Historic Certina might be the Swatch Group’s most overlooked luxury watch brand. Developed in 1959, the company’s DS concept continues to define its range of well-priced watches, and the new Certina DS-1 Big Date Powermatic 80 Special Edition celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with a new big-date model featuring an attractive green dial.
DS stands for Double Security, and it was meant to emphasize the brand’s approach to durability. 60 years on, though, Certina has only added to its robust features. Every Certina DS watch is rated a minimum of 100m of water resistance, uses a paramagnetic Nivachron balance spring and includes other durability features now common in modern watches, like sapphire crystal.
The new DS-1 Big Date runs on the Swatch Group’s upgraded ETA movement; it’s known by various names, but commonly called the Powermatic 80. Here, the automatic movement features a big date complication, meaning each digit operates on its own wheel rather than the simpler single-date wheel most commonly used, allowing for a bigger date display. It’s a complication typically associated with higher-end watches.
While it’s not a limited edition, the DS-1 Big Date does feature a 60th-anniversary commemorative case engraving on its back. At 41mm wide with a sunburst green dial, the Certina DS-1 Big Date offers a unique look and interesting features for the approachable price of $980.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Hamilton Valiant Auto Watch ($595)
Tissot Ballade Powermatic 80 Chronometer Watch ($925)
Frederique Constant Runabout Automatic ($1,595)
