Hands-On With The New Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Collection

The DS-2 was an important watch for Certina. Released in 1968, it marked the start of a new era in the brand’s history, being the second generation of watches to feature Certina’s double-security system – which DS stands for. The watch was a success and came in many guises, yet the most recognizable remains the tonneau-shaped original watch. The DS-2 was revived in a visually faithful manner last year, yet with modern construction and mechanics. Accessible and cool-looking, it’s been well received and it is now time for the brand to bring some new editions… And they take the shape of a dive-inspired collection with a rotating bezel, available in steel or in a special edition in titanium with protection of the environment in mind. Let’s have a look at the new Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Collection.

The initial DS-2 Watch was first introduced in 1968 and it was known for its (at the time) robust construction with double-security technology. The double-security system prevented dust and water to enter the case, and kept the movement safe from shocks. Over the years it proved quite popular and Certina made quite a number of different variations. Time-only, time-and-date, day-date and even chronograph versions all saw the light of day between 1968 and 1976. Last year, the brand was in for an encore, by bringing back the DS-2 design in a modernized timepiece, equipped with Swatch Group’s powerful automatic movement and fairly priced.

The design was all about retro-cool, with an identical tonneau/barrel shape, a domed crystal to mimic a plexiglas and typical 1970s finishing of the case. The dial… classic, with baton markers and hands. And despite being a fairly classic, almost elegant piece, it was water-resistant to 200 metres. Later that year, we’ve seen the watch back in bolder and more luxurious colours, but still with the same overall design.

Now, it’s time for the DS-2 collection to evolve into sportier territories. And that has been done by slightly updating the case and its dimensions, as well as adding a very obvious rotating bezel. 3 versions of the DS-2 Turning Bezel are presented, one as a special edition in titanium (more on that later) and 2 in stainless steel.

First, the standard models. Made of polished steel with brushed accents, the case retains the classic DS-2 shape, with tonneau/barrel design and rounded surfaces all around. There’s an undeniable late 1960s flair to the collection, which has been respected here, despite the sportier look. The case has grown a bit in size, now measuring 41mm accross – which has to be accounted to the bezel, slightly larger than the case. Most elements are identical, with a screw-down crown and a screwed back with see-through window, and a comfortable 200m water-resistance still.

What changed mostly is the addition of a unidirectional rotating bezel on top of the case, which features an aluminium insert in black or blue with fully-graduated 60-minute scale with luminous pearl. Regarding the looks, it comes close to what we’re used to see on other, more robust retro-inspired dive watches of the brand, such as the Super PH500M. Two important mentions when comparing the DS-2 Turning Bezel to its classic counterpart. First, the sapphire crystal is now flat (not box-shaped anymore) and, surprisingly, these new divers are thinner at 11.70mm versus 12.65mm for the classic DS-2 – which mostly has to do with the shape of the crystal. And that makes them easy to wear and perfect sporty all-rounders.

As for the steel models, the dials retains basically the same look at the non-rotating bezel editions. Clean, graphic, with straight baton hands and markers, the new DS-2 Turning Bezel only differs with a slightly more pronounced minute track. As for the steel editions, two dials are available, with matching bezels, in dark blue or black (slightly gradient) with a sunray-brushed finishing. The dials are complemented by a metallic framed date window and an applied DS-2 logo. Legible, clean and discreet.

Inside the case, no surprise… It’s the same automatic movement as before, the modern Powermatic 80 with 3Hz frequency, 80-hour power reserve and an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring. The movement is visible through the caseback and with industrial decoration – expected in this price range. These two models come on a polished and brushed steel bracelet, with a butterfly clasp and quick-release spring bars. An additional leather or fabric strap is also included.

Both classic steel editions of the Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel are now available from the brand and retailers, and priced at EUR 1,110.

The Titanium DS-2 Turning Bezel Sea Turtle Conservancy

In addition to the two classic steel models, Certina is releasing a third watch, which is part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy series – a yearly initiative we’ve seen already with the 2020 DS Action Diver, the 2021 DS Action Diver 38mm and the 2022 DS Super PH500M. As always, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, a non-profit organization that has been working for decades to protect sea turtles and their habitats – a worthy cause that Certina has supported for many years.

While the design of this third edition of the DS-2 Turning Bezel remains identical to the steel versions above, which includes the same dimensions and specifications, the Sea Turtle Conservancy edition is here made of lightweight and corrosion-resistant titanium, with a matte finish. It also differs with a matte black dial with the same rectangular hands and markers, however, the seconds hand is here executed in light blue.

Still powered by the same automatic movement, the Powermatic 80, the Titanium DS-2 Turning Bezel Sea Turtle Conservancy is worn on a striped grey-blue fabric NATO strap made from #tide ocean material and fitted with a titanium pin buckle. The aluminium insert of the bezel is here done in black and the caseback is decorated with the non-profit organization’s logo. Released as a special, non-limited edition, this model retails for EUR 1,045 and is now available.

For more details, please visit www.certina.com.