New (to me) DS back from local watch shop!
Got this gently used at a decent price. It had a big gouge in the crystal. I tried (first time attempt) buffing it out but got it too hot and made it worse. Live and learn, eh? The owner of the shop told me he would give me some instruction when I have to do it again. He replaced the crystal and now it’s all minty and fresh!
Put a Hirsch Arne sailcloth strap on it. Not sure if this is the forever strap for it, but I do like it better than the leather strap that it came with. It is also understated and super comfy.
I kind of happened into the watch. Wasn’t actively looking for it, but I did want a Certina Powermatic 80 movement in my collection. I think the modern iteration of this storied maker is doing a pretty good job with the brand and it’s wares. And the price made it easy to acquire.
It is a handsome and easy watch to wear. Decidedly un-bling and doesn’t scream look at me - which I like. The domed acrylic crystal is really appealing. Nothing complex about the design language -simple and well executed me thinks. It works. Dig the turtle on the case back.
Even though I wasn’t aiming for the watch, I am happy it found me. We make a good match.
Howdy! New collector but a long time watch enthusiast. Looking to establish a proletarian array of time pieces that I actually love and wear.
The Powermatic 80 is an awesome workhorse. Congrats on the find and restoration.
The Powermatic 80 is an awesome workhorse. Congrats on the find and restoration.
Workhorse is a good way to describe it. With the acrylic crystal it will be mostly a day off watch.
Beautifully designed watch that. Pure, stark functionality in a lovely modernist package.
Certina are so underrated and the Powermatic movements are a game changer in terms of reliability and innovative manufacturing. Sadly a robot isn't as appealing as a "Swiss craftsman" so the innovation tends to be downplayed in the marketing.
I always liked the looks of the DS Ph200M, but the two things that put me off were the 23-jewel variant of the Powermatic 80 - C07.111 with a plastic non-jewelled pallet fork and escape wheel - and the huuuuge play of the bezel. Definitely one to pick-up pre-owned rather than new that's anything close to the MSRP. It's still a great-looking watch with a ton of charm.
I always liked the looks of the DS Ph200M, but the two things that put me off were the 23-jewel variant of the Powermatic 80 - C07.111 with a plastic non-jewelled pallet fork and escape wheel - and the huuuuge play of the bezel. Definitely one to pick-up pre-owned rather than new that's anything close to the MSRP. It's still a great-looking watch with a ton of charm.
There are always compromises at this price point. No play in the bezel. I wouldn’t have bought it if it was sloppy. I didn’t know there was a later model until I had already purchased it. I had a few days of buyer’s remorse when I researched the differences between this and the 2020 model, especially knowing that changing the crystal on this watch is not a straight ahead thing with how the watch cushions the movement and seals against water intrusion. The more time I have it on my wrist the more satisfying it is. It wears beautifully, keeps accurate time, draws no attention, has pleasing and well executed design and proportion. It is a by all accounts a good watch. Is it more than that? No. Is it less? No. And with that, I am happy.
Enjoy your new acquisition!
Congratulations! I like the strap, it would be a nice addition to my straps collection too.
Regarding the crystal - it's covered with some special layer that makes it more durable. And if you decide to polish it, you will scratch this layer:( I believe that's what happened to your watch