Jewellery & Watch News
Certina reach into their archives and take a watch from the 1960’s to replicate for their latest release. The 1968 Certina Argonaut is a collector’s dream characterised by its statement cushion case, monochromatic divers bezel and legible bi-compax display. This very aesthetic is revived in the new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watch offering all the above alongside some necessary contemporary improvements.
The Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watch is available in two finishes. First up is reference C040.462.18.051.00 which opts for a classic stainless steel case while model C040.462.36.041.00 elects a stealth black PVD case. Both designs mirror the profile of its predecessor with a strong cushion-shaped architecture with sharp corners and integrated lugs. The size however is adapted for modern wrists, swapping out the original 38mm diameter for a significantly larger 43.6mm x 43.6mm size. The brushed and polished surfaces remain and the screw in crown at 3 o’clock also appears identical engraved with the same Certina logo.
On top of the Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watch sits a unidirectional rotating bezel fitted with a black sapphire insert. The insert then pairs with a white 60 minute divers scale just like that of the 1960’s model. We’re also treated to sapphire crystal on the front with anti-reflective treatment and the same sapphire crystal glass on the back for a view of the automatic winding movement within. The watch is water resistant to 200 metres.
Separating the steel and black PVD Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watches even further is their own coloured display. For the stainless steel variant, the smooth black dial opts for bold orange accents on the hour markers as well as the logo at 12 o’clock and the “45” numeral within the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. The rest of the hardware is either silvered or printed in white with the hour and minute hands completed in Superluminova. The black PVD model elects the same luminous hands and black backdrop but neglects any colour. Instead, the hour markers are kept silver and the “45” numeral is finished in a light grey.
The Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watches also contradict each other with their straps. Reference C040.462.18.051.00 chooses a suitably vintage-inspired black NATO strap engineered from recycled #tide ocean plastic. It comes handsomely engraved with two silver stripes and closes by a classic pin buckle. For the black coated reference C040.462.36.041.00, a matching black calfskin leather strap is utilised adorned with white stitching and a black PVD butterfly clasp.
Lastly, the Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watch is powered by the ETA A05.H31 automatic winding movement, another debatable upgrade compared to the manual winding Valjoux movement found in the 1960’s model. It comes equipped with an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring for increased precision and resistance to temperature and shocks as well as 27 jewels. There’s also a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and an impressive 60 hour power reserve.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 watch and shop the range for yourself, head over to the C W Sellors website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at sales@cwsellors.com.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 43.5mm x 43.5mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel or black PVD
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel with black sapphire insert and 60 minute scale
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Exhibition
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: ETA A05.H31 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph seconds, small seconds, 30 minute counter
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Jewels: 27
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Black with white elements (Black PVD), Black with orange indices and white elements (Steel), both come with Superluminova inserts
- Strap: Black NATO or black leather
- Limited: No
- Reference: C040.462.18.051.00 (Steel) C040.462.36.041.00 (Black PVD)
- RRP: £1,720 (Steel), £1,760 (Black PVD)
