Certina Blue Ribbon Automatic ref. 5801 102

Certina Blue Ribbon Automatic ref. 5801 102

The Certina Blue Ribbon Automatic ref. 5801 102 is an elegant vintage watch from the Certina brand, hailing from one of the manufacturer's most classic lines. The Blue Ribbon model was introduced in 1961 and was designed as a functional, reliable, and elegant timepiece for a man seeking a dress watch with a solid technical foundation.

This particular piece combines classic proportions, a steel case, an automatic Certina 25-651 movement, and a green leather strap with tasteful stitching. The watch comes with its original box from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s, further emphasizing the collectible nature of this item.

Movement

At the heart of the watch is the automatic Certina 25-651 movement. This is a highly regarded Certina movement, produced between 1960 and 1975, and considered one of the solid, durable constructions of that era.

The movement has 27 jewels, operates at a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour, and offers approximately 44 hours of power reserve. This design was conceived for reliability, precision, and convenience in daily use.

One of the distinctive features of the Certina 25-651 movement is its semi-quick date change function. Date correction is done by moving the hands from midnight to 11:00 PM and back, which allows for more convenient date setting without needing to complete a full 24-hour rotation of the hands.

Case and Dial

The watch case is made of stainless steel and maintains the classic style of the Certina Blue Ribbon collection. The case diameter is approximately 34.5 mm, width with crown approximately 43 mm, height approximately 9 mm, and "lug to lug" dimension approximately 38 mm.

The watch has elegant, proportionate dimensions typical of dress watches from the 1960s and 1970s. This ensures it sits well on the wrist and retains a classic character suitable for both formal attire and everyday elegance.

The case features an original, signed Certina crown. This is an important detail confirming the integrity of the piece and its consistency with the brand's style.

The dial maintains a classic, organized character, typical of Blue Ribbon watches. The overall design is elegant, calm, and timeless, perfectly capturing the Certina style of that period.

Strap and Set

The watch is equipped with a green leather strap, finished with tasteful stitching. The strap is of high quality and complements the classic stainless steel case and the vintage character of the watch well.

The watch comes with its original box from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. The full extent of the set is visible in the product photos.

Watch Condition

The watch is a used item. It may show natural signs of wear due to age, previous use, and the vintage nature of the watch. The detailed visual condition is presented in the product photos.

For vintage watches, signs of wear are a natural part of the item's history. The photos are an integral part of the description and show the actual appearance of the watch offered.

Set and Warranty

The watch is sold with its original box from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. The detailed extent of the set is visible in the product photos.

The product is covered by a 100-day Dial-House warranty. The warranty covers the correct functioning of the watch mechanism, excluding mechanical damage, water damage, improper use, natural wear of consumable components, and interference by third parties.

History of the Certina Brand

Brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth founded Certina in 1888 in Grenchen, Switzerland. Initially, it was a small family business operating under the name Kurth Frères, manufacturing watch components.

The company quickly began to build its position thanks to precision, reliability, and high-quality craftsmanship. In 1939, the name Certina was adopted, derived from the Latin word "certus," meaning "certain." The name accurately reflected the brand's development direction, which became increasingly associated with reliability and durability.

A turning point for Certina was the introduction of the DS (Double Security) concept in 1959. This solution significantly increased the watches' resistance to shocks and water, cementing Certina's reputation as a manufacturer of robust, practical, and high-performance timepieces.

The durability of Certina watches was confirmed, among others, during the Dhaulagiri expedition in 1960 and the SEALAB II project in 1965. Thanks to such achievements, the brand gained a reputation as a manufacturer of durable, precise watches ready for use in tougher conditions.

History of the Certina Blue Ribbon Collection

The Certina Blue Ribbon was introduced to the market in 1961. This model was aimed at individuals seeking an elegant, functional, and reliable watch that combined a dressy character with a solid technical background.

The name "Blue Ribbon" was not chosen by chance. It refers to the prestigious maritime award known as the Blue Riband. This title was given to passenger liners that crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the shortest time.

Ships competing for the Blue Riband, particularly the SS United States, symbolized speed, precision, technical advancement, and prestige. Certina, by naming its watch Blue Ribbon, alluded to these same values – reliability, accuracy, and elegance.

At the time of the model's launch, transatlantic ocean liners were still associated with elite travel, and the Blue Riband was a symbol of the highest engineering achievements. The Certina Blue Ribbon was intended to evoke this aesthetic and idea – an elegant watch, yet robust and ready for daily use.

Key Information

Brand: Certina

Model: Blue Ribbon Automatic

Reference: 5801 102

Movement: Automatic Certina 25-651

Movement Type: Automatic Certina movement

Number of Jewels: 27 jewels

Operating Frequency: 19,800 vibrations per hour

Power Reserve: Approximately 44 hours

Date Function: Semi-quick date change by moving hands from midnight to 11:00 PM and back

Case: Stainless steel

Case Diameter: Approximately 34.5 mm

Width with Crown: Approximately 43 mm

Case Thickness: Approximately 9 mm

Lug to Lug: Approximately 38 mm

Crown: Original, signed Certina

Strap: Leather, green, with stitching

Set: Watch with original box from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s

Warranty: 100-day Dial-House warranty

Condition: Used

For questions regarding condition, operation, set, warranty, or the possibility of viewing additional photos, please contact Dial-House before purchase.