This can be hard to notice and is covered by the hands at any given time. The lume on the dial and on the hands has developed patina and is close to matching in color. The hands have light patina. The red accents on the dial are strong. The bezel is in good condition with scratches and some wear throughout. The lume at 12 is mostly missing and the numerals around the bezel show signs of degradation inside. The dial, case, crown, and movement are all signed by Certina. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
