To my mind, Certina are at their best when they’re creating high quality adventure watches at enviably accessible prices like the DS Super. However, it’s important to remember that they’re about more than tool watches, as we were recently reminded in dramatic fashion with the launch of the DS Cascadur. Now they’re expanding another of their core, non-tool watch models – the DS-1 Big Date, which is now available in a duo of matte PVD finishes.
They measure 41mm in diameter in steel with either a black or golden PVD coating. The matte finish means they don’t have the sharp reflection of a polished surface, which is particularly noticeable in the case of the gold edition. It tones down the brilliance so that the watch doesn’t appear over-the-top and ostentatious. Though paired with a blue sunray brushed dial, it still stands out as a bright and eye-catching dress watch – reminiscent of the Omega De Ville Trésor.
In comparison, the matte black version fits the stealth wealth aesthetic with its slick, urban design and matching black dial. It’s accented by silver coloured hour markers and matching dauphine hands. Those aspects, along with the signature big date complication at 6 o’clock help maintain the watch’s smart appearance, preventing it from feeling too sporty.
A big date function does what it says on the tin. It’s an oversize date display that uses two discs to show the current date rather than the normal one. One disc handles the tens and the other handles the units. While a lot of brands have their own interpretations of the big date, in my heart I always associate with A. Lange & Söhne and watches like the recent Minute Repeater Perpetual. In fact, the black and silver colour scheme of the Certina DS-1 Big Date could almost be considered an extremely budget friendly alternative for anyone priced out of the Saxon legend. Assuming you don’t mind giving up the minute repeater and perpetual calendar. Certina don’t have any of those.
What Certina do have is the ETA Powermatic 80.651 automatic movement with its 80-hour power reserve. It’s a staple of the Swatch group, offering great value across a host of brands from Hamilton to Swatch. The shock resistant properties of the movement forms one part of the Double Security system that gives the collection its DS name. The other part of that double act being the water resistance rating of 100m. It’s no dive watch but it’s durable enough for everyday adventures.
As for price, the black edition of the Certina DS-1 Big Date is £835 and the blue and gold is £805. That difference is due to the black being presented on a bracelet and the blue on a leather strap. It’s not a watch designed to rock the boat, in fact it’s extremely safe. But just like your mum’s cooking, sometimes you just want comfort food that you know is going to be reliable and this ticks that box.
Price and Specs:
More details at Certina.
