Certina DS2 Automatic Inside Case Back: 5801.300-M Cal: 25-651. 27j Movement No: 109684

In 1959, Certina launched the Double Security, or DS. The movement floated inside a sealed case, cushioned by a ring of shock-absorbing material, so that a knock or a splash had a harder time reaching it. The DS-2 followed in 1968. It wrapped the same thinking in a chunkier case that guarded the crown, and it stands as one of the sturdiest watches of its era, with a look to match.

What's On Offer

We are delighted to offer this Certina DS-2 Automatic, dating from circa 1968.

At 38mm across and 42mm lug-to-lug, with 18mm lugs, it is a chunky, confident watch, and the thick, rounded case has the protective feel the DS name promises. The stainless-steel case shows brushing and surface marks consistent with age, and it sits on its original, dual-marked NSA bracelet. Charmingly, the caseback is engraved with a turtle, accompanied by the Certina DS signature.

The gradient blue dial fades from deep blue at the edges to a pale steel-grey at the centre, almost resembling faded denim texture. Slim baton indices with white metal inserts mark the hours, and a framed date window sits at three o'clock. Tiny luminous pips sit snugly above each index. The Certina signature and "Automatic" sit under twelve, with "DS-2" above six. A vivid orange seconds hand adds a single flash of colour. The crystal is acrylic.

Inside is the Certina Calibre 25-651, a 27-jewel automatic movement with quickset date and approximately 44 hours of power reserve. The watch is in working order and runs relatively well. The reference “5801.300-M” is engraved inside the case back.

Rated 8.8/10, this is a characterful, robust and strikingly dialled early-seventies-feeling sports watch. It is offered without box or papers.

NB: We have tested this watch on our timegraph, and it reads that it is running reasonably well. However, its service history is unknown, and as we are selling it on behalf of a consignor who has asked us to help sell an entire collection, it is offered for sale as seen. Our consigners do not service each watch before they’re sold, so we have priced them to reflect this, and they come without a warranty. However, servicing can be arranged with our watchmaker at an additional cost if you wish. If so, please contact us to discuss this. Once serviced, the watch will be given a 12-month warranty.