Certina
- Founded
- 1888
- Based in
- Grenchen, Switzerland
- In our catalog
- 3 watches from $895 to $1,150
Certina is one of the quieter brands in the Swatch Group, but it offers some of the best value in Swiss watches. Its big idea is the "DS" or Double Security concept, introduced in the 1950s to make watches tougher, and its symbol is a turtle, a reminder that the watches are built to protect what's inside.
History
Brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth founded the company in Grenchen in 1888. It made movements and watches, and the Certina name was adopted in the early twentieth century. In 1959 Certina introduced the DS concept: a reinforced case, a shock-protected movement suspended in an elastic ring, and gaskets that improved water resistance.
DS watches were worn in tough environments, including on underwater research missions in the late 1960s, and on Himalayan expeditions. Certina joined the group that would become the Swatch Group in the 1980s, and today it sits alongside Tissot, Mido and Hamilton in the group's mid-range.
Signature models
- DS PH200M: A reissue of a 1967 dive watch, with a vintage-style dial and a modern automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve.
- DS Action Diver: A modern diver with a ceramic bezel and good specs for the money.
- DS Super PH500M: A reissue of a 1960s professional diver with a cushion case and 500 m water resistance.
What it's known for
Certina uses Swatch Group movements with long power reserves and silicon balance springs at prices where most rivals use older calibers. The vintage reissues are especially well done, and the turtle on the caseback is a nice touch.
Price and positioning
Most Certina watches cost $600 to $1,200, about the same as Tissot and Mido and below Hamilton's dearer models. If you want a Swiss diver with history and modern specs on a tight budget, start with the DS PH200M.
Certina watches in our library
- Certina DS Action Diver ($895 to $995)
- Certina DS PH200M ($895 to $995)
- Certina DS Super PH500M ($1,050 to $1,150)