If you are looking for a reliable yet stylish three-hand watch for everyday wear at an affordable price, the Certina DS-1 Powermatic 80 should be on your radar. This summer, the DS-1 returns with three new dial colors and interchangeable straps, one made from plastic retrieved from the ocean. Like the DS-1 Big Date model from 2019, created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Certina's DS (double security) concept from 1959, these watches combine a subtle vintage vibe, a sturdy case, and a reliable Powermatic movement.
Turtle Shell with Double Security
Naturally, Certina's Double Security concept is associated with diving watches, and there are plenty of such watches in the brand's repertoire. After all, the DS concept, introduced in 1959, marked a significant step towards increasing the reliability and water resistance of watches. The original DS concept, still used in all DS models today, is based on a series of ring seals on the setting stem and crown with a special seal on the reinforced case back. Much like a turtle's hard shell (adopted as the brand's logo in 1960), the idea of double security was to protect the movement from all kinds of external impacts.
Adapted over the years to the latest technologies, almost all automatic DS watches now operate on the new Powermatic 80 movement, developed by the Swatch Group and used by other mid-range brands like Tissot, Mido, and Hamilton. Thanks to its anti-magnetic balance spring and significant shock resistance, the 80-hour power reserve of the Powermatic is a real advantage.
The New DS-1
The new DS-1 models are featured in the “Urban Watches” section - a category increasingly appearing on the watch scene, accommodating models that do not fit into the sports or dress watch sections. These hybrids of the watch world combine just the right amount of resilience and style needed for most of your everyday tasks. As mentioned, the new DS-1 models come in three dial colors - dark blue, gray, and brown. We spent time with the dark blue model, which comes with an integrated stainless steel bracelet and an eco-friendly blue fabric strap made from #tide ocean material, which is recycled plastic retrieved from the ocean.
Made from 316L stainless steel, the 100-meter water-resistant case has a conciliatory diameter of 40 mm and a relatively small height of 10.98 mm. Viewed from the side, you can appreciate the massive case construction and contrasting matte and polished surfaces.
From above, the thin polished bezel reveals a more stylish appearance of the DS-1. The domed dial and applied arrow-shaped indices convey a subtle vintage mood without excess. The contrast between the sunburst dark blue background and the applied and faceted rose gold-colored indices and hands is striking, and the absence of luminescent elements makes the dial more elegant.
Perhaps my only dissatisfaction is with the white background of the date window at the “3 o'clock” position. I understand that white enhances readability, but maybe a blue background like the dial and a white numeral like the inscriptions on the dial would be more elegant?
Powermatic 80.611
As an evolution of the ETA 2824-2, the Powermatic movement from Swatch Group is a reliable and accurate industrial movement with a Nivachron™ titanium alloy balance spring resistant to magnetism, shocks, aging, and temperature fluctuations. The modern Powermatic movement gets its name from the powerful 80-hour energy reserve, which is a huge step forward compared to the average ETA 2824, which has 38 hours. Although you can see the automatic movement through the sapphire case back, do not expect sophisticated hand-finishing.
Eco-friendly Strap
In line with the trend for interchangeable straps and growing environmental concerns, this DS-1 model comes with a blue fabric strap made from recycled ocean plastic. Swiss company #tide aims to tackle plastic pollution and collaborates with scientists from the Swiss University of Applied Sciences to recycle plastic into granules, yarns, and even polyester textile yarns. Thanks to the quick-change strap system, the blue fabric strap can be easily swapped for the five-link stainless steel bracelet.
Price
The Certina DS-1 Powermatic 80 watch with a blue dial (ref. C029.807.11.041.02) is priced at 790 Swiss francs. On the Certina website, there are two options: the first is to reserve the watch at one of Certina's Swiss boutiques, and the second is to purchase it online directly from the website. When I last checked, this particular model was out of stock, but the brand allows you to subscribe to receive a notification as soon as it is back in stock.
For more information, visit www.certina.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – CERTINA DS-1 POWERMATIC 80
Case: diameter 40 mm x height 10.98 mm – 316L stainless steel, matte and polished – domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal over the dial, sapphire crystal case back – water resistance 100 m.
Dial: domed, dark blue sunburst – applied and faceted rose gold-colored indices – rose gold-colored hands – date window at 3 o'clock
Movement: ETA Powermatic 80.611 – automatic – 25.60 mm x 4.60 mm – 23 jewels – 21,600 vibrations/hour – Nivachron anti-magnetic balance spring – 80-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds, date
Strap: five-link stainless steel bracelet with butterfly clasp and blue fabric strap from recycled ocean plastic with pin buckle – quick-change system
Reference: C029.807.11.041.02
Price: 790 CHF
