Certina - DS-5 - No reserve price - 738 2420 40 - Men - 1970-1979

Certina DS-5 Quartz – Two-Tone Dial – Calibre 738 – Stainless Steel – 1970s

A distinctive vintage Certina DS-5 Quartz from the 1970s, combining the bold geometric design language of the period with Certina’s renowned DS – “Double Security” – construction philosophy.
The watch features a large cushion-shaped stainless steel case with a particularly attractive two-tone dial. The champagne/gold-toned centre has a subtle textured finish and is surrounded by a dark brown chapter ring, applied baton hour markers and a framed date window at 3 o’clock.
The case design is especially characteristic of the 1970s, with broad brushed surfaces, a gold-tone inner bezel and the CERTINA name prominently engraved into the lower section of the case.
Inside is the Swiss Certina calibre 738 quartz movement, a 7-jewel electronic movement representing an important transitional period when prestigious Swiss manufacturers were adopting quartz technology.

Technical Details
Brand: Certina
Model: DS-5 Quartz
Reference: 738 2420 40
Period: 1970-1979
Case material: Stainless steel
Case dimensions: Approx. 39 × 36 mm
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Dial: Two-tone champagne/gold and dark brown dial
Indexes: Applied baton hour markers
Movement: Swiss quartz
Calibre: Certina 738 – 7 jewels
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case back: Stainless steel with Certina turtle emblem
Crown: Gold-tone crown
Strap: Genuine leather strap
Wrist size: Approx. 19–20 cm
Water resistance: Not tested for water resistance
Box: Generic box included
Condition: Grade B

Condition Report
This Certina DS-5 Quartz is presented in Grade B vintage condition, with signs of age and use consistent with its period. The stainless steel case shows scratches, small marks and surface wear. The gold-tone trim around the crystal shows age-related wear and marks.
The two-tone dial remains attractive overall, retaining its characteristic champagne centre and contrasting dark outer section. Small marks and signs of ageing are visible under close inspection.

The case back retains the characteristic Certina turtle emblem together with the historical inscriptions “Waterproof 10 ATM – Super – Shockproof” and reference 738 2420 40.
The watch has not been tested for water resistance. Despite the original 10 ATM inscription on the case back, water resistance is not guaranteed.
Please study all photos carefully, as they are part of the description and show the actual condition of the item.

Story & Heritage
Certina has been associated with robust Swiss watchmaking since the late 19th century, but one of the most important chapters in the company’s history began with the development of its famous DS – Double Security – concept.

The DS philosophy was created to provide additional protection for the movement against shocks and external influences, becoming so closely associated with Certina that the turtle eventually emerged as one of the brand’s most recognizable symbols of durability.
The DS-5 belongs to a fascinating period in Swiss watchmaking. During the 1970s, traditional mechanical manufacturers were embracing quartz technology while simultaneously experimenting with dramatically different case shapes, dial layouts and materials.
This watch captures that transition particularly well. Its large geometric case, contrasting dial, gold-tone details and early Swiss quartz movement combine traditional Certina engineering with the unmistakable aesthetic of the decade.
The Certina calibre 738 with 7 jewels adds further horological interest, representing an early generation of Swiss quartz movements rather than the simpler mass-produced quartz calibres that would become common in later decades.

A distinctive vintage Certina for collectors interested in 1970s design, early Swiss quartz technology and the heritage of the legendary DS family.
Internal Reference Number - FLO-166