THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: CERTINA
MODEL: 5801.303
YEAR: c1980
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 39mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: RUBBER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

Founded in 1888 in Grenchen, Switzerland, Certina began as a small, family-run watchmaking workshop established by brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth. Originally producing movement parts and supplies, the company gradually evolved into a full-fledged watch brand, adopting the name Certina—derived from the Latin word “certus,” meaning “sure” or “certain”—in 1939 to reflect its commitment to reliability and precision.

Certina rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, largely thanks to its innovations in sports watches. A major breakthrough came in 1959 with the introduction of the DS (Double Security) concept, which dramatically improved water resistance and shock protection. This made Certina watches favorites among professional divers, military units, and explorers—including those on the 1960 Swiss Himalayan expedition and underwater missions with Cousteau's diving team.

The present example, the DS-2 PH 200M ref. 5801.303, is part of the second-generation DS line. It features a cushion case, a gorgeous blue dial, and is powered by the Certina cal. 25-651 movement. Time has been kind to this particular watch—the dial is pristine, with the lume on the markers and hands having developed a rich, creamy patina. The second hand is missing some of its luminous material. The case is strong, showing only light marks throughout.

The watch was serviced within the last year and is running superbly at +5 s/d, with 280 amplitude and a 0.3 ms beat error. We've paired it with a tropic strap, and it's ready to be your new (old) summer watch.