Thanks to their solid international reputation on excellent workmanship, Certina is one of the most well-known names in the watchmaking world. Their collection includes a wide range of stylish timepieces for both men and women, many of which follow a sporty design. While the brand places a strong focus on the design of each watch, the functionality has not been ignored. As emphasised by the attention to technical finesse that goes into each watch, Certina’s commitment to perfection is unmatched. Over the past couple of years, the brand has seen a rise in popularity; more and more people are wanting to purchase a Certina. As a result, we have put together this list of 5 things you should know before buying a Certina. So keep reading if you want to discover what these are!
5 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Certina
1. Certina has a long and rich history
Certina was founded by Adolf and Alfred Kurth in 1888. The brand was set up in the Swiss town of Grenchen, right at the foot of the Jura mountains; a hotspot for many prestigious watch brands. In 1906, the Kurth brothers introduced a brand name for their watches ‘Grana’ but in 1939, this was changed to ‘Certina’ for a good reason. Said reason being because it was easier to pronounce in all languages. A symbol of longevity and robustness, 20 years later the brand introduced their iconic turtle shell. To this day, the characteristic outline can still be found on almost every Certina timepiece, as well as on the brand logo. Due to their rich history, Certina have had plenty of years to perfect its craft. This means all of their watches are made to be precise and highly-functional; they are pieces built to last.
Certina DS | Chronograph | Automatic | Black Leather Strap C0384621603700
A unique timepiece that reflects more than 130 years of watchmaking expertise. This elegant chronograph is a direct descendant of a historic Certina model. Clean and crisp, the white dial features two chronograph sub-dials and a mix of silver-tone Arabic numerals and baton indices. For a pop of colour, the hour, minute, second and chronograph hands are blue-steeled. A sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflective coating, protects the dial; it guarantees high clarity. Measuring 42mm in diameter, a stainless steel case, and matching bezel, frame the dial. At the heart of the timepiece’s inner workings is an automatic chronograph movement with a silicon balance spring. High-quality and incredibly innovative, it showcases the watchmaking precision that has gone into the watch. The internal tachymeter display on the dial further adds to this. Oozing great class, a black alligator-style leather strap secures the watch to the wrist.
2. The DS Concept makes Certina watches extremely durable and reliable
Since 1959, the brand’s DS Concept has been synonymous with both maximum durability and reliability. For well over 60 years, Certina has made every effort to ensure all of their watches are capable of meeting all of life’s demands; said concept helping them do so. Through sophisticated research projects and extreme stress tests, the DS Concept has consistently proven itself anew. While ensuring each model is robust and long-lasting, the DS concept also increases overall shock resistance. Hence, all watches from the brand follow the it.
Certina DS-1 Special Edition Big Date | Powermatic 80 | Silver Mesh C0294261109160
A harmonious blend of the timeless style of the late 1950s with the highest standards of the day, this watch celebrates the 60th anniversary of the DS Concept. The eye-catching green sunray dial features silver dagger-shaped indices and dauphine hands. But the star of the show is its ‘Big Date’ aperture at the 6 o’clock position. For optimal clarity and durability, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal encases this. In addition to this, a 41mm stainless steel case and bezel frame the dial; they complement the streamlined design of the model extremely well. The watch is also water-resistant up to 100 metres. An automatic movement, with a Nivachron balance spring and an 80-hour power reserve, lies inside the case. Showcasing meticulous craftsmanship, the balance spring is unaffected by magnetic fields. A stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet concludes the design of this modern masterpiece.
3. Certina is an eco-responsible brand
Certina’s extensive portfolio is increasingly marked by sustainability. In 2021, the brand launched its high-quality ecological packaging made entirely from recyclable materials for the first time. Even the cushion on which the timepiece rests on is made from organic cotton and recycled polyester. Alongside this, Certina has collaborated with #tide to made a new watch strap that utilises sustainable fabric instead of using materials such as leather or metal. Not only does this strap look cool, but it is high-quality and robust; so by wearing it, you are protecting the planet in style.
