Certina DS-1 Big Date

Certina, a brand built on the bedrock of reliability and resilience, continues to evolve its offerings while staying true to its foundational principles. The DS-1 collection has long represented a blend of classic watchmaking cues with the brand's signature robustness. Introduced initially in 2019 to mark a significant milestone – 60 years of the Double Security (DS) system – the DS-1 Big Date quickly carved out its niche. Now, Certina expands this popular line with two new iterations that lean into a distinctly modern, urban aesthetic, characterized by a striking new matt finish on their cases.



The story of Certina is intrinsically linked to its pursuit of durability. Founded in Grenchen, Switzerland, the company established itself early on by focusing on producing dependable timepieces. The pivotal moment came in 1959 with the introduction of the Double Security, or DS, concept. This system wasn't just a single feature but a comprehensive approach to watch construction aimed at maximizing protection against external shocks and intrusions like water and dust. It set Certina apart and became a hallmark of the brand, synonymous with watches that could withstand the rigors of active use and challenging environments.



The DS concept typically involves several key elements working in concert. A highly scratch-resistant sapphire crystal provides the first line of defense for the dial. Special O-ring gaskets are employed on the setting stem and the crown to prevent water ingress during winding or time-setting. An additional gasket inside the crown tube offers further protection when the crown is pushed in. The case back is often specially reinforced and incorporates another specific gasket to ensure a tight seal against the main case body. Finally, the movement itself is often encased within a shock-absorbing ring or holder, mitigating the effects of impacts. This multi-layered approach defined Certina's commitment to building tough watches.



The DS-1 Big Date, born from this legacy, was conceived as a celebration piece but quickly demonstrated its lasting appeal. It embodies the brand's philosophy: practical functionality housed within a thoughtfully designed exterior. The inspiration drawn from contemporary architecture and the dynamic contrasts of urban landscapes is evident in its structured form and interplay of finishes. It’s a watch designed not just to tell time, but to reflect a certain confidence and purposefulness, aligning with the brand name itself – Certina, derived from the Latin "certus," meaning certain or assured.



Central to the identity of these specific DS-1 models is the "Big Date" complication, positioned prominently at the 6 o'clock mark on the dial. Unlike conventional date windows that display the date using a single numbered wheel, the Big Date utilizes two separate, overlapping discs. One disc displays the tens digit (0, 1, 2, or 3), while the other displays the units digit (0 through 9). This arrangement allows for significantly larger numerals within the date aperture, drastically improving legibility at a glance. It's a functional enhancement presented in a visually balanced and streamlined manner, integrating seamlessly into the dial's overall design without feeling cluttered.



Driving the DS-1 Big Date is the ETA Powermatic 80.651 automatic movement, a well-regarded calibre within the Swatch Group's portfolio, known for its performance and reliability. Being Swiss Made, it adheres to established standards of quality and craftsmanship. Its most notable feature is the impressive 80-hour power reserve. This extended running time means the watch can be taken off for a long weekend, say from Friday evening to Monday morning, and potentially still be running without needing to be rewound or reset. This practical benefit adds a layer of convenience appreciated by many modern watch wearers.



Further enhancing the movement's dependability is the inclusion of a Nivachron™ balance spring. This advanced alloy, developed within the Swatch Group, offers significant advantages over traditional materials. It exhibits exceptional resistance to magnetic fields, which are increasingly prevalent in our daily environment due to electronics. Magnetic interference can significantly disrupt a mechanical watch's accuracy, and Nivachron™ largely mitigates this threat. Additionally, the material is highly resistant to temperature variations and possesses excellent shock-absorbing properties, contributing further to the movement's stability and long-term accuracy, reinforcing the "certainty" promised by Certina.



The case construction of the new DS-1 Big Date models marks a subtle but significant evolution for the line. Maintaining the versatile 41mm diameter, the case is crafted from 316L stainless steel, a standard in quality watchmaking known for its corrosion resistance and durability. The key update is the introduction of a matt finishing across the case surfaces. This non-reflective treatment lends the watch a modern, tool-like character, reducing glare and reinforcing the urban-inspired design language. It’s a departure from traditionally polished or brushed finishes, offering a distinct tactile and visual presence.



One of the two new models takes this matt aesthetic a step further, featuring a full black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating over the stainless steel case and bracelet. PVD coatings are known for their hardness and resistance to scratches, adding another layer of durability while creating a bold, monochrome look. For those preferring a view of the mechanical heart, both models feature a see-through caseback made from sapphire crystal, allowing observation of the Powermatic 80 movement and its custom Certina rotor in action.



The dials on both new variants feature a sunray-brushed or "satinated" finish. This technique involves fine lines radiating outwards from the center of the dial, creating a dynamic play of light that shifts as the watch moves. It adds depth and visual interest without compromising readability. The finishing is executed to provide a satin-like sheen rather than a high gloss, complementing the matt finish of the case. Hands and indices appear sharp and well-defined against this backdrop, ensuring clear time indication.



The all-black reference, C029.426.33.051.00, presents a unified, almost tactical appearance. The matt black PVD coating covers the entirety of the 41mm case, extending onto the matching stainless steel bracelet. The dial is a deep black, providing a stark canvas for the contrasting silver or white hands and applied hour markers. The large date numerals at 6 o'clock, rendered in white on black discs, stand out clearly. A closer look at the bracelet reveals a subtle interplay of textures; while the overall impression is matt, there are polished elements, likely on the center links or link edges, adding a touch of refinement and preventing the watch from looking completely flat. It projects an air of understated modernity.



