The Certina DS-2 Chronograph Automatic in green and gold is retro chic
Fergus Nash- The new Certina DS-2 Chronograph Automatic is now also available in green and gold PVD.
- The DS-2 Chronograph is based on the vintage DS-2 Chronolympic reference 8601 800.
- The green and gold colour scheme perfectly fits the retro tonneau case.
Certina’s expansion of their vintage-inspired sports watch catalogue is an exciting prospect for those who love an affordable Swiss option. Few companies are capable of offering such value for money as those under the Swatch Group umbrella, and Certina are somewhat of a rising star in the recent times thanks to the retro chic of their DS-2 range. Tapping into 1970s funkiness beyond even the tonneau case shape, the new Certina DS-2 Chronograph Automatic is also being made available in a green and gold colour scheme.
I’ll admit my bias when I mention that all Australians are particularly partial to green and gold, however the use of these colours on a watch of this style is just a match made in heaven. The DS-2 was one of Certina’s most popular vintage models in its various guises, and this model takes after the DS-2 Chronolympic which summited and then raced down Mt Everest in 1970, featuring in the Academy Award winning documentary The Man Who Skied Down Everest. The original watches were quite varied and came in both two and three register configurations, however this modern reissue seems to be closely based on the reference 8601 800 which was made between 1970-74. The stainless steel case is coated with a bright yellow gold PVD, and should fit a lot of wrists comfortably thanks to the 43.3mm x 40.5mm dimensions.
Paired with the golden case is a matte green dial that embraces retro cheesiness without going too far, and balancing out the complexity of the white printed tachymeter and minute tracks. The bicompax chronograph layout allows you to count minutes either individually or in five-minute chunks, which makes it much more legible than a lot of other period chronographs. The symmetrical date display at 6 o’clock is also a welcome feature, and a vintage-accurate one that wasn’t very common at the time. The originals tended to use a variety of movements from Valjoux, so it is fitting that the new Certina DS-2 Chronograph Automatic is powered by a Valjoux/ETA A05.23 with a 4Hz beat rate and a 68-hour power reserve.
The Certina DS-2 Chonograph Automatic in green and gold pricing and availability:
The new Certina DS-2 Chronograph Automatic in green and gold will be made available from April 2023 at all authorised Certina retailers. Price: CHF1,995
| Brand | Certina |
| Model | DS-2 Chronograph Automatic |
| Case Dimensions | 43.3mm x 40.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel with yellow gold PVD |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Green |
| Strap | Brown leather |
| Movement | Valjoux A05.23 |
| Power Reserve | 68 hours |
| Availability | Available from April 2023 |
| Price | CHF1,995 |