This tremendous example was purchased from HODINKEE for $1,900. Running strong & accurate. This Certina has just the right amount of 70s funk and an extremely comfortable bracelet to match. Certina was originally founded by the Kurth brothers in 1888, and the manufacturer first produced movements, and later watches, under the name Grana. The name was changed to Certina in 1939, and they quickly started producing automatic watches in the 1940s, eventually introducing the DS series in 1959. The DS divers, a few of which we have been happy to offer in the past, have taken hold in the larger vintage collecting universe over the past few years. On the back of the DS, Certina in general is growing in popularity as collectors continue to be impressed by the reliability and solid build quality. The Argonaut line hit the Certina catalog a bit later, toward the end of the 1960s, really taking off in variety and popularity in the 1970s. In what appears to be Certina's idea of an aviator's watch to pair with the DS diver, a whole range of Argonaut-branded, Valjoux-powered chronographs were offered by the brand. In addition to those chronographs, time-only with and without date the functional Argonauts filled in the gaps for customers that desired a more simple but well-designed and reliable wristwatch. In the Argonaut 280 example we have here today, the care in design and build quality is abundantly evident. We were drawn to the deep blue dial and its orange accents. The color is not simply on the central seconds hand but it is tied into the rest of the design by color matching the Certina logo to orange as well as small orange hash marks above each applied hour marker. Other examples of this watch have come for sale with yellow accents in the same places, it is cool to see that different colors were made and not only by swapping a second hand but also changing the dial completely. The orange plays off the blue dial really well for a great look overall. In addition to the accent color on the dial, we particularly like the white text printing and the cross-hair in the center of the dial. It subtly changes the design up and allows the wearer to break down the dial in quadrants for easy timing. It also just looks cool.  This tonneau-style case is extremely sharp showing its original geometry as well as brushing on the top side. It is always exciting to find watches in this good of condition. Add in an original Certina-signed bracelet and this one becomes the total package. The bracelet here is not only signed and fits the watch well but is extremely comfortable. On the wrist, this is one of the most comfortable bracelets to come through the vintage shop lately. Maker: Certina Model: Argonaut Reference: 5801 280 Year: 1970s Case No: 9165004 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 36.5mm width x 40.5mm height; 11.5mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Certina, self-winding, caliber 25-651 Bracelet/Strap: Certina, stainless steel, ref. 6024 bracelet Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No The watch is in overall excellent condition. The case is nice with sharp lines on the sides and lugs and is likely unpolished. There are some light scratches on the case, notably on the caseback, something most likely caused from the case being opened. The reference and case number on the caseback are clearly visible. There are a few scratches on the top of the lugs. The number "8814014" is lightly engraved on the rear of the 11 o'clock lug; we believe it is probably a watchmaker's mark. The blue dial has developed a very light patina throughout. The hands and hour markers have developed a consistent patina. The dial has patina around the hour markers. The lume on the dial and on the hands has developed patina and is close to matching in color. The orange seconds hand has developed patina and has some wear in its center.  The bracelet is in good condition with some scratches and areas of imperfection. There is some stretch between the links, but it wears tight on the wrist. The dial, case, crown, movement, and bracelet are all signed by Certina. Date: https://albums.memento.com/with60177 Album: https://albums.memento.com/stop30160 $999 NET, OBO; including ship within lower 48 Thank you