Certina DS-2

When it comes to vintage dive watches, we love the heavy hitters just as much as the next guy. The Rolex Submariner, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, and the Omega Seamaster 300 all have special places in our hearts - and collections. But for every well-known name in the dive watch world, there’s one or two that make us stop and say, “Now this is why we got into collecting watches in the first place.” In the 1950s and 1960s, lots of brands got into the dive watch game, some using contract cases and movements, while others went down the route of building a purpose built, ground-up, sea going weapon to vanquish its competition. The Certina DS-2 falls into that select group of watches. This brilliantly over-engineered 200 meter diver was made in the 1970s and features a lovely blue dial. Featuring a 40mm stainless steel cushion case housing an automatic Calibre 25-651 movement, its screwdown caseback and rotating bezel assembly are instantly identifiable to dive watch fanatics the world over with a profile that is not easily forgotten. This particular example remains in great condition throughout with a brilliantly patinated dial, timing bezel insert, unsigned screw-down crown, caseback with Certina engravings in deep relief. Its not often that a funky, colorful, 70s diving watch becomes an artifact sought after by dive watch enthusiasts  - but the Certina DS-2 is a rare bird that checks all of the boxes!