Certina DS-3

Why We Love It

When it comes to vintage dive watches, we love the heavy hitters just as much as the next guy. The Rolex Submariner, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, and the Omega Seamaster 300 all have special places in our hearts - and collections. But for every well-known name in the dive watch world, there’s one or two that make us stop and say,

“Now this is why we got into collecting watches in the first place.”

In the 1950s and 1960s, lots of brands got into the dive watch game, some using contract cases and movements, while others went down the route of building a purpose built, ground-up, sea going weapon to vanquish its competition. Some of these even went on to earn military contracts for use in clearance diving and special forces applications.

The Certina DS-3 Super PH1000M falls into that select group of watches. This massive, over-engineered 1000 meter diver was selected by the Royal Australian Navy for use by its diving teams and saw action throughout the 1970s. Featuring a 45mm stainless steel cushion case housing an automatic movement, its prominent bulbous caseback and steeply angled bezel assembly are instantly identifiable to dive watch fanatics the world over with a profile that is not easily forgotten.

This particular example remains in outstanding condition throughout with a brilliantly patinated matte black dial and plongeur handset, perfect acrylic timing bezel insert, signed screw-down crown, caseback with military engravings in deep relief.

Its not often that a funky, colorful, oversized 70s diving watch becomes an artifact sought after by dive watch enthusiasts and those seeking military provenance - but the Certina DS-3 is a rare bird that checks all of the boxes!

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.