1966 Certina Automatic "Coronation Chronometre"
Ref: 5801 200
Specification
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no Certina box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with a well-suited strap. The watch is from Circa. 1966 and is sold in worn, vintage condition, but an overall very fair original condition for its age. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
The Watch
Here we have a very clean 1966 Certina Automatic Chronometer 5801 200 with a 35mm brushed and polished stainless steel case. Slender lugs gently curve over your wrist. A lug to lug length of 41.5mm and a thickness of 11mm ensures a comfortable fit. On the right side, is a signed crown. A polished bezel holds a domed crystal over a cream dial. Applied steel baton indexes with chamfered edges mark the hours. At 3 o’clock a date window. Slender baton hands with lume tips are complemented by a fine tapered sweeping seconds hand. The dial and case are reminiscent of an Omega Constellation of the same period which on the market can be found for double the price of our Certina. At 12 o’clock an applied Certina motif with print in black underneath. At 6 o’clock “Chronometre” is printed elevating this watch above its contemporaries. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with “Chronometre” embossed around the centre. Inside an Automatic "Chronometer" Certina Cal. 25-651, 27 jewels, 19,800 beats per hour. This movement was in production between 1960 and 1968 and was used in many of their models over that period due to its slimness and robustness. The watch comes fitted on an 18mm leather strap that tapers down to 16mm.
Personal Note
I have been fortunate enough to have sold this reference before, but when this one was offered to me with the "Coronation" stated on the dial I just had to stock it to say I've had and seen both! The dial is stunning, the quality is incredible, these really are punching high for their price and I suspect a lot of you would be surprised if you had the chance to wear this.
The Brand
Certina was founded in 1888 by Adolf and Alfred Kurth in Grenchen Switzerland. Here they made movements and supplies for the watch industry. Shortly afterwards they started making their own watches and grew their workforce from 3 to 250 in 1938 when they celebrated their 50th Anniversary. By 1955 they had 500 employees and were producing 1000 watches a day. This expansion continued in 1971 when they were producing 600,000 watches every year with a workforce of 900. In 1983 Certina became a member of the Swatch group which they continue to this day.