The New Colours Of The Cool Certina DS-2 Powermatic 80

You have to love the 1960s and the 1970s and the funky product design associated with these decades. Much younger generations dig the old-school stuff, too, making all sorts of fashionable revivals or re-issues – watches included – popular among consumers of a broader age group. You will find an array of highly appealing old-fashioned and retro-looking models in the market, many hitting the right notes, especially when there is an apparent historical reference. Earlier this year, Certina introduced the DS-2 Powermatic 80 collection, offering three dial colours and a choice of straps and bracelets. The watches looked very much like the original time-and-date DS-2 models from 1968, with a few upgrades. The most notable one was the new engine, ETA 80.611 automatic movement. A success story, the brand continues to expand the number of available variations. We spent time with the latest additions to a fine family, but first, we pay respect to the original that made this inspiring release possible.

The original DS-2 Automatic “Certidate” models were introduced to the market along with other DS-2 references in about 1968, all as follow-ups to the successful DS line that was ten years old and selling like hotcakes. The Certidate watches housed different movements, hand-wound and automatic and had a distinctive screw-down caseback with the turtle in the centre; automatic watches were set apart by an added wavy relief. The movements were shock-proof thanks to what the brand called a floating assembly, referring to the elastic anti-shock ring mounted inside the case. The crown was partially hidden and used a double seal system, the dials came in 15 different colours, and the case material options were steel or 20 microns gold-plated steel. This last mention is important because the new models include a clear nod to the glorious past, an effort to provide many more dial colours, and a gold-coloured case.

The Certina DS-2 Powermatic 80 collection employs the already mentioned ETA 80.611 automatic movement with a Nivachron balance spring, with 80 hours of power reserve – a massive departure from the 25-651 engines used by Certina in the 1960s and 1970s. The screw-down crown is also a new element, just like the sapphire crystal caseback. The two new references come in a tonneau-shaped stainless steel case with integrated lugs, measuring 40 x 38mm, just like the DS-2 Powermatic 80 models released earlier. (Should you inquire, the original DS-2s were not much smaller at 38.5mm). The case shape and finishings – polished and satin-brushed surfaces – and a domed sapphire crystal, along with the dial design, stick hands and rectangular indices, are responsible for the apparent retro-inspired look.

One of the new watches is presented in a steel case with gold PVD treatment. The yellow-gold colour is matched perfectly by the gold-coloured gradient dial, turning milk-chocolate brown on the edges. The golden hands and the indices are treated with Super-LumiNova. Combined with the golden date aperture frame, the elements continue the gold-like feel. The simplicity of the case and the dial design make this watch very attractive and old-fashioned. And it looks great on the wrist.

The stainless steel version DS-2 Powermatic 80 model with a burgundy dial is no less pretty but in a different way. The cold steel elements on the dial – the hands, the indices, the aperture – are in perfect harmony with the warm feeling the dial radiates – a beauty. Depending on the light and angle, the burgundy seems to blend from one extreme to another, turning this piece into a show-stopper if the light is right.

Both new variants are offered on a black leather strap with a pin buckle, complementing the overall design, and the prices are EUR 950 for the burgundy version and EUR 975 for the gold-coloured model. Please visit www.certina.com for more.