WHO loves Certinas ?

Drew1994 · Jan 10, 2023

Another Certina...

I believe DS-4 being the last mechanical DS released before the Swatch group took over. DS-5 was quartz. Dates between 1978 - 1983

I haven't seen any DS-4 in this thread, perhaps they're shunned (or I'm blind)?

As somebody who knows nothing about movements, I have a general question for this watch. It contains the 919-1 cal, this is the last movement created before Swatch took over. If that is correct, does it mean this DS-4 contains the pinnacle of their movements?

As you can guess, I am creating a story in my mind for this watch 😉.

minutenrohr · Jan 11, 2023

The 919-1 is a beautiful movement. Nevertheless, one can sometimes get the idea that during the 20th century, the effort in movement construction was rather reduced, as manual labour is expensive. After all, it is perhaps Certina's "fastest"* calibre: the beat rate/frequency was increased from 19,800 (Certina 25-651) to 28,000. I suspect that the 919-1 ideally runs more accurately, not because of a particularly beautifully constructed and executed escapement, but because of the high frequency.
Maybe CERTINA is the exception to the rule, and the 919-1 is just as durable and reliable as its predecessors?

*The pinnacle!

Canuck · Jan 21, 2023

My only Certina. I don’t need to be told that the case is heavily buffed, the crown not original, that the dial has been refinished, and that the chrome plating on the case has worn thin. In spite of all its warts, I like it. Paid $2.00 for it at a farm yard sale (she was asking 50 cents). Between replacing an (expensive) rotor post, refinishing the dial (also expensive), chrome plating the case, and servicing the movement (I did that), it stands me close to $200 (Cdn.) The movement is the venerable Kurth Freres calibre 25-651, 21-jewels, and I rate it as being on a par with most mid-range quality watches of its era.

zebrespace · Jan 21, 2023

My Certina Sportsman

zebrespace · Jan 21, 2023

My DS PH 200 M

minutenrohr · Jan 23, 2023

zebrespace · Jan 23, 2023

Ordinary DS-2

Nathanjack1 · Jan 29, 2023

This is my Certina DS in 18kt yellow gold. Is there somebody who knows how many of these were produced? I’ve contacted Certina but they lost the records.

TimeODanaos · Jan 29, 2023

Nathanjack1
This is my Certina DS in 18kt yellow gold.

You've been a member for 3 years and that was your first post? 😲🥰

Nathanjack1 · Jan 29, 2023

TimeODanaos
You've been a member for 3 years and that was your first post? 😲🥰

Haha Yes, I once joined the forum but never really used it.

Nupero · Feb 2, 2023

Purchased a second DS and she's a beauty! 🥰

Seller's pics were unflattering and the watch looked dirty. I had to have it. Below is the best pic from the sales ad:

Watch came with it's original strap and buckle, a nice bonus. Strap is very worn out - somebody really liked to use this Certina.

Upon arrival, the new DS did not make a great first impression: it was very dirty, covered in a rust-like substance and reeked of old tools and motor oil. Yikes!
But after some TLC, voilà! Dial with a lovely patina, cool blue hands and a sharp case. All this for under $200, can't complain. A little surprisingly, the watch also runs strong.

My mini Certina DS collection: 1964 & 1966 😀

Milos Columbo · Feb 3, 2023

One of the rather rare…

Poppyboy · Feb 21, 2023

They seem like very nice watches. I’ve been looking at some used divers. Prices seem high.

Engee · Feb 27, 2023

I think I landed on my feet with this little gamble.

Just arrived is this Certina 288 - my first Certina as it happens. No pictures of the movement on the sale and a little research told me that the 28,800 A/h high beat movement was often replaced with the standard 19,600 A/h during routine servicing. Would mine have its original movement when I opened it up? If not, I wasn't too worried, for the £80 I paid I'd be very happy anyway, but lo and behold... it's a 25-681 movement, the second generation of the hi-beat movement that came out in 1972.

Happy with that.

Omegafanman · Mar 4, 2023

Does anyone know why they used the Bristol name - seems a bit random for a Swiss watch?
.
As an aside @Engee this serial looks to be 1970 but it is a 25-661.....

peatnick · Mar 4, 2023

Omegafanman
Does anyone know why they used the Bristol name - seems a bit random for a Swiss watch?
.
As an aside @Engee this serial looks to be 1970 but it is a 25-661.....

Well, there is a slang meaning . . .
( . ) ( . )

NotAClue · Mar 4, 2023

Spot this on eBay earlier this week. A Certina Labora that like all Laboras has a beautiful dial. What I find strange is the fact that it has a nickel chrome case and I thought they were supposed to be in stainless steel. Did they made them like that as well?

I’m asking because I’m almost sure I have one like it that I always thought it had a replaced case. Need to look for it in “the box”. Will post pictures of mine once I find it 😉

Omegafanman · Mar 4, 2023

peatnick
Well, there is a slang meaning . . .
( . ) ( . )

Any thoughts on the Labora?

Mafkees · Mar 5, 2023

Back to basic done well.

Tony C. · Mar 5, 2023

Omegafanman
Any thoughts on the Labora?

That one is straightforward: