Reliable, precise, innovative: Certina has dedicated over 130 years to the fine art of Swiss watchmaking. We prioritise high-quality workmanship, modern technology and true sporting spirit. And we don't just mean top athletic performances. It's about reliability, sustainability and being open to new things.
In order to ensure that all Certina timepieces meet these various standards, they must adhere to strict quality criteria. These criteria are reflected in the uncompromisingly robust "Double Security" DS Concept as well as in the "Swiss Made" mark of origin and quality label which characterises all the timepieces in the collection.
In the late 1940s, Swiss watchmaking company Gebrüder Kurth AG launched a new brand name for the company: Certina, from the Latin certus, meaning "assured, certain". Until around 1953, the name "Certina" was printed on the watch dials in a cursive font, with the letters connected. Starting in 1954, the brand name appeared in block letters, as it is today. The now well-known trademark with the two rotating "C" shapes, one inside the other, was introduced in 1958 following a competition for graphic designers. Versions of the Certina logo in white lettering on a red background represent the brand's "Swissness".
The notable success of the uncompromisingly robust DS Concept led to the integration in 2013 of the turtle emblem, familiar from the back of Certina watch cases, into the logo.
Durability and reliability are of critical importance to Certina. These values led to the development of the unique DS Concept, which was first launched by the brand in 1959 and stands for "Double Security" (DS). These extensive security features in the structure of every single Certina timepiece, regardless of collection or function, are what makes it so robust and reliable in the long term.
Back in the 1960s, the first Certina DS models demonstrated their extraordinary quality and durability in a series of spectacular expeditions and research projects. Would you like to find out more? Read a summary of our company history here.
The turtle shell symbolises robustness and durability – characteristics borne by all Certina watches, without exception. It's therefore no wonder that the turtle shell has been the brand's personal symbol since the 1960s. To this day, the characteristic outline can still be found on almost every Certina timepiece, as well as on the brand logo. It evokes the extraordinary durability which characterises every Certina watch.
However, the turtle shell is also an expression of Certina's affinity with the element of water. In the past, the brand has been involved in some significant international underwater research projects and currently lends its support to the Sea Turtle Conservancy and its Tour de Turtles. The Florida-based organisation is dedicated to ensuring the survival of the sea turtle and conserving its habitats. Find out more about the Sea Turtle Conservancy, its aims and its partnership with Certina here.
All Certina watches bear the "Swiss Made" mark of origin and quality label, which shows them to be authentic paradigms of Swiss watchmaking. The brand has been based in Switzerland since 1888 and feels inextricably linked to its historical and geographical roots.
"Swiss Made" not only shows the material origin of the watch, it also alludes to its background. The requirements that this designation places on the watch and movement are stringent and clearly defined. This means that the buyer of an original "Swiss Made" timepiece can be certain that they own a watch of real Swiss quality.
Brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth open their first factory
for watch parts and movements in Grenchen. They employ three people in their workshop, which is adjacent to the family home. It is the cornerstone of the brand that will later achieve global fame under the name Certina.
The brand name “Certina” is officially registered. It goes back to the Latin word “certus”, which means “safe” – a perfect fit for the reliable and precise watches that are manufactured under this name.
The first Certina with the DS Concept is unveiled. This “Double Security Concept” lends the timepiece water resistance of up to 20 bar (200 metres), among other features. With this exceptional resistance, Certina watches fulfil the highest demands.
A Swiss-led expedition team achieves the first ascent of Dhaulagiri (8167 m). Throughout this adventure, each member of the expedition team wears a Certina watch that withstands all the pressure and altitude differences.
In the renowned Sealab II underwater research project, the qualities of Certina watches are put to the ultimate test in the extreme conditions on the seabed. The timepieces prove to be reliable companions on the wrists of the aquanauts.
The US Navy and NASA lead a series of geological and biological research projects in the Caribbean. The underwater project Tektite records movements and sounds with cameras and microphones. The divers involved are equipped with Certina watches, which complete all tests with top marks.
Certina chronographs accompany a Japanese expedition on Mount Everest and function flawlessly even under these extreme conditions: They withstand the largest temperature differences and bring precision and reliability to the project.
Another expert in precision and timing himself, world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali is presented with a Certina watch during a visit to Munich in May 1976.
As a member of Swiss watch industry group ASUAG, Certina becomes a founding member of the SMH Group (Société Suisse de Micro-Électronique et d’Horlogerie) when it merges with the SSIH. This group would go on to become the Swatch Group
The brand emphasises its commitment to greater sustainability with significant measures: In addition to the launch of packaging made from recyclable materials, Certina also announces its partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, which is dedicated to the protection of sea turtles.
An innovation arrives at Certina: The Nivachron™ balance spring heralds a new generation of timepieces. This innovative material was developed in collaboration with the Swatch Group to increase resistance to magnetic fields. Certina is once again setting standards in terms of reliability.
A spectacular watch concept celebrates its premiere at Certina: With the DS+, not only the bracelet but also the case can be changed whenever the wearer wants – easily and without tools. The watch head, case and strap are three separate units that open up almost infinite design possibilities.
