The Certina DS Chronograph Automatic reviewed here is reference C038.462.16.037.00: a 42 mm, vintage-inspired automatic chronograph with a silver dial, ETA A05.H31 movement and 100 m stated water resistance. Balazs Ferenczi’s hands-on review praises its styling and useful chronograph, but finds the supplied leather strap uncomfortable. Its 50.5 mm lug-to-lug length and 21 mm strap width are important fit considerations.
Which Certina DS Chronograph Automatic is this?
This review concerns the silver-dial reference C038.462.16.037.00, as covered by Balazs Ferenczi at Fratello on December 14, 2020. It is not the similarly named DS Chronograph Automatic 1968, reference C040.462.18.051.00. That is a separate watch with a different case, bezel, strap and water-resistance specification; Certina’s 1968 product page identifies that separate model.
How does it look and wear?
Vintage cues without claiming an exact reissue
Certina’s design draws on a chronograph from the late 1940s, according to the Swatch Group’s September 1, 2020 announcement. The modern watch takes inspiration from that history rather than being established as an exact reproduction. Ferenczi describes applied torch-style indexes, numerals at 12 and 6, blue hands and two subdials placed at 3 and 9. The result is a clean, restrained dial framed by tachymeter and telemeter scales.
The tachymeter can be used to calculate speed over a known distance. The telemeter can estimate distance from an event perceived first visually and then by sound—for example, the interval between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. These are functional scales, though their usefulness depends on the situation and on operating the chronograph correctly.
#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
Dimensions to check before buying
| Measurement | Published figure | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Case diameter | 42 mm | A substantial, conventional modern chronograph size. |
| Case height | 13.9 mm official; rounded to about 14 mm in the review | Expect noticeable thickness beneath a cuff. |
| Lug-to-lug | 50.5 mm, reported by Fratello | This length matters for how the watch spans the wrist; diameter alone does not determine fit. |
| Lug width | 21 mm | Replacement straps need the matching width, and 21 mm may be less convenient to source than more common sizes. |
The official regional Certina product page lists a 42 mm case and 13.9 mm height. Fit is personal, so the 50.5 mm lug-to-lug measurement is especially worth comparing with a watch that already wears well on your wrist.
What movement and chronograph does it use?
The watch uses the automatic ETA A05.H31, with a silicon balance spring and a 30-minute chronograph counter. Ferenczi describes it as derived from the ETA 7753, with 27 jewels and about 60 hours of power reserve. Swatch Group also gives the movement a 60-hour reserve. That is the stated reserve, not a guarantee of identical running time in every condition.
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
The base movement has a date function, but Certina omits the date display on this execution, according to the review. That leaves a more uncluttered dial and avoids a date window interrupting its layout.
What are the practical specifications?
- Reference: C038.462.16.037.00.
- Dial: Silver, with blue hands and two subdials as described in the review.
- Case: 316L stainless steel; 42 mm diameter and 13.9 mm official height.
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment on one side.
- Movement: Automatic ETA A05.H31, silicon balance spring and 30-minute chronograph counter.
- Water resistance: 100 m / 10 bar, as published for this reference.
- Included strap: Black leather with a quick-release system; 21 mm lug width.
These are published product specifications, not independent test results. In particular, the 100 m rating should be read as the manufacturer’s stated water resistance rather than evidence of a specific real-world dive test. Certina’s official regional page identifies the reference and lists its specifications; it does not establish current stock availability.
Rank #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
What did the hands-on review find?
Ferenczi calls the watch beautiful and classy, and regards its chronograph as useful. His main criticism is the supplied black leather strap: he finds its feel cheap and its wear uncomfortable. That is his individual experience, not a universal assessment of comfort or quality. The 21 mm lug width also makes finding a preferred replacement less straightforward than selecting one of the most common widths. If you change straps, confirm both the 21 mm fit and compatibility with the quick-release attachment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Certina DS Chronograph Automatic worth considering?
The C038.462.16.037.00 makes the most sense for someone who wants a vintage-inspired, two-register chronograph with an automatic movement, a silicon balance spring and a relatively long stated reserve, and who is comfortable with a 42 mm case that measures 50.5 mm lug-to-lug. The principal hands-on reservation is the included strap, so try it on if possible or factor in a compatible replacement.
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
Do not rely on the review’s 2020 price as a current quote: its specification table lists €1,824 for German retail, while the text says €1,842. The page is internally inconsistent, and neither figure establishes today’s price. Current price, inventory and resale value are not verified here; check the full reference with Certina or a retailer before making a purchase decision.
Quick Recap
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
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.
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