Certina DS-1 Big Date DS Concept Special Edition
Certina's DS-1 Big Date 60th Anniversary: A Special Edition Not To Be Missed!
For Certina, there are always technological breakthroughs that stand out. The Double Security – DS – introduced in 1959 is one of them. Since inception, it's never ceased to evolve. This emblematic model recently celebrated its 60th anniversary by introducing a special edition, inspired from the past and benefiting from the latest watchmaking innovations.
By Benjamin Teisseire
Contributor
The double security, dear to the brand, stems from the model's conception. The extreme sturdiness of the case, the unscratchable sapphire glass, and a screwed-down caseback fit with a complex jointing system that enabled the original timepiece to endure the toughest of conditions from Himalayan summits to the depths of the ocean.
Rugged and elegant
Certina certainly hit a home run with this special edition DS-1 Big Date! The timekeeper reveals a lot of elegance while asserting a gentle sportiness. The 41mm case is sober and well finished. There is robustness coupled with a true finesse thanks to its soft round and refined bezel. The plunging lugs, facetted inwards, offer perfect comfort on the wrist and a light feeling. But it is the dial that impresses above all!
It adorns the typical green color of the brand which has hit a trendy cord these past years. Slightly domed it provides a subtle vintage touch as well. The “smoked” effect emits darker tones on the periphery and lighter ones towards the center adding further distinction.
The dial's amazing color superbly highlights the applied hour indexes. The latter being facetted, they emphasize the elegance of the piece. The big date is ultra-legible through its large double window at 6 o’clock. The setting – very simple via the crown – offers an instantaneous jump which corroborates the overall quality of this new model.
Special edition
The inscriptions on the dial provide the final qualitative touch. Aside from the traditional Certina logo which stands out perfectly against the green backdrop, an applied “DS-1” sign above the big date, under which “Powermatic 80” and “Special Edition” appear, confirm that this is a very particular timepiece. The “60th Anniversary” engraving at the back with the mirror-polished Certina logo against a brushed caseback also contribute to this overall positive impression.
Finally, the mesh Milanese bracelet also provides a hint of finesse and elegance. With a stainless-steel butterfly folding buckle, it is extremely comfortable and soft for the wearer.
Even more security
In order to perpetuate its reputation, Certina pushes through drastic production parameters. For example, we found unusual O-ring joints on the winding stem, two more O-rings on the crown, and a 4th special ring for the strengthened case back. This enables the watch to attain 330 feet of waterproofness – for diving in full security – all without a screwed-down crown!
The brand from Biel adds the very latest technological improvements from the Swatch group by powering the new model with an automatically wound movement Powermatic 80 movement. It delivers a commanding 80 hours of power reserve, very useful for those long expeditions.
But “security” is further heightened by the innovative spiral made of Nivachron. Certina is one of the first brands to benefit from this new alloy and its paramagnetic properties. To top it all off, the titanium base of the Nivachron confers extreme resistance to shocks and temperature variations. This enables the brand to proudly state its motto “Count on me!”
Altogether, Certina delivers a very high-end piece with this Special Edition DS-1 Big Date. All while smashing the competition with an outrageously competitive price tag of USD 980! A true winner which will feel as comfortable on rugged mountainous terrains, as it does high-tech start-up board meeting, or a casual night on the town!
Demonstration in Hamburg
The launch of this special edition DS-1 Big Date 60th anniversary took place in Hamburg in a fitting spot: the Tortue hotel.
The turtle emblem appeared for the first time in the Certina logo in 1959 with the introduction of the Double Security. At the time, the tortoise shell evoked the technological advancement it shares with the brand. Shock and pressure resistance, durability and waterproofness.
Through simple workshops, the brand from Bienne also demonstrated the very real advantages of the Nivachron spiral. In our current world we are surrounded by magnetic fields: smartphones, speakers, televisions, magnets…etc. Simply laying your mechanical watch on a smartphone cover with a tiny magnet is enough to upset the accuracy by +50/s per day! The alloy base of Nivachron makes the regulating organ completely insensitive to these constraints.
The test is irrevocable! The relevance of this innovation and its low cost (compared to silicium, for example) make for a major competitive advantage. Surely, the Swatch group will perpetually use in the future. In the future, Certina will now equip all of its mechanical watches with this feature. A feat unheard of at this price level.
Altogether, Certina delivers with this Special Edition DS-1 Big Date a very high-end timepiece with a competition-defying price tag of USD 980! A true winner which will feel as comfortable on rugged mountainous terrains, in high-tech start-ups board meeting rooms, or to a night on the town!
(Photography by Pierre Vogel & Certina)
Sponsored by Certina
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