The C-Tronic was Certina’s entry into the electronic watch market, and uses the finest movement. Model reference 740 5748 41
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Certina used to have serial and model numbers on the case back up until 1974, when they switched to just the model reference like this C-Tronic has, and the movement was used until 1976. This gives a narrow time band that this watch could have been made +/- 1 year to 1975. The picture from the 1975 brochure of a similar model reference with a silver dial only reinforces this.
CONDITION
While this movement may be stamped Certronic calibre 29-151, it is in fact an ESA 9162, and this is undoubtedly a good thing. Not only are spares easier to find if required, but this is considered to be the Rolls-Royce of electronic movements, and was also used by Omega, Longines, Tissot, Baume and Mercier, Eterna, Zenith and more, These watches, along with the Bulova Accutron that pioneered this tuning fork technology are commonly known as hummers, due to the hum they make, and have the smoothest second hand glide of any watch we have the pleasure of offering.
The stainless steel case is a good size for the time, and while it has had a bruise at about 8 it is not terrible. The case also has a small bit of what looks like welding splatter at 2, as pointed out in the video. The dial is really nice – the slate blue grey dial has fine wavy lines from top to bottom and side to side, that allow it to look different in every light. The quick set date is operated via the signed crown. The black leather strap is new, and we will fit a new battery before sending the watch to the new owner naturally. The C-Tronic is a good value way of getting an ESA9162 hummer when compared to Omega or Longines, and rarer.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 38.3 mm
Width without crown 35.7 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 40.9 mm
Case Thickness 11.4 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
