Last Updated on December 28, 2024 by Jason
I had a recent short break in Worthing, a seaside town on the south coast of England. The plan was to spend a couple of days strolling along the seaside in bright sunshine. However, the weather had other ideas. Instead of sunshine, there was howling wind and horizontal rain. The seaside was replaced by window shopping, which was interesting as there were a few shops with selections of vintage watches, one of which was the topic of this post, a Certina Blue Ribbon wristwatch dating from the 1960s. First introduced in 1961, the Certina Blue Ribbon was the ideal timepiece for a gentleman seeking a functional and reliable dress watch.
A brief history of Certina
Certina was founded in 1888 by brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth in Grenchen, Switzerland. Initially, it was a small family business called Kurth Frères, producing watch components. The company’s early success was rooted in a commitment to precision and craftsmanship. By 1939, they adopted the name Certina, derived from the Latin “certus,” meaning certain, reflecting their growing reputation for reliability.
A significant breakthrough came in 1959 with the introduction of the DS (Double Security) Concept, which greatly enhanced shock resistance and waterproofing. This innovation cemented Certina’s reputation for rugged, high-performance watches capable of withstanding extreme conditions. Certina’s durability was demonstrated during the 1960 Dhaulagiri expedition and the 1965 SEALAB II project. In both instances, their watches performed flawlessly in extreme environments. I have not found any evidence to suggest that the DS feature was incorporated into the Certina Blue Ribbon model.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Certina continued producing reliable, high-quality watches that were both accessible and durable, solidifying its place in the competitive Swiss watch market. Today, as part of the Swatch Group, Certina maintains its identity and commitment to crafting affordable, precise timepieces, continuing its legacy of innovation and dependability.
Certina Blue Ribbon, maritime inspiration
The name “Blue Ribbon” was not chosen at random. It pays homage to the prestigious maritime award known as the Blue Riband. This was a title given to passenger liners that crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the shortest time. These ships, particularly the SS United States, embodied speed, precision, and technological advancement. These were qualities that Certina sought to emulate in the Blue Ribbon watch. At the time the watch was introduced, transatlantic ocean liners were still the preferred mode of travel for the elite, and the Blue Riband was a symbol of cutting-edge engineering. By naming its timepiece after this prestigious award, Certina was aligning itself with the best in speed and performance.
Certina 25-651 movement
The Certina 25-651 is a chronometer grade automatic watch movement that was produced between the years 1960 and 1975. Notably, the movement offers a choice between a bevelled or plane date disc. In terms of functions, it includes an automatic winding mechanism, a sweep second hand, and a date display. The movement has 27 jewels, Incabloc shock protection, a frequency of 19,800 vph and a power reserve of 44 hours. One of the standout features of this movement is its semi-quickset date function. The date can be adjusted by moving the hands from midnight to 11:00 PM and back.
Case and dial
One of the most notable aspects of the Certina Blue Ribbon is its slim and elegant design. At a time when many watches featured bulkier cases, Certina set itself apart by producing a timepiece that was remarkably thin yet robust. The Blue Ribbon’s thin profile would make it perfect for formal occasions. It could effortlessly slide under shirt cuffs, yet still make a bold statement on the wrist. The slimline case, measuring 34mm in diameter and 9.8mm high, was crafted from gold-plated stainless steel. This size, while modest by today’s standards, was considered an ideal balance between elegance and masculinity during its era. Advertising from the period suggests that the gold plating was 20 microns thick. The plating itself is in remarkably good condition with the only obvious signs of wear at the lugs.
The watch’s dial further demonstrates Certina’s commitment to subtle sophistication. Simple yet stylish, it featured clean lines, legible hour markers, and a date window at the three o’clock position. The signed dial has its original finish, with only slight markings or patina as a sign of its vintage charm. Over time, the dials on many vintage Blue Ribbon models have developed slight darkening or ageing, giving them a unique patina highly sought after by collectors today. The Certina-branded winding crown is a nice touch of originality. Despite, its maritime connections and screw-on case back, there are no indications that this watch is waterproof. In the 1960s, Certina was a respected Swiss watchmaker, and the Blue Ribbon was a direct competitor to models like the Omega De Ville.
Summary
The Certina Blue Ribbon is a watch that reflects the values of an era focused on style, precision, and durability. With its slim design, reliable movement, and unique historical connections, the Blue Ribbon is a vintage timepiece that would appeal to collectors of dress watches. It took me several days to complete the research by which time I had already returned from my soggy trip to Worthing. No doubt, by this time another vintage watch collector has acquired this Certina Blue Ribbon wristwatch.
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