Why This Watch Matters

This is a simple Certina dress watch in 14k yellow gold, an excellent example from a brand in the vintage world that is growing in popularity by the day.

The Full Story

Certina was originally founded by the Kurth brothers in 1888, and the manufacturer first produced movements, and later watches, under the name Grana. The name was changed to Certina in 1939, and they quickly started producing automatic watches in the 1940s, eventually introducing the DS series in 1959. The DS divers, a few of which we have been happy to offer in the past, have taken hold in the larger vintage collecting universe over the past few years. On the back of the DS, Certina in general is growing in popularity as collectors continue to be impressed by the reliability and solid build quality. Modern Certina is having a bit of a moment as well here at HODINKEE as the brand recently exclusively through the Shop.

With that growing appreciation, more attention has come to the lesser known Certina watches as collectors come to understand the build quality of the brand. Lesser known watches like this humble dress watch in 18k yellow gold. Whereas other brands that remain under-the-radar in the vintage world can sometimes disappoint in build quality, Certina impresses even the most seasoned of collectors. You can feel the difference right in your hand.

While the case is simple with four sharp lugs, this Certina's dial and hands are stunning and extremely well made. You can see the attention to detail in the black paint portion of the hands which ties into the black color within each hour marker as well as the simple vertically brushed finish. We are continually attracted to these non-lume watches as they can be worn a bit more worry-free. A simple knock on the table or door jam will not lead to damage to those pesky and fragile lume plots.

We paired this Certina with our olive green suede strap. The color plays really well off the unique gold tone that 14k gives off and the texture brings a bit of a casual vibe to the look.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Sharp overall condition
- Brushed finish on dial
- "Non-lume" dial and hands

Things To Know:

- Light scratches on case
- Engraving on caseback

This Certina is in excellent, honest condition. The case has some light scratches but appears unpolished with sharp lines. There is some scratching on the back of the lugs from strap changing. The caseback engraving is crisp and deep, it is engraved "RAB Rolf Isaksson 1972." The reference and case numbers at the bottom of the caseback are visible and crisp. The caseback has scratches and shows some wear. The hallmark on the rear of the seven o'clock lug is crisp. There is a hand engraved number on the rear of the 11 o'clock lug that is likely a watchmaker's mark.

The dial is in great condition with a light patina throughout. There is a starburst pattern to the dial and patina. The applied hour markers, applied Certina logo, and hands have developed patina.