Editor’s Note: Need a quick watch fix? This preview of the new Certina DS-2 is a GET TO THE POINT (GTTP) review with all the info you want / need to know QUICK. For our actual hands-on reviews, please head to the dedicated section here. Now let’s get to the point.
What Is It
In a galaxy far, far away where the average watch enthusiast could look at and buy a nice timepiece without having to sell their kidneys, and before there were the curved shapes of Richard Mille, Hublot or Franck Muller, there was the tonneau-shaped case of the Certina DS-2.
Following the foundations laid by the first Certina DS-2 from 1968, four new versions with dials in matt black and satin-brushed silver, blue or black are presented for 2022.
Why
Because there can never be too much of retro-inspired nostalgia to day-dream about.
When & Where
First announced on 1st February and should be available a bit later in the month from authorised Certina dealers.
How Does The New Certina DS-2 Do
The new Certina DS-2 with dimensions of 40mm x 38mm and small lugs should work great for those with slim wrists (such as myself). Throw in the relatively slim 12.65mm thickness, and the new Certina DS-2 is definitely a winner for those with slim wrists and who love the shape.
In my personal preference, there is always something good to be said about tonneau-shaped cases; I like that they break the design barriers set by circular or rectangular watches, without diving into the hexagonal/octagonal/Nautilus/Royal Oak worlds.
Tonneau-shaped cases are usually an acquired taste, and even disregarding my affinity for them, frankly for only 860 CHF (~1’300 AUD), the new Certina DS-2 offers great value.
The new Certina DS-2 follows the script for a daily wearable entry-level Swiss timepiece to the T: an automatic movement with a very impressive 80-hour power reserve, a different than circular tonneau-shaped case with an assuring 200m water-resistance courtesy a screw-down crown and the brand’s Double Security (DS) system, the use of an anti-magnetic NivachronTM balance spring in the movement, durable sapphire crystal on both front and back — the turtle case-back of the 1968 originals is gone — and decent legibility with rectangular hands and indexes (in-filled with Super-LumiNova).
Inside the new Certina DS-2 ticks the automatic movement ETA Powermatic 80.611 featuring 23 jewels and beating at the low frequency of 3Hz. It is used extensively in Swatch’s other brand Tissot, and for the peace of mind for our readers, it is a well trusted and decent movement.
The ETA Powermatic 80.611 is a 25.6mm diameter and 4.6mm thick movement with an improved spring barrel that is based on the ETA C07.111 (which in turn is based on the stock-standard and widely used ETA 2824-2 with a much lower power reserve and higher 4Hz frequency).
Simply put, you are in good hands with the ETA Powermatic 80.611 and the new Certina DS-2.
To find out more about the new Certina DS-2 and other Certina watches, please head to their wesbite here. All images unless otherwise stated are courtesy are COPYRIGHT CERTINA SA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