The second new model, reference C029.426.36.041.00, offers a different personality through its use of color and material contrast. The 41mm stainless steel case features the same sophisticated matt finish but is presented here in a warm gold tone. This is paired with a captivating dial in deep night blue. The dial exhibits a gradient effect, transitioning from a brighter blue at the center to near black at the periphery. Gold-toned hands and applied indices echo the case color, creating a harmonious and visually rich combination. The big date display maintains its white-on-black format for legibility. Instead of a bracelet, this version comes fitted with a dark blue calfskin leather strap, enhancing its slightly dressier, yet still versatile character.



Attention to detail extends to the interface between watch and wrist. The all-black model is equipped with a 316L stainless steel bracelet whose links combine both matt and polished surfaces, creating visual interest and reflecting the urban contrast theme. The blue and gold model features a high-quality calfskin leather strap, chosen to complement the dial and case tones. Importantly, this leather strap is fitted with Certina's Quick-Release System spring bars. This user-friendly feature allows the wearer to easily remove or swap the strap without needing special tools, offering versatility for those who like to change their watch's look.



Protecting the dial on both models is a curved sapphire crystal. Sapphire is highly valued in watchmaking for its exceptional scratch resistance, second only to diamond, ensuring the watch face remains clear and unmarred through daily wear. The crystal features an anti-reflective coating on one side, helping to reduce glare and improve legibility, especially in bright conditions. Complementing the robust case and crystal is a water resistance rating of up to 10 bar, equivalent to 100 meters or 330 feet. This level of resistance makes the DS-1 Big Date suitable for everyday activities involving water, including swimming and showering, though it's not intended for scuba diving.



The Double Security (DS) system remains the silent guarantor of the watch's toughness. It’s not just a historical footnote but an active principle integrated into the construction of these modern DS-1 watches. The combination of the durable 316L steel case, the secure crown and caseback sealing system, the shock-protected mounting of the resilient Powermatic 80 movement with its Nivachron™ balance spring, and the tough sapphire crystal all contribute to the overall robustness signified by the DS initials on the dial. It’s a holistic approach ensuring the watch lives up to the "certainty" implied by its brand name.



The all-black model (Ref: C029.426.33.051.00) stands out with its cohesive matt black PVD finish across the 41mm case and integrated steel bracelet. Its dial maintains the monochrome theme, punctuated by clear hands, indices, and the highly legible big date window at 6 o'clock. The interplay of matt and polished surfaces on the bracelet adds a subtle layer of visual complexity. Powered by the Powermatic 80.651 with an 80-hour power reserve and Nivachron™ balance spring, and featuring the DS system and 100m water resistance, it's a modern, durable, and functional statement piece.



The blue and gold model (Ref: C029.426.36.041.00) presents a different facet of the DS-1 Big Date's urban inspiration. Its matt-finished, gold-toned 41mm case frames a striking gradient blue dial that darkens towards the edges. Gold-toned hands and indices complement the case, while the big date remains highly readable. This version is paired with a blue calfskin leather strap featuring a convenient Quick-Release system. Internally, it shares the same reliable Powermatic 80.651 movement, DS construction, and 100m water resistance, offering a blend of contemporary finishing with classic color pairing.



Functionality remains a core strength. The Big Date complication serves a clear purpose: enhanced readability. The 80-hour power reserve offers real-world convenience. The DS system, coupled with the Nivachron™ balance spring, ensures resilience against daily hazards like shocks, magnetic fields, and water exposure. The Quick-Release strap on the leather model adds practical versatility. These are not just specifications on paper but features that contribute to a satisfying ownership experience, making the watch a reliable companion for daily wear.



For those interested in acquiring one of these new models, the Certina DS-1 Big Date with the matt finish is scheduled for release starting May 2025. They will be available through official Certina retailers globally. The all-black PVD version on the steel bracelet (Ref: C029.426.33.051.00) carries a suggested retail price of CHF 895, USD 890, or GBP 835. The blue dial, gold-toned model on the leather strap (Ref: C029.426.36.041.00) is priced slightly lower at CHF 875, USD 855, or GBP 805. These prices reflect Certina's positioning, offering robust Swiss automatic movements and features at a competitive point in the market.



All-Black PVD



Case: Matt finishing 316L stainless steel with black PVD coating; 41 mm diameter; See-through sapphire crystal caseback; Curved sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating; Water resistance up to 10 bar (100 m).

Movement: ETA Powermatic 80.651 automatic, Swiss Made; 80-hour power reserve; Nivachron™ balance spring; Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, big date.

Dial: Black; Sunray satinated finish; Big date complication at 6 o’clock.

Strap: Black PVD-coated steel bracelet combining matt and polished surfaces.

Price: CHF 895.- / USD 890.- / GBP 835.- *(Manufacturer's suggested retail price)

Reference Number: C029.426.33.051.00

Notes: Features Certina DS (Double Security) system for enhanced durability. First DS-1 Big Date model with a matt PVD-coated case. Available starting May 2025.





Blue & Gold-Tone



Case: Matt finishing 316L stainless steel with gold PVD tone; 41 mm diameter; See-through sapphire crystal caseback; Curved sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating; Water resistance up to 10 bar (100 m).

Movement: ETA Powermatic 80.651 automatic, Swiss Made; 80-hour power reserve; Nivachron™ balance spring; Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, big date.

Dial: Deep night blue with gradient fading to black edges; Sunray satinated finish; Big date complication at 6 o’clock; Gold-toned hands and indices.

Strap: Dark blue calfskin leather strap; Quick-Release System spring bars for easy interchangeability.

Price: CHF 875.- / USD 855.- / GBP 805.- *(Manufacturer's suggested retail price)

Reference Number: C029.426.36.041.00

Notes: Features Certina DS (Double Security) system. First DS-1 Big Date model with a matt finished case. Gradient dial effect. Convenient quick-release strap system. Available starting May 2025.