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The Certina DS-2 Chronograph Automatic is a 2023 heritage-inspired chronograph offered in blue-dial steel and green-dial gold-PVD versions. Its defining practical trade-off is size: the steel model measures 43.36 mm across and 15.25 mm thick, though its 48.38 mm lug-to-lug is more compact than the width alone suggests. Both versions use Certina’s automatic ETA A05.231 chronograph movement; the most obvious differences are case finish, dial color and strap.
What the Certina DS-2 Chronograph Automatic is
Certina introduced the DS-2 Chronograph Automatic in April 2023. The current English Certina homepage still lists the model as an automatic watch, with a rounded 43.4 mm diameter and a CHF 1,985 listing. That is a manufacturer-site price in Swiss francs, not a universal retail or street price, and the homepage listing does not identify a specific variant. Certina’s current listing
The more precise dimensions published on the steel reference sheet show why the case deserves a closer look than a single diameter figure allows: its tonneau-like, nearly square form is broad, but the lug-to-lug measurement is shorter than the width. The watch has a 30-minute chronograph and a sapphire crystal with antireflection treatment on one side.
Blue steel versus green gold-PVD
| Feature | Blue steel | Green gold-PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | C024.462.18.041.00 | C024.462.36.091.00 |
| Dial and case | Blue dial; 316L stainless-steel case | Green dial; 316L case with gold-PVD coating |
| Strap | Synthetic strap with quick-release system | Leather |
| Movement | Automatic ETA A05.231 with silicon | Automatic ETA A05.231 with silicon |
| Chronograph | 30-minute chronograph | 30-minute chronograph |
| Crystal and lug spacing | Sapphire crystal; 20 mm | Sapphire crystal; 20 mm |
| Case dimensions | 43.36 mm wide, 15.25 mm high, 48.38 mm lug-to-lug | not stated on the official gold-PVD reference sheet |
| Warranty | Two years | not stated on the official gold-PVD reference sheet |
Certina’s official specification sheets establish the common movement family and chronograph function, but they do not indicate different chronograph performance between these references. Choose between them primarily on the dial and case treatment, strap material, and preferred look. The steel reference’s synthetic quick-release strap makes strap changes easier, but any replacement must fit its 20 mm interface and be compatible with the attachment and buckle.
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- Case Size: 15.25 mm, Band Width: 43.36 mm, Case Thickness: 40.50 mm
- Swiss Automatic movement, Stainless steel case, DATE, Blue band
- Band Type : Synthetic, Band Length: 190mm
- Water Resistant: Up to a pressure of 20 bar (200m)
- 2 Year International Warranty
Case dimensions and wrist fit
What the measurements mean
For the steel reference, Certina specifies 43.36 mm across, 15.25 mm in height, 48.38 mm from lug to lug, and 20 mm between the lugs. Because the case is tonneau-like rather than round, “diameter” is a broad-point measurement, not a complete description of the footprint. Its width and thickness are substantial; the relatively compact lug-to-lug measurement is useful context, but does not guarantee a comfortable fit on every wrist.
One reported wrist impression
In its 2023 review, Fratello describes the case as nearly square in proportion and says its reviewer found it wore well on a 17 cm wrist. That is one reviewer’s impression, not a sizing rule. If fit is a concern, compare the 48.38 mm lug-to-lug and the case’s broad shape with a watch you already find comfortable, and consider trying it on rather than relying on diameter alone. Fratello’s review
Rank #2
- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 12.65 mm
- Automatic movement, Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Index dial type, Date
- 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
Movement, chronograph and water resistance
Both Certina reference sheets specify an automatic ETA A05.231 movement with silicon and a 30-minute chronograph. Monochrome and Fratello report a 68-hour power reserve and describe the movement as Valjoux-based or Valjoux-derived; that reserve figure comes from those watch publications, not the official specification sheets cited here. Certina’s steel-reference specifications Certina’s gold-PVD-reference specifications Monochrome’s launch report Fratello’s review
Monochrome and Fratello also report 200 m water resistance. The official reference sheets available here do not show a water-resistance line, so treat 200 m as a rating reported by those publications rather than a figure confirmed on the cited Certina sheets. Monochrome Fratello
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- Case Size: 42.00 mm, Band Width: 21, Case Thickness: 11.51 mm
- Precidrive Quartz Chronograph movement, 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
How the modern watch relates to the DS-2 Chronolympic
The modern two-register DS-2 draws on the 1970s DS-2 Chronolympic design. Monochrome and Fratello connect the predecessor to Japanese skier Yuichiro Miura’s 1970 Everest expedition and descent; accounts distinguish that related triple-register predecessor from the watch sold today. The present DS-2 is therefore a heritage-inspired descendant, not a claim that this modern model accompanied Miura on the expedition. Monochrome’s history and launch coverage Fratello’s account
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price context
Certina’s current English homepage lists the DS-2 Chronograph Automatic at CHF 1,985. That current manufacturer listing does not specify which variant it refers to, and it should not be read as a guaranteed local transaction price. At launch in 2023, Monochrome reported CHF 1,980 for the blue steel version and CHF 1,995 for the green gold-PVD version. Those are historical Swiss-franc launch prices, not current quotes. Certina’s current listing Monochrome’s 2023 launch report
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Case size: 42.00 mm Case Thickness: 13.78 mm
- Quartz, PreciDrive Technology
- Band Type: Stainless Steel:
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 m / 1000ft):
- 2 Year International Warranty
Rank #4
- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 12.65 mm
- Automatic movement, Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Index dial type, Date
- Grey synthetic bracelet, Tide, quick release bracelet, Tang Buckle
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m / 660 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 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.
