Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 is a modern sports chronograph inspired by the late-1960s DS Argonaut—not a dimension-for-dimension reissue. Its 43.5 mm-wide, 14.75 mm-thick case, automatic ETA A05.H31 movement, 200 m rating and contemporary materials make it a notably larger, more capable everyday watch than its vintage inspiration.
What is the Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968?
Certina introduced this modern model in 2022, drawing its design from the late-1960s DS Argonaut. Swatch Group described the inspiration as a 1960s model with a distinctive case and robust workmanship, while emphasizing the new watch’s modern movement: “Its design is inspired by a model from the 1960s, but its heart beats to the rhythm of a state-of-the-art automatic movement with a silicon balance spring.” Swatch Group’s June 1, 2022 announcement gives the launch context; the “1968” in the present-day name signals that inspiration rather than an exact vintage specification.
For historical detail, Fratello identifies the Argonaut Chrono 200M, reference 8401 002, as the closest basis for the modern design. It reports that vintage Argonaut chronographs were made from 1968 to 1972 and used manual-wind Valjoux 23 or Valjoux 726 movements, depending on subdial configuration. That is useful context, but the modern watch is a reinterpretation, not a direct mechanical continuation.
How close is it to the 1968 Argonaut?
The family resemblance is most apparent in the cushion-shaped case, chronograph layout and purposeful sports-watch styling. In scale and construction, however, the modern Certina is substantially larger and thicker. Certina lists the contemporary case at 43.5 mm wide and 14.75 mm high; Fratello puts the vintage Argonaut at about 38 x 42 mm and 12 mm thick. The shape makes a single “diameter” an imperfect comparison: Certina specifies width, while independent descriptions use different measurement conventions.
#1 Best Overall
- Case Size: 41.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 11.83 mm
- Precidrive Quartz Chronograph movement, Index + Arabic dial type, Date
- Stainless steel 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
| Feature | Modern DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 | Vintage Argonaut Chrono 200M |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 43.5 mm wide and 14.75 mm high, according to Certina’s model sheet (accessed 2026). | About 38 x 42 mm and 12 mm thick, as reported by Fratello. |
| Movement | Automatic ETA A05.H31 with silicon balance spring; 60-hour reserve, according to the 2022 launch announcement. | Manual-wind Valjoux 23 or Valjoux 726, depending on subdial configuration, as reported by Fratello. |
| Chronograph display | Central chronograph seconds and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock; small seconds at 9 o’clock, per the 2022 announcement. | Subdial configuration varied with movement, according to Fratello. |
| Materials and caseback | 316L stainless steel; sapphire crystal with antireflection treatment on one side on the black PVD reference. The launch announcement specifies sapphire front and back. | Not stated in the cited Fratello account. |
| Water resistance | 20 bar / 200 m, according to Certina’s 2022 launch announcement. | Not stated in the cited Fratello account. |
The comparison shows why the modern model should be judged as a contemporary sports watch with vintage cues, rather than as a faithful reissue.
What is it like on the wrist?
At 43.5 mm wide and nearly 15 mm thick, this is a substantial watch. The compact visual character of the vintage design does not translate into vintage-sized wear. Fratello’s reviewer nevertheless found the modern watch wore well despite its size, while noting that it felt somewhat top-heavy on the NATO strap; the reviewer thought a two-piece strap might sit thinner. That is one reviewer’s impression, not a fit guarantee for every wrist.
Rank #2
- Case Size: 41.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 11.83 mm
- Precidrive Quartz Chronograph movement, Index + Arabic dial type, Date
- Stainless steel 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
Fratello praised the dial’s legibility and orange accents. The large case gives the chronograph layout room to read clearly, while the unidirectional bezel and prominent sports-watch proportions reinforce its practical, rather than dressy, character.
Movement and chronograph functions
The watch uses the automatic ETA A05.H31. Certina confirms the calibre name and silicon component; Swatch Group’s launch announcement specifies a 60-hour power reserve. The chronograph records seconds centrally and up to 30 minutes on the counter at 3 o’clock, with running small seconds at 9 o’clock.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
- Case Size: 44.00 mm, Band Width: 21, Case Thickness: 14.80 mm
- Automatic Chronograph movement, Nivachron, Index + Arabic dial type, Date
- Brown leather 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
Monochrome reports that the A05.H31 is based on the ETA/Valjoux 7753 and has 27 jewels and a 28,800-vibrations-per-hour (4 Hz) frequency. It also notes that the movement includes a date complication that the watch does not use. Those movement-specific figures come from Monochrome, rather than Certina’s model sheet.
Case, water resistance and official specifications
Certina’s official specification sheet covers the black PVD and leather version, reference C040.462.36.041.00. It lists a 316L stainless-steel case and bezel, sapphire crystal with antireflection treatment on one side, Super-LumiNova, a 21 mm lug spacing, a quick-release leather strap and a two-year warranty. The manufacturer lists the width as 43.5 mm; this is the clearest official measurement to use for the cushion-shaped case.
Rank #4
- Case Size: 12.15 mm, Band Width: 41.00 mm, Case Thickness: 41.00 mm
- Swiss Quartz movement, Titanium case, DATE, Grey band
- Band Type : Titanium, Band Length: 175mm
- Water Resistant: Up to a pressure of 10 bar (100m)
- 2 Year International Warranty
The 20 bar / 200 m water-resistance rating and unidirectional bezel are stated in Swatch Group’s 2022 launch announcement. The rating is a specification, not a guarantee that any particular activity is suitable under every condition; follow Certina’s guidance for use and care.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which variant should you choose?
| Variant | Case and dial | Supplied strap | Best fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black PVD, C040.462.36.041.00 | Black PVD-coated case with black dial. | Stitched black leather; quick-release, per Certina’s model sheet. | A darker, more uniform look and a leather presentation. |
| Steel, C040.462.18.051.00 | Steel case with orange dial accents. | Black-and-white striped NATO strap made from recycled #tide ocean material, according to launch coverage. | A brighter, more overtly sporty appearance and the supplied fabric strap. |
These are the launch-era configurations described in the cited sources. Confirm the reference number and included strap with the seller, since listings and regional offerings can differ. Certina lists 21 mm between the lugs; if considering another strap, verify both that width and attachment compatibility with the exact reference, including quick-release requirements.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- Case Size: 12.15 mm, Band Width: 41.00 mm, Case Thickness: 41.00 mm
- Swiss Quartz movement, Stainless steel case, DATE, Black band
- Band Type : Synthetic, Band Length: 180mm
- Water Resistant: Up to a pressure of 10 bar (100m)
- 2 Year International Warranty
Launch prices and availability: what the old figures mean
In 2022, Monochrome reported launch-era prices of CHF 1,930 for the steel version and CHF 1,970 for black PVD; Fratello reported corresponding launch prices of €1,990 and €2,040. Swatch Group announced dealer availability in July 2022. These are dated launch figures and timing, not current prices, stock status or evidence of present-day value. Check the exact reference and current terms with a retailer.
The available cited coverage does not establish market-wide sales, popularity, reliability statistics or current resale value. Those claims should not be inferred from the launch announcement or individual reviews.
Quick Recap
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.
