The New and Affordable Certina DS-1 Day-Date

Certina’s robust and affordably priced DS-1 is a descendant of the brand’s pioneering DS (Double Security) concept introduced in 1959. Back then, much like a turtle’s protective shell, the DS concept was engineered to enhance the resilience, reliability, and water resistance of watches against external threats by incorporating O-ring seals. This versatile and straightforward timepiece by Certina combines the right amount of resilience and style to cover most of your daily activities. It is available in various versions, including time-and-date, skeletonized, and big-date models. For 2024, the brand has quietly introduced a new day-date version.

The new Certina DS-1 Day-Date comes in a versatile 40mm case fashioned out of 316L stainless steel. Just like the other models in the collection, its no-nonsense round case features downward curved lugs and contrasting brushed and polished surfaces on both the lugs and the bezel. Its water resistance is rated at 100m, making this watch fairly resistant – change the strap and it’ll even be a very decent weekend-ready watch.

The main novelty with this DS-1 Day-Date resides in its functionality and display; the day of the week can be read in a curved window at 12 o’clock, complemented by a date window at 6 o’clock. Besides the added functionality, it further enhances the model’s retro feel. The deliberately clean dial is easy to read. It features faceted indexes paired with dauphine-style hands. It is slightly curved, giving the watch an eye-catching three-dimensional effect. Three dial colours are available: silver, black with gold accents, and silver with gold accents.

Inside the watch is the self-winding calibre 2834-2, made by ETA, a sister company of Certina within Swatch Group. It is the day-date version of the tried-and-tested ETA 2824. As such, it beats at 4Hz and boasts a 42-hour power reserve. The stop-second and day-date rapid correction mechanisms allow for precise, user-friendly settings. Turning the watch over, it is visible via the exhibition caseback with a simple but clean decoration. In short, nothing especially fancy here but a reliable, proven option with great specs and functionality at this price level.

The Certina DS-1 Day-Date comes on a leather strap with a safety folding clasp that is released by a pair of pushers. There is also a steel Milanese bracelet option. Price starts from EUR 850 or CHF 755, which as often with Certina seems excellent value for the money.

For more information, please visit www.certina.com.