Certina introduced its DS system – “Double Security” – in 1959. The construction combined a movement suspended elastically within the case with reinforced plexiglass, improved sealing and a sturdier case back. The result was an exceptionally robust construction for its time, developed to withstand severe shocks and falls from considerable heights, as well as water pressure equivalent to a depth of 200 metres.

This example belongs to the early generation of Certina’s DS models and is reference 5601.012. The earliest examples bear the marking “Patent Pending” on the inside of the case back, before the later patent number 346825 came into use. The patent concerns the shock-absorbing construction with its elastically suspended movement mounting and was granted in 1960 following a patent application by Huguenin.

The HF signature on the case is associated with Huguenin Frères, the Swiss case manufacturer. The case markings in question, together with reference 5601.012 and the early DS construction, are typical of the earliest examples.

The watch also features a characteristic pie-pan dial with crosshair decoration, dauphine hands and Certina’s calibre 25-45. Together, these details give the watch a distinctly early DS design and place it among the first generations of Certina’s iconic DS models.