Since 1888, Certina has stood for precision you can trust. Born in Grenchen, Switzerland, the brand has built its legacy on reliability, strength and Swiss Made. Every Certina watch is engineered for endurance. This commitment is rooted in the ultra-robust DS (Double Security) Concept which revolutionized shock and water resistance in 1959. This innovation set the standard for durability and trust. Over the decades, this legendary construction has been continuously refined. In 2025, it reached a new milestone with the introduction of DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance bringing additional durability to DS Action’s resistance. For more than 135 years, Certina has proven its resilience on mountain peaks, in ocean depths and through every challenge in between. Built for certainty, crafted for life, Certina is the watch you can always count on.
Count on Certina since 1888
Built for certainty. Crafted for life.
Born in 1888 in Grenchen, Switzerland, Certina was founded by brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth. They started with high-quality watch components and movements before producing complete watches under the name Grana, derived from Granacus, the Latin name of Grenchen. Recognized for trust, precision and endurance with awards in Milan (1906), Brussels (1910) and Bern (1914), in 1939 the brand took the name Certina, from the Latin certus meaning certain, locking in that very certainty. In 1936, the brand had already developed its first mechanical digital watch, signaling a long tradition of technical innovation. By 1938 when Certina celebrated 50 years of success, it had transitioned to a joint-stock company and employed 250 people. International expansion followed, beginning with the first German branch in 1948.
Double security (DS). Double confidence.
Durable shield. Driven by strength.
In 1959, engineers Erwin and Hans Kurth, alongside their technical team, introduced the DS (Double Security) Concept. It redefined durability with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a reinforced case back and an advanced sealing system. Water resistance of at least 10 bar and impact protection far beyond standards became the norm. Since then, every Certina has been built on this foundation. In 2025, DS reached a new milestone with DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance, engineered for even greater resilience in the toughest environments. In addition to the classic DS system, three new features take shock resistance further by securing the movement within the case, reinforcing the dial’s stability and strengthening the watch glass. Far beyond ISO 1413 standards, this technology gives the watch unmatched durability, capable of withstanding g-forces so extreme that even the testing equipment reached its limits.
Swiss Made. Built tough from peaks to depths.
Trustable in any situation. Certina conquers all.
Certina watches have proven themselves where reliability matters most. In 1960, the Certina DS accompanied a Swiss expedition to Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), performing flawlessly under extreme altitude and temperatures. In 1961, the Blue Ribbon became the most durable automatic watch of its time with an ultra-thin movement. Launched in 1965, the Biostar was the world’s first wristwatch to display the wearer’s biorhythm, later available in electronic, table and pocket versions. In 1969, NASA praised the DS-2 Super PH 500m during the Tektite I underwater project, followed by the DS Super PH 1000m used for Tektite II (1970). That same year, the DS-2 Chronolympic accompanied Yuichiro Miura on his record-breaking ski descent of Mount Everest. In the 1970s, the DS DiaMaster became iconic, worn by Muhammad Ali and featured in the cult TV series UFO. Certina also earned recognition for its jewelry watches with the International Diamonds Award and Golden Rose of Baden-Baden.
Count on innovation
When seconds count, count on Certina.
From mechanical breakthroughs to quartz precision, Certina continuously evolves in step with technology. As a member of the ASUAG group, Certina became a founding brand of the newly formed SMH Group (later the Swatch Group), taking its place as the specialist in robust, sporty Swiss watches in the mid-price segment. Every timepiece proudly carries the Swiss Made label, a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship. Innovation has always driven the brand, from Precidrive® quartz calibers delivering chronometer-level accuracy, to Powermatic 80 automatic movements with an 80-hour power reserve. Introduced in 2017, COSC-certified quartz chronometers, set new standards in precision. In 2019, Certina pushed technology further with the Nivachron™ balance spring offering exceptional magnetic resistance, Accessible, robust and uncompromising, Certina offers excellence in the CHF 300–2,000 range, watches built to perform, engineered to last and proudly Swiss.
Driven by sport. Built for action.
Crafted to endure. Ready for anything.
Certina’s connection to sport is long-standing. Champions across generations have trusted the brand, including Muhammad Ali, Roger De Coster, Mick Doohan, Alex Crivillé, Colin McRae, Petter Solberg, Sete Gibernau, Timo Glock, Robert Kubica, Nico Hülkenberg, Thomas Lüthi, Stéphane Kox and Jeremy Seewer. Motorsport was a core focus for decades, through Formula 1, rally driving, MotoGP and motocross. Since 2021, Certina has been supporting padel and remains deeply connected to cross-country skiing as Official Timekeeper of the FIS Cross- Country World Cup and Ski Classics, with ambassadors like Ebba Andersson reflecting endurance and precision.
Ocean strength runs in our shell
The Turtle. More than a logo: a symbol of strength.
Since 1959, the year both the DS concept and the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) were founded, Certina has shared a deep bond with the oceans. The Tour de Turtles project allows the public to follow migrating sea turtles in real time, highlighting Certina’s commitment to marine life. The brand has a long history with the oceans, including a past collaboration with the VDST (German Underwater Federation) and continues to work with underwater photographer Tobias Friedrich, demonstrating reliability under water as well as on land.
Sustainability extends beyond performance and in 2021, Certina launched eco-friendly watch boxes made entirely from recyclable materials, with cushions crafted from organic cotton and recycled polyester. The brand also offers durable straps made from #tide ocean material®, transforming plastic waste collected from the oceans into stylish, robust watchbands.
Wear your strength without compromise
The quality and reliability everyone deserves.
Certina builds watches for people who live with certainty. Swiss-designed, Swiss-made and built for those who demand precision without compromise, reliability is a standard, not a luxury. For over 135 years, Certina has stood for endurance, accuracy and trust. From mountain peaks to ocean depths, whether under water or on land, through every challenge, Certina delivers precision you can count on. The brand offers women’s and men’s models, quartz and mechanical movements, sporty and vintage-inspired designs, along with watches suited to both maritime and urban adventures.
Count on me. Live with certainty.
Certina. Built for certainty. Crafted for life.