Certina DS-2 | Automatic | Black Dial | Striped Fabric Strap C0246074805110
A special collaboration with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, this DS-2 model is a great example of how Certina is trying to protect the environment. The matte black dial, protected by a sapphire crystal, features Super-LumiNova coated baton indices and rectangular hands alongside a date aperture at 3 o’clock. The screw-down crown next to the date aperture aids the watch’s 200 metres of water resistance. A 41.10mm tonneau-shaped case and unidirectional rotating bezel surround the dial. The case is made of ultra-light titanium, so not only is it incredibly durable but also very comfortable on the wrist. Overleaf, the exhibition case back allows the wearer to observe and enjoy the Powermatic 80 automatic movement that powers the watch. For an added touch, the glass of the case back features an engraving of the Sea Turtle Conservancy logo. A striped grey-blue #tide fabric strap concludes the design of this special edition Certina.
4. Certina creates watches with a range of designs and movements
Certina creates a wide range of timepieces for both men and women, so there is something for every taste and style; they even creates watches specifically for couples. Some models feature elegant mother-of-pearl dials while others impressive GMT functions. Certina also uses both quartz and automatic movements to ensure each individual can find a watch that suits their lifestyle. No matter what style you choose, with a Certina, meticulous design and execution is always on the cards.
Certina DS-8 Lady (31mm) Gold Dial / Gold PVD Stainless Steel Bracelet C0450103336100
With a clean and minimalist design, this ladies’ model embodies timeless elegance. The sunray gold dial features gold-tone baton indices and gold-tone hour, minute and second hands. A date aperture also features at the 6 o’clock position. Measuring a petite 31mm in diameter, a gold PVD-coated stainless steel case frames the dial. Although a deeper shade of gold, it still complements the dial extremely well. Sapphire glass protects the beauty of the watch, and a Swiss-made quartz movement is housed underneath; its end of life (EOL) battery indicator adding extra security. The classy design of this watch is concluded with a gold PVD-coated stainless steel bracelet. With its comfortable wear and versatile style, this watch seamlessly complements any outfit, making it an ideal everyday accessory. Moreover, its 100 metres of water resistance further emphasises the suitability for daily wear.
5. Certina has strong links to the sporting world
Certina is a brand known for its sport watches, hence it makes great sense that they have numerous successful partnerships in the sporting world. As the Official Timekeeper for the FIS Cross-Country World Cup and the Official Timing Partner of the Visma Ski Classics Tour, Certina has proven their reliability and Swiss precision. In 2022, the brand welcomed an exceptional padel player, Marta Ortega, into the Certina family as the newest sports ambassador. Padel is dynamic, urban, precise and powerful. All these things and more are true of the Swiss watch brand as well. So Certina is proud to support the continuous development of the sport at a local level in a number of countries.
Certina DS-7 Chronograph Padel Edition by Marta Ortega (41mm) Black Carbon Dial / Black Textile Strap C0434173820110
Designed in collaboration with Marta Ortega, this watch is the perfect mixture of sporty, elegant and stylish. The black carbon dial, encased by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, exhibits three sub-dials and a date aperture at 4 o’clock. A padel ball and the words ‘Special Edition’ feature at the 6 o’clock position on the green ring. The dial also features silver-tone Super-LumiNova baton indices and hands with a bright yellow second hand. A slim black PVD-coated tachymeter bezel and a black PVD-coated stainless steel case frame the dial. Measuring 41mm in diameter, the case is small enough to not look out of place but large enough to still make a statement on the wrist. Overleaf, it features the signature of Ortega herself. A black synthetic strap, with green stitching, concludes the design of the timepiece. Furthermore, the Precidrive Quartz movement and 100 metres of water resistance ensures suitability for daily wear.
If these 5 things you should know before buying a Certina have provided you with more understanding of the Swiss brand, and you are now confident that you want to buy one of their watches, click here to view the selection on our website.
What are your thoughts on our 5 things you should know before buying a Certina? Did any of the reasons take you by surprise? Let us know in the comments!
