This is one of my more recent purchases from eBay. It’s an early 1970s Certina DS-3. From what I’ve been able to find out so far, it’s quite rare — Certina made some very chunky dive watches with a similar case, including the DS-3 Super PH, of which some were issued to the Royal Australian Navy. But I haven’t seen many other dress watches using this big cushion case.
Unsurprisingly it’s heavy, even more so on the Watchadoo ‘lumpy’ bracelet. But it is comfortable, with the case curved on the sides so it sits snugly on the wrist.
It has a slightly sparkly metallic blue face with silver baton markers, and slight traces of lume left. The movement is a Certina house automatic, c. 919 (which I think might be based on an A. Schild movement). It runs very well on the wrist, but doesn’t have a lot of life when unworn, so it may need a service soon.
It is also completely silent — the Certina ‘double-shock’ insulation is so effective in isolating the movement from the case that you can’t hear it tick even when it’s right against your ear (either that or I’m going deaf!).
And all this for under A$200!
Tim's Watch Blog 
Hallo Tim
I have found your side, when seeking information about a certina ds 3 automatic. My watch i same, like the picture, but with a white background and a white leaderband. The glas is whid scratches. Working good.
Found the watch when I empty a appartment after a lady witch have here life on a place ther no watches are needed.
Hiya Tim,
I’ve just recently got one of these dress watch DS-3’s off ebay –5th Sept 2010. Will arrive next week or so. It was sold “As New” perfect unmarked condition with original Certina signed unmarked/unused leather strap. Dial is gold tone with gold filled baton markers and hands. Upper part of case surrounding dial is gold filled. Bottom cover still has plastic attached to its outside. Movement is immaculate and perfect running and accuracy. Bottom cover has engraved Number 919-1400-40. I’ve got info from a Site “Vintagecertinas.ch ” that the 919-1 calibre was the last “self developed” auto movement made by Certina. It was introduced in Spring 1976. Derivated from their own 853-1/854-1 manual calibre movements. The 919-1 was the successor to the famous 25-65/25-651 calibres. Power reserve quoted as 44hours. I’ve got a Certina “Blue Ribbon” with 25-651 which I purchased new in 1969 –has been worn approximately 30 years in that time. Never taken off wrist day or night. Other than 2 x changes of seals and 1x crown it has never missed a beat and is still accurate. Kind Regards John from Australia
Hiya again. Forgot to be Subscribed and get follow up comments via email
John —Australia