The DS-2 was introduced on the market in 1968 as a follow-up to the successful DS line that had been launched in 1959. By that time more than 300,000 of the DS timepieces had already been sold. Below, you’ll find an original article on the launch of the DS-2 taken from Certina’s own magazine, called “Certina Echo” (Winter Edition 1968).
The model featured many technical innovations. For example, the crown was partially hidden and used a twin-seal system. In order to increase robustness, the movement fixation was additionally strengthened by extra-strong screws. The floating movement assembly by means of a rubber ring was taken from its predecessor.
Originally the dial was available in 15 different versions. There were two different case materials to choose from: stainless steel and gold plate. The gold-coated version was marked by a 06 instead of a 01 in the reference number. A chronometer version in 18 carat yellow gold was also available (reference 5880 300).
The following in-house movements were included: 25-66 (manual winding Ref. 5201 300), 25-661 (manual winding with date, Ref. 5301 300), 26-651 (“Certidate” Ref. 5801 300) and the 25-652 movement in the “Certiday” version with day and date (Ref. 5901 300). From 1975 onwards, the improved 25-651M and 25-652M movements were used, respectively. In addition to the men’s versions, smaller women’s styles were also available.
The image on the right shows the floating movement assembly with the elastic anti-shock ring. This design renders the DS-2 shock-proof and resistant. Proof of this can be found in the numerous pieces that still ran like new after years, no matter how damaged the case might have been.
A distinctive detail of the DS-2 self-winding version is the screw-down case back with the circular wavy relief and the turtle in the centre. On the manual-winding version, you can find the turtle in the centre too but the rest of the case back is flat.
| Model | Reference no. | Calibre | Dimensions mm | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
DS-2 manual wind | 5201 300 | Certina 25-66 | 38.5 x 42 x 12 LW: 18 |
No date. Various dial versions. About from 1968 to 1976 |
 |
DS-2 manual wind | 5301 300 | Certina 25-661 | 38.5 x 42 x 12 LW: 18 |
Date without quickset. Various dial versions. About from 1968 to 1976 |
| Model | Reference no. | Calibre | Dimensions mm | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
DS-2 Automatic “Certidate” |
5801 300 From 1974: 913 1300 41 |
Certina 25-651 | 38.5 x 42 x 12 LW: 18 |
Date without quickset. Various dial versions. About from 1968 to 1976 |
 |
DS-2 Automatic “Certidate” |
5806 300 | Certina 25-651 | 38.5 x 42 x 12 LW: 18 |
Case 20 micron goldplaque. Date without quickset. Various dial versions. About from 1968 to 1976 |
 |
DS-2 Automatic “Certiday” |
5901 300 From 1974: 914 1300 41 |
Certina 25-652 | 38.5 x 42 x 12 LW: 18 |
Day and Date without quickset. Various dial versions. Partially with print “Certiday”. About form 1968 to 1976 |
 |
DS-2 Automatic “Certiday” |
5906 300 | Certina 25-652 | 38.5 x 42 x 12 LW: 18 |
Case 20 micron goldplaque. Day and Date without quickset. Various dial versions. Partially with print “Certiday”. About form 1968 to 1976 |
 |
DS-2 Automatic Chronometer | 5880 300 | Certina 25-651 | 38.5 x 42 x 12 LW: 18 |
Date without quickset. Bracelet, case and dial in 18 carat yellow gold. About from 1968 to 1976 |
As far as I know, every model was available in 20 micron gold plated. In the reference number, it is 06 rather than 01.
| Model | Reference no. | Calibre | Dimensions mm | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
DS-2 C-Tronic | 8201 300 From 1974: 742 1300 41 |
Certina 29-152 ESA 9164 “Mosaba” |
43.5 x 48 x 14 LW: 20 |
Tuning fork movement. Day and Date with quickset. Various dial versions. About from 1973 to 1976 |
Update: 03.06.2017
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