Why This Watch Matters Just the right amount of 1970s funk. 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. In the Argonaut 280 example we have here today, the care in design and build quality is abundantly evident. We were drawn to the deep blue dial and its orange accents. The color is not simply on the central seconds hand but it is tied into the rest of the design by color matching the Certina logo to orange as well as small orange hash marks above each applied hour marker. Other examples of this watch have come for sale with yellow accents in the same places, it is cool to see that different colors were made and not only by swapping a second hand but also changing the dial completely. The orange plays off the blue dial really well for a great look overall. In addition to the accent color on the dial, we particularly like the white text printing and the cross-hair in the center of the dial. It subtly changes the design up and allows the wearer to break down the dial in quadrants for easy timing. It also just looks cool. We paired this Certina with our Sedona strap in orange to match the pop of color in the central seconds hand. The Fine Print Maker: CertinaModel: ArgonautReference: N/AYear: 1970sCase No: 913345841Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 36.5mm width x 40.5mm height; 11.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Certina, self-winding, caliber 25-651Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In Devil's BridgeLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Orange accents - Sharp unpolished case- Cross-hair dial Things To Know: - Light scratches on case The watch is in overall excellent 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 case number on the caseback is clearly visible. There are a few scratches on the top of the lugs. The blue dial has developed a very light patina throughout. The hands and hour markers have developed a consistent patina. The dial has patina around the hour markers. The lume on the dial and on the hands has developed patina and is close to matching in color. The orange seconds hand is vibrant. The dial, case, crown, and movement are all signed by Certina. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
