Certina is one of the most established Swiss watch manufacturers. The brand is known not only for its sports watches but for its philosophy of creating incredibly durable timepieces. Certina’s dedication to precision and reliability has managed to boost the brand. Over its long history, it has remained at the forefront of Swiss innovation and has accumulated a dedicated group of loyal fans. The history of Certina watches is one of family and persistence to be the best amongst the best.
Beginnings
Certina was founded by Swiss brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth in Grenchen in 1888. The brand was first established as a watchmaking movement and supplies factory. 18 years later, in 1906, the company produced their first complete timepieces under the name Grana. The watches were a success and for the next several years the company continues creating watches under the Grana name while still supplying movements to other watchmakers. Though the brand’s name wasn’t officially changed to Certina until 1955, the name was trademarked in 1928. The brand produced its first self-winding rotor movement in 1951.
The DS success
Certina is best known for its DS Concept philosophy. This concept was first introduced during the late 1950s and it was officially launched in 1959 becoming an instant hit selling over 300,000 timepieces the following 9 years. The double security (or DS) system the brand offered something never before seen to the market. Having truly found their niche, in 1960 a team equipped with Certina DS watches climbed the Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world. Proving itself further, the DS watches were then used in the US Navy’s Sealab-II experiment. After the release of the DS-2, Certina participates in the Tektite I and II Projects with the DS-2 Super PH 500M watch and the DS-2 Super PH 1000M.
In 1976 the brand partnered with Muhammad Ali who was chosen as an ambassador for the brand. The American heavyweight champion was seen wearing the tungsten carbide DS Diamaster. Since then the brand has seen many more successes, especially in its sports lines.
Certina’s winning concept
Throughout the history of Certina watches, one thing has been proven with certainty, the value of a reliable timepiece. The brand’s Double Security system is designed to anticipate and prevent issues before they become problems. In order to prevent magnetic fields affecting the timepiece, Certina has employed an innovative material known as Navichron which increases resistance to magnetism. To guarantee its watches are prepared for anything, Certina also makes all of its timepieces water-resistant up to 100 meters or 10 bars.
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