Certina’s vintage-inspired dive watch delves into sportier territories with the launch of the new Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel collection. There’s an updated case and slightly larger dimensions to account for the new rotating bezel but the overall charm of the original DS-2 remains alongside all necessary modern practicalities. There are three Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel watches to choose from, two in stainless steel and a special edition titanium model joining their Sea Turtle Conservancy series.
The Certina DS-2 is a watch that often gets quite a bit of attention from vintage watch collectors. The design originally debuted back in 1968 and was largely renowned for its double-security system, hence the “DS” in the name, which prevented external materials such as dust and water from entering the case and damaging the movement. Between the late 60’s to late 70’s, Certina made a number of variations of their DS-2 watch including popular models with simple time-only displays, day-date models and more complicated chronograph versions. Then this time last year, the Swiss watch manufacturer announced they would be reintroducing the tonneau-shaped watch with familiar vintage cues and modern mechanics. The Certina DS-2 Powermatic 80 watches have been deservingly successful ever since and now joining them in their popularity is a new trio of Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel watches.
As mentioned, there are three Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel watches to pick from: two engineered from stainless steel and a third special edition titanium model. We’ll begin with the two standard steel references (C024.607.11.041.02 and C024.607.11.081.02). The designs sport a beautifully rounded tonneau-shaped case in stainless steel with a diameter of 41mm and a height of 11.7mm. You may notice that the cases here are a little wider than those from last year but the additional 1mm can be purely blamed on the addition of the rotating bezel. In contrast, the height is lower than the 12.65mm of last year’s DS-2 largely because the sapphire crystal glass is now flat and not box-shaped. Other than that, the case specifications remain the same. There’s a screw down crown, screwed exhibition case back, anti-reflective coating on the front and a 200 metre water resistance rating.
As for the novelty of the Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel watch, the unidirectional rotating bezel is available with a black or blue aluminum insert on the steel models. The finely knurled edging makes them easy to manipulate and the fully-graduated 60 minute scale allows you to measure elapsed dive times. The scale is printed in silver and is joined by a luminous pearl pip at the 60 minute mark. To match, the Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Steel watches are available with black or blue dials adorned in subtle gradient effects and sunray-brushed finishings. The dials retain all the classic hardware of the DS-2 models from last year with straight baton hands and hour markers with Superluminova inserts and a framed date window at 3 o’clock.
Powering the Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel watches is the Swiss watchmaker’s famous Powermatic 80 movement. It uses a Nivachron anti-magnetic balance spring and promises 80 hours of power reserve, 25 jewels and runs at a frequency of 21,600vph. The movement can be enjoyed through the exhibition case back. The Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel watches in stainless steel are completed by polished and brushed stainless steel bracelets with a butterfly folding clasp but an additional leather or fabric strap is also included for those that want something more casual.
Now for the Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Titanium watch (C024.607.48.051.10). You’ll notice there’s much of the same specification as those above but there are some notable design differences to distinguish it as a Certina Sea Turtle Conservancy Special Edition. As part of the latter, the watch will raise proceeds for the Sea Turtle Conservancy, a non-profit organization which works to protect sea turtles and their habitats. For starters, the 41mm tonneau case is instead engineered from titanium for a matte, lightweight and corrosion-resistant finish. It has the same unidirectional rotating bezel with a black aluminum insert, flat sapphire crystal glass and a 200 metre water resistant rating. The dial is also slightly different, fully matte black with no gradient effect and a contrasting light blue seconds hand.
The Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Sea Turtle Conservancy watch is powered by the same Powermatic 80 automatic winding movement which you can still through the case back, however the mechanics are partially blocked by the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s logo. The watch is also worn on a different strap in honor of the organization. The striped grey-blue fabric NATO strap is made from #tide ocean material, an ocean-bound upcycled plastic, and closes by a titanium pin buckle. The Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Titanium watch is not limited, just a special edition so like previous Certina Sea Turtle Conservancy watches is likely only to be around for the year.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel watches and shop the collection for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 41mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel or titanium
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotating with aluminum insert, 60 minute scale
- Glass: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Exhibition
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: Powermatic 80 automatic winding movement
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Jewels: 25
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: Sunray-brushed blue or black (steel models) or matte black (titanium model), Superluminova hands and markers
- Strap: Steel bracelet with additional leather or fabric strap (steel models) striped NATO #tide strap (titanium model)
- RRP: Starts from £880
- Reference: C024.607.11.041.02, C024.607.11.081.02, C024.607.48.051.10
- Limited: No
