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The Certina DS-1 Big Date pairs an enlarged date display at 6 o’clock with an automatic movement and a restrained, dress-leaning design. Certina says the model debuted in 2019; its 24 April 2025 update introduced a matt case finish and two new variants. If you’re considering one, compare the exact reference: dimensions, finishes and bracelet details are not identical across the range.
What makes the DS-1 Big Date distinctive?
Its defining feature is a large date at 6 o’clock, shown across two discs. That gives the display more visual presence than a conventional date window and makes the complication the focal point of the dial. Certina describes the feature as combining style and function; that is the manufacturer’s positioning, not an independent legibility assessment.
The design is otherwise built around contrasts in finish and color rather than a single uniform look. Certina’s 2025 announcement describes a 41 mm 316L stainless-steel case with a newly introduced matt finish, a sunray-brushed, satin-finished dial and a sapphire crystal caseback. The announcement introduced an all-black PVD version and a night-blue and gold-toned version with a matching leather strap. Those launch details come from Certina’s own account of the update.
Certina says the Big Date first appeared in 2019, marking 60 years of DS System innovation, and became a signature model. Its announcement is dated 24 April 2025: Certina’s DS-1 Big Date update.
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- Case Size: 41.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 11.90 mm
- Automatic movement, Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Index dial type, Date, Special Edition, Special watch box
- Stainless steel Milanais bracelet, quick release bracelet, Push Button Deployment Clasp
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Specs depend on the reference
The blue C029.426.11.041.00 is a useful baseline, but its measurements should not be assumed for every Big Date. Certina lists the following specifications for that reference:
| Specification | Blue C029.426.11.041.00 | Green special edition C029.426.11.091.60 |
|---|---|---|
| Case diameter | 41.00 mm | 41 mm |
| Case height | 11.90 mm | 10.33 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 48.84 mm | 48.84 mm |
| Lug width | 20.00 mm | 20 mm |
| Weight | 130 g | 132 g |
| Dial and attachment | Blue dial; steel bracelet | Green dial; Milanese mesh bracelet |
| Movement | Automatic Powermatic 80.651 | Automatic Powermatic 80.651 |
| Power reserve | Up to 80 hours, per Certina | Up to 80 hours, per Certina |
| Balance spring | Nivachron | Nivachron |
| Water resistance | 10 bar (100 m), per Certina | 10 bar (100 m), per Certina |
| Price displayed by Certina | CHF 865 on the Swiss-market page when retrieved | CHF 960 on the Swiss-market page when retrieved |
All specifications and displayed prices in the table are from Certina’s respective product pages; the prices are market-specific snapshots, not guaranteed current prices or universal street prices. Check the listing for your region before buying. See the blue reference page and green special-edition page for current manufacturer details.
Rank #2
- Case size: 38.00 mm: Band Width: 19.00 mm: Case Thickness: 10.34 mm
- Automatic , Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Date
- Band Type: Steel: Band Length: 165.6 mm
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Movement, crystal and water resistance
For the blue reference, Certina specifies an automatic Powermatic 80.651 movement with up to 80 hours of power reserve and a Nivachron balance spring. The green special edition is listed with the same movement and reserve. These are manufacturer specifications; the cited sources do not establish independent accuracy or performance-test results.
The blue model has a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on one side. Certina lists 10 bar (100 m) water resistance for both the blue and green references. The blue product page describes DS (Double Security) construction that includes a sapphire crystal, an O-ring gasket on the stem, two O-ring gaskets in the crown, a case-back gasket and a reinforced case back. A 10-bar rating is a specification, not a blanket guarantee for every water activity or condition.
Rank #3
- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 20.00 mm, Case Thickness: 11.53 mm
- Swiss Automatic movement, Index dial type, Day-Date
- Band Type : Milanese mesh, Band Length: 170.4 mm
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
How the 2025 variants differ
The update announced in 2025 brought two new looks, but not a reason to assume all versions share the same case measurements or attachment details. The black PVD reference C029.426.33.051.00 is specified in Certina’s product sheet at 41 mm wide and 11.9 mm high, with 20 mm between the lugs, a Powermatic 80.651 movement, up to 80 hours’ reserve and a Nivachron balance spring. Its sheet also lists a quick-release bracelet. These figures apply to that reference and source sheet, not automatically to every black or PVD variant. Certina’s black PVD product sheet.
For the night-blue and gold-toned model, Certina’s announcement describes a matching leather strap. Confirm the precise reference and its product page for full specifications before comparing fit or assuming the same bracelet system as the steel-bracelet versions.
Rank #4
- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 20.00 mm, Case Thickness: 11.53 mm
- Swiss Automatic movement, Index dial type, Day-Date
- Band Type : Leather, Band Length: 178.7 mm
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Is it a good fit for your priorities?
- Consider it if: you want an automatic watch with a prominent date display, prefer a 41 mm case format, and value a choice of finishes ranging from steel and blue or green dials to black PVD and blue-and-gold styling.
- Check fit carefully if: lug-to-lug length matters to you. The blue and green references are listed at 48.84 mm, so case diameter alone does not describe how much wrist space they occupy.
- Compare other models if: you want a smaller case, a different complication or a different overall profile. Certina’s DS-1 collection also includes 38 mm, Day Date, Skeleton, Chrono Auto and Powermatic 80 formats.
For alternative DS-1 formats, consult Certina’s DS-1 collection. The collection listing includes 13 watches and CHF prices; lineup, displayed prices and availability may change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Case size: 38.00 mm: Band Width: 19.00 mm: Case Thickness: 10.34 mm
- Automatic , Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Date
- Band Type: Leather: Band Length: 178.7 mm
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
What to check before choosing a version
- Match the reference number. Use the full reference—such as C029.426.11.041.00 for the blue model—when checking specifications, price and availability.
- Compare fit measurements. Check case diameter, height, lug-to-lug length and lug width together; the green special edition’s listed height, for example, differs from the blue reference.
- Choose the attachment you want. Bracelet, mesh and leather options differ. Although the blue and green references list 20 mm lug widths, width alone does not establish that an arbitrary replacement strap will fit correctly. Check the exact attachment and quick-release details for your reference.
- Verify local terms and stock. Prices shown on Certina’s Swiss-market pages are not universal, and availability can change. Confirm the regional listing, seller, warranty and return terms before purchase.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
