Certina DS-4 Automatic Ref. C022.428.16.031.00
Dress Watch / Casual Dress Watch · Certina, owned by the Swatch Group, positioned as a mid-range Swiss watch manufacturer renowned for its robust build quality and the proprietary DS (Double Security) concept
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-present) with vintage dress watch cues
Type
Dress Watch / Casual Dress Watch
Brand
Certina, owned by the Swatch Group, positioned as a mid-range Swiss watch manufacturer renowned for its robust build quality and the proprietary DS (Double Security) concept
Movement
Automatic self-winding ETA 2825-2 mechanical movement operating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) with a 38-hour power reserve and 25 jewels, featuring a specialized small seconds and date layout at 6 o'clock
Dimensions
Case diameter: 40 mm, Case thickness: 12 mm, Lug-to-lug: 47 mm, Lug width: 20 mm
Description
The Certina DS-4 Automatic bridges the gap between classic elegance and everyday robustness. Featuring a sophisticated black textured dial with a sub-seconds and date complication arranged vertically at the 6 o'clock position, it offers a striking visual balance. Encased in a polished and brushed 40mm stainless steel case, the watch manages to be both refined enough for formal wear and sturdy enough for daily use, bolstered by Certina's legendary Double Security protection system.
Key Features
Distinctive small seconds sub-dial combined with a date aperture at the 6 o'clock position, textured wave-pattern dial center, ETA 2825-2 movement architecture, and Certina DS (Double Security) anti-shock and water-resistance construction
Dial Description
Matte black dial featuring a unique textured wave pattern across the center, applied silver-toned baton indices with luminous inserts, polished dauphine hands with central lume fill, and a distinctive lower sub-dial at 6 o'clock housing the small seconds indicator alongside a neatly integrated date window
Case Material
Stainless steel 316L with high-polished bezel and upper case surfaces, combined with vertical satin-brushed case flanks
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the underside, flat profile offering a clear, distortion-free view of the dial
Bezel Details
Fixed smooth polished stainless steel bezel with a rounded profile, seamlessly integrating into the case assembly to emphasize the dial and classic dress watch proportions
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull stainless steel crown featuring the Certina double C logo engraved on the outer flat surface, sized for easy manual winding and time-setting operation
Bracelet or Strap
Grey aftermarket silicone rubber strap with a smooth finish and a stainless steel pin buckle, prioritizing casual daily comfort while allowing versatility for leather deployment straps
Caseback Details
Exhibition screw-down case back with a transparent sapphire crystal window revealing the decorated ETA mechanical movement featuring Certina branded rotor elements
Movement Type
Automatic self-winding ETA 2825-2 mechanical movement operating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) with a 38-hour power reserve and 25 jewels, featuring a specialized small seconds and date layout at 6 o'clock
Water Resistance
Rated to 10 bar (100 meters / 330 feet), suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational water sports, though not intended for deep-sea scuba or saturation diving
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Switzerland utilizing outsourced Swiss ETA mechanical movements within the Swatch Group ecosystem
Age Estimate
Modern production, circa 2015-present, utilizing Super-LumiNova luminescence and contemporary movement architecture
Cultural Significance
Certina holds a respected position in Swiss watchmaking history for bringing extreme durability and sports-ready engineering to accessible everyday timepieces, frequently accompanying extreme mountaineering and caving expeditions in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good overall condition. The polished stainless steel case shows very minor hairline scratches consistent with light wear. The sapphire crystal is pristine and free of marks. The dial and hands are clean with intact luminescent material. The aftermarket grey rubber strap is in supple, clean condition.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value range typically between $350 and $650 USD depending on whether the original stainless steel bracelet or box and papers are included
Care & Maintenance
Recommended mechanical servicing every 5 to 7 years to ensure lubrication integrity of the ETA 2825-2 movement. Avoid exposing the watch to strong magnetic fields. Clean the stainless steel case with a soft microfiber cloth and wash the rubber strap with mild soapy water as needed.
Similar Watches
Tissot Heritage Visodate featuring a similar vintage-inspired dress aesthetic, Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic offering comparable entry-level Swiss automatic elegance, and Certina DS-1 collection alternatives
Interesting Facts
Certina was founded in 1888 by the Kurth brothers in Grenchen, Switzerland. The brand's signature 'DS' (Double Security) concept was introduced in 1959, which radically improved shock resistance and water resistance by suspending the movement within the case on a rubber mounting ring and utilizing reinforced casebacks and gaskets.