Why This Watch Matters A turtle watch for 2021's fast-paced life. The Full Story Founded by the Kurth brothers in 1888, Certina first produced movements to start, 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. The DS we have here today dates back to the 1960s and represents the core of the Certina diver lineup. While the brand made a few more serious diving watches, the DS as a product family was built on the backs of watches just like this one here. It is simple, it is robust, it is wearable, and it is reliable. Certina went to one of the most respected case makers in Switzerland for the DS, Huguenin Frères. Collectors can find the HF maker's mark inside cases from numerous watch brands during the middle of the 20th century, maybe most famously the Omega Speedmaster. The outer caseback on this watch is also worth mentioning, as there is the "Certina DS" branding in the center with a turtle. We paired this Certina "turtle" with our Calfskin watch strap in dark olive for a robust and go-anywhere feel. The Fine Print Maker: CertinaModel: DSReference: 346.825Year: 1960sCase No: 5301013Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 36.5mm diameter; 11.25mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Certina, manually-wound, caliber 25-661Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Dark Olive Calfskin Watch StrapLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - "HF"-made water-resistant case- Turtle caseback- Clean overall design Things To Know: - Scratches on case This Certina DS is in nice, honest condition. The case has some light scratches and has been polished but the lugs show their original lines. There is some scratching on the back of the lugs from strap changing. The caseback engraving is crisp and deep. The caseback has scratches and shows some wear. The dial is in good condition with a light patina throughout that presents as a champagne tone. There is a starburst pattern to the dial. The dial shows some wear around the edges and has a fews spots of wear throughout. The applied hour markers, applied Certina logo, and hands have developed patina. The lume in the hands and on the dial has aged to a similar cream color. The dial, crown, case, and movement are signed by Certina. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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