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The Certina DS-1 Skeleton is a 40 mm automatic watch offered in two documented configurations: a grey-dial model on a leather strap (C029.907.16.081.00) and a blue-dial model on a steel bracelet (C029.907.11.041.00). Both use the POWERMATIC 80.631 movement, with up to 80 hours of power reserve. Which version makes more sense depends mainly on whether you prefer leather or steel—and on the price available in your region.
What is the Certina DS-1 Skeleton?
It is a mechanical, automatic watch in Certina’s DS-1 collection. Certina describes the broader DS-1 range as including automatic designs with or without a bezel, and identifies the DS-1 Skeleton as a distinct model. The skeleton dial exposes parts of the movement; the two documented versions share their main movement and case measurements.
Certina’s official product pages list a 316L stainless-steel case, a 40 mm diameter, 10.98 mm height, and 20 mm lug width for both references. The grey reference’s product page also lists a 47.75 mm lug-to-lug length.
Which DS-1 Skeleton versions are available?
Certina’s official pages document these two configurations. Prices below are what Certina’s UK product pages displayed when accessed in 2026; they are regional listings, not guaranteed current or universal prices.
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- Case Size: 10.98 mm, Band Width: 40.00 mm, Case Thickness: 40.00 mm
- Swiss Automatic movement, Stainless steel case, No Calendar, Brown band
- Band Type : Synthetic leather, Band Length: 190mm
- Water Resistant: Up to a pressure of 10 bar (100m)
- 2 Year International Warranty
| Reference | Dial and attachment | Movement and reserve | UK displayed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| C029.907.16.081.00 | Grey dial; leather quick-release strap | POWERMATIC 80.631 automatic; up to 80 hours | £925, displayed on Certina’s UK page in 2026 |
| C029.907.11.041.00 | Blue dial; 316L stainless-steel bracelet with quick-release system | POWERMATIC 80.631 automatic; up to 80 hours | £975, displayed on Certina’s UK page in 2026 |
Certina’s Swiss collection view displayed CHF 930 for the grey model and CHF 975 for the blue model when accessed in 2026. Regional prices can change, so check the product page for your country before buying.
How does the movement work?
The POWERMATIC 80.631 is an automatic calibre: Certina says wrist motion powers it, and lists up to 80 hours of power reserve. “Up to” is the manufacturer’s stated maximum, not a guarantee that every wearer or usage pattern will produce the same running time. If the watch is left unworn long enough to stop, it will need winding and resetting before use.
Rank #2
- Case Size: 10.98 mm, Band Width: 40.00 mm, Case Thickness: 40.00 mm
- Swiss Automatic movement, Stainless steel case, No Calendar, Grey band
- Band Type : Stainless Steel, Band Length: 175mm
- Water Resistant: Up to a pressure of 10 bar (100m)
- 2 Year International Warranty
Certina also lists a Nivachron balance spring for the grey reference and describes Nivachron as a titanium-based alloy developed with Swatch Group to resist magnetic fields, shock, ageing, and temperature fluctuations. Those are Certina’s performance explanations, not independent test results.
Is the DS-1 Skeleton worth buying?
It may suit you if you want a Swiss-made automatic design with an exposed movement, a long stated reserve, and a choice between leather and steel. The common 40 mm case width and 20 mm lug spacing provide a useful starting point for assessing size, though dimensions alone cannot predict how a watch will sit on your wrist.
Rank #3
- Case Size: 10.98 mm, Band Width: 40.00 mm, Case Thickness: 40.00 mm
- Swiss Automatic movement, Stainless steel case, No Calendar, Grey band
- Band Type : Milanese mesh, Band Length: 170mm
- Water Resistant: Up to a pressure of 10 bar (100m)
- 2 Year International Warranty
The most practical buying decision is between the two attachment styles. Choose the grey reference if you prefer a leather strap and its quick-release system; choose the blue reference if you want a steel bracelet. The UK-listed price difference was £50 in 2026, but regional prices and availability may differ.
Certina lists a two-year warranty for both configurations. The official specifications establish the features and dimensions, but they do not establish independent accuracy results, long-term owner reliability, or how the watch compares in wear with competing skeleton watches. If those are decisive for you, seek evidence specific to those questions rather than treating the manufacturer’s specifications as a comparative test.
Rank #4
- Case size: 40.50 mm: Band Width: 20.00 mm: Case Thickness: 14.10 mm
- Automatic , Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Date
- Band Type: Synthetic: Band Length: 260 mm
- Water-resistant up to 300 m / 990 ft: suitable for diving and/or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Water resistance and everyday use
Certina’s skeleton category describes the models as water-resistant to 10 bar/100 m. That category-level rating is not, by itself, a promise that every activity or exposure is suitable. Follow the instructions and water-resistance guidance for the exact reference, and avoid operating the crown or pushers in water unless the watch’s documentation explicitly permits it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Will a 20 mm replacement strap fit?
The listed lug width is 20 mm, and Certina specifies a quick-release attachment for the grey leather strap; it also lists a quick-release system for the blue bracelet. The width is only one part of fit. Before buying an aftermarket strap, check the exact watch reference, attachment and spring-bar design, and whether the replacement’s quick-release hardware matches the watch. A generic strap marked 20 mm is not automatically guaranteed to fit.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Case size: 40.50 mm: Band Width: 20.00 mm: Case Thickness: 14.10 mm
- Automatic , Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Date
- Band Type: Steel: Band Length: 179.64 mm
- Water-resistant up to 300 m / 990 ft: suitable for diving and/or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
