Certina DS-2 5801-123

Certina DS-2 Super PH 500M Diver’s circa 1960’s

A fine example vintage Certina SS DS-2 Super PH500M diver’s model ref 5801-123 circa late 1960s. Featuring a robust 42mm diameter and 17mm thick case with raised bezel and flat mineral glass crystal. The pleasing original matte black dial is in excellent condition accented by creamy markers, fine red cross hairs pattern, and kite shaped original tritium lume hands. There is no evidence of water damage to the dial or lume. This legendary dive watch, with 500 meters of water resistance when new, is powered by Certina’s 25-261 calibre movement with 42 hour power reserve. A true dive watch, the 5mm thick mineral glass crystal was a modern marvel. The 120 clicks bezel shows some wear associated with use, but is still fully functional and has a great vintage appeal. The heavy screw down case back bears the Certina trademark die struck Sea Turtle logo. This great diver’s model is furthermore complete with its original excellent condition Certina DS signed stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp which will fit a 7 1/2″ plus wrist. Recently serviced and with replaced non screw down unsigned crown. No longer warranted as waterproof, but guaranteed genuine and offered with our 1 year warranty of accurate time keeping and operation. NOTES : The DS case was a robust design introduced by Certina in 1959 which in addition to the incabloc shock system of the caliber 25-651 movement, further protected the movement with a rubber case ring, a thick domed acrylic crystal, and secure screw down case back. This robust case design provided for depth protection of 500 meters, intended for deep submersion by divers or deep water scientific research. The T SWISS MADE T dial is signed DS for “Double Safety” and PH 500M for “Pression Hydrostatic” 500 meters.” The DS-2 was successfully used in the TEKTITE I & II experiments in 1969 and 1970. The DS-2 was ahead of its time, and is a scarce and highly collectible professional diver’s model. A search on the background of the Certina brand informs us that the brand was introduced in 1888, and was early on referred to as Grana, which was shorthand for the Latin name for Grenchen where the brand was founded. The name Certina was trademarked in 1939 which has been in use ever since. In 2018. The Certina brand is now a member of the Swatch group. Maker : Certina Model Name/Type : DS-2 SuperPH 500M Model/Case Ref : 346.825 Man's / Lady's : Men Case Serial : 5801-123 Circa : late 1960's Case mm : 42mm Case Metal : Stainless Steel Bezel : bi-directional elapsed time bakelite bezel Crystal : Mineral Glass Crown-Pushers : unsigned crown Dial & Hands : black original dial with tritium luminous indexes Movement Type : Self Winding Movement Caliber : 25-651 Date Function : yes Strap / Bracelet : Original signed bracelet Strap / Bracelet Size : 20mm Country of Origin : Switzerland Condition : Excellent Box / Papers : No