Certina DS-1 Chrono AutovsTissot Telemeter 1938

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Certina DS-1 Chrono Auto at true scale

DS-1 Chrono Auto

Tissot Telemeter 1938 at true scale

Telemeter 1938

Diameter

42mm

42mm

Lug-to-Lug

49.7mm

n/a

Thickness

14.3mm

13.8mm

lowest

Water Resistance

100m

highest

30m

Power Reserve

n/a

68h

MSRP

$2,164

lowest

$2,400

Movement

Tissot Valjoux A05.231

Tissot Valjoux A05.231

Case

4 specs
Thickness
14.32mm
13.85mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.68mm
n/a
Lug Width
21mm
22mm
Water Resistance
100m
30m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
n/a
Domed
AR Coating
n/a
Yes
Dial Color
n/a
Silver
Indices
n/a
Arabic

Movement

1 specs
Power Reserve
0h
68h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,164
$2,400
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Certina DS-1 Chrono Auto

Owners widely praise the Certina DS-1 Chrono Auto for its elegant design, value, and 100m water resistance. Reviewers highlight its handsome, sober tool-like demeanor and good build quality from Swatch Group. One owner notes the watch is a dressier option than a dive watch, appreciating its Super-LumiNova and AR sapphire crystal. The 42mm case is described as not feeling too large due to a relatively thin profile. Some owners report the included leather strap can be uncomfortable and the clasp sharp. One reviewer noted the date window on a similar model appeared disproportionate and the crystal attracted glare due to a lack of AR coating, though other sources mention AR sapphire crystal. Accuracy figures vary, with one owner seeing +4s/day and another noting the Valjoux A05.231 movement. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Certina DS-1 Chrono Auto highly for its handsome design and strong value proposition.

Tissot Telemeter 1938

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Tissot Telemeter 1938 for its vintage-inspired design, handsome dial finishing, and the value it offers as a mechanical chronograph. The automatic Tissot Valjoux A05.231 movement, with its 68-hour power reserve, is noted positively, and some owners describe the movement as feeling "alive." The watch features a polished stainless steel case, monopushers, and a double-sided anti-reflective coating. However, the 42mm case size is frequently cited as being too large for the retro aesthetic, with many wishing for a smaller variant, and its 30-meter water resistance is considered poor. The pusher feel is described as sharp but slightly stiff, and the average accuracy is reported at +6 seconds per day. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Tissot Telemeter 1938 highly for its attractive vintage design and good value, despite concerns about its case size.

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