Why This Watch Matters

A funky Certina chronograph, few watches scream 1970s quite like this.

The Full Story

Certina was originally founded by the Kurth brothers in 1888, and the manufacturer first produced movements, and later watches, under the name Grana. The name was changed to Certina in 1939, and they quickly started producing automatic watches in the 1940s, eventually introducing the DS series in 1959. The DS divers, a few of which we have been happy to offer in the past, have taken hold in the larger vintage collecting universe over the past few years. On the back of the DS, Certina in general is growing in popularity as collectors continue to be impressed by the reliability and solid build quality. Modern Certina is having a bit of a moment as well here at the HODINKEE as the brand recently exclusively through the Shop.

After the brand's success in the dive watch category, Certina created model lines marketing specific-use tool watches to a variety of customers across the market. Certina developed a regatta chronograph for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, the result was the Chronolympic. This model is one of the most successful chronographs from the brand. We find a variety of interesting designs within the model lineup today on the vintage market.

The example we have here is in honest vintage condition with nice vibrant colors on the dial – it is perfectly 1970s funk. This reference features a central chronograph seconds and minute hand for regatta timing as well as a 12 hour counter at six o'clock. This a lot of scales on this dial, there is absolutely no function lost from the Valjoux 728 base caliber inside.

The Fine Print

Maker: Certina
Model: Chronolympic
Reference: 8701-504
Year: 1970s
Case No: 8309418
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 40mm width x 44mm height; 13.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Certina, manually-wound, caliber 29-064 (Valjoux 728)
Bracelet/Strap:
Lug Width: 22mm
Box/Papers: No

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Overall excellent vintage condition
- Interesting regatta timer design
- Red, blue, and white dial motif

Things To Know:

- Lume loss on the minute hand 

The watch is overall in excellent vintage condition. The large case is very well-preserved with the satin finish fully intact and the edges of the case still clean and crisp. The case back engraving is very crisp and legible.

The dial is overall in excellent condition. The dial has a very light patina overall which suits the over aesthetics very well. The blue, red, and white motif remain vibrant. There are some very minor flecks on the center of the dial which are only visible under a loupe. The lume on the dial shows some degradation and darkening in some areas. The mint green hands are well-preserved and there is some lume loss present on the minute hand.

The case, dial, movement, crown, and buckle are signed by Certina. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.