Certina represents the enduring tradition and innovation of Swiss watchmaking, with a legacy that stretches beyond 130 years. The brand began in 1888, and its reputation for tough, precise watches has only grown stronger. Thanks to reliability and a rich history of progress, Certina timepieces are highly desirable, standing out as valuable treasures in any watch collector’s set.
Certina’s Swiss Roots
All the way back in the late 19th century, two brothers—Adolf and Alfred Kurth—opened their own movement workshop in Grenchen, Switzerland. Their humble project started with only a handful of employees in a family space. At first, the watches carried the name Grana in 1906, but the company shifted to Certina in 1938. This new name comes from the Latin word “certus,” meaning certain and reliable, showing the founders’ dedication to producing trustworthy, dependable watches.
During the 1950s, Certina introduced a major advance: the DS or “Double Security” system. This concept, revealed in 1959, offered stronger resistance against shocks, water, and magnets. These tough features quickly became the essence of Certina watches, a quality still cherished in modern designs. Another distinguishing detail is the brand’s turtle logo, which first appeared in the 1960s. Like the sturdy sea turtle, this symbol promises strength and longevity, making Certina watches favorites for both everyday use and collecting.
Through the decades, Certina has celebrated several milestones. The company contributed military watches during World War II under the Grana name, making some of those rare pieces especially collectible at auctions today. In 1939, Certina created a pioneering digital mechanical display, well ahead of its time. Their watches have faced everything from Everest descents to deep-sea science missions—reliability always at their core. As a result, many models from the 1930s to the 1980s weather time impressively, staying in great condition for collectors hunt down today.
Durability at the Heart: The DS System
What truly sets Certina apart is the unique DS (Double Security) system. Watches made with DS technology feature special o-ring gaskets, strengthened case backs, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystals. Thanks to these features, most current models can handle at least 200 meters of water pressure—sometimes even more. That means these watches aren’t just collectors’ items—they perform with confidence underwater, in the gym, or for daily wear.
Certina keeps improving. Upgraded models now include high-tech Nivachron balance springs for better resistance against magnetic forces, along with Powermatic 80 automatic movements that deliver up to 80 hours of power. At the core, they evolve classic veteran movements known for reliability but meet new expectations for precision and resilience. Watch lovers appreciate how Certina blends these innovations into watches with affordable, approachable price tags—especially attractive for beginner passionate collectors.
Websites that curate fine timepieces frequently highlight Certina, putting its craftsmanship alongside the biggest Swiss names. This level of recognition just further cements how Certina remains a mark of timeless value and stellar performance in every collection.
Masterpiece Highlight: The DS PH200M
One standout within the Certina lineup is the DS PH200M, part of the Heritage collection. Pulling inspiration from classic 1960s diver designs, this watch comes with a gleaming 42.8mm steel case, a screw-down crown, and water resistance up to 200 meters—fully compliant with exacting industry standards. The watch features a ceramic diver’s bezel, domed deep for excellent grip, and generous vintage-inspired details. For added charm, buyers get the choice of either versatile hesalite or enduring sapphire crystals on this handsome model.
The dial sports retro crosshairs and luminous hour markers, paired with sword-shaped hands for vintage accuracy. A date window sits at 3 o’clock on most variants, and blue dials with gold highlights are especially eye-catching. Running everything is the Powermatic 80.611 movement, offering robust accuracy along with hand-winding and stop-seconds. Sometimes, there’s even a see-through back to admire the movement’s work.
Not only is the DS PH200M beautifully throwback in style, it’s affordable compared to many Swiss rivals. Options for NATO fabric straps, smooth leather, or mesh steel bracelets let each wearer match their own personality to their favorite heritage piece. Collectors and divers alike value it as a rare blend of trusted Swiss engineering wrapped in nostalgic elegance.
Going the Distance: The DS Super PH500M
For those who demand more from their watches, the Certina DS Super PH500M takes capabilities to a deeper level. This model impresses with a whopping 500 meters of water resistance, suitable even for deep saturation diving. Features like its sturdy helium escape valve and rugged body pay tribute to the DS-2 Super PH500M originals from the 1960s—the same type worn on underwater expeditions.
The DS Super PH500M is larger at about 44mm in diameter and wears like a professional instrument. It showcases simple but effective design—luminous markers on a black dial, bold black-painted hands, and a rubber strap flexible enough for a wetsuit. Inside, it runs on the precise Powermatic 80.611 engine, pairing shock protection with a magnetic-resistant Nivachron spring.
Collectors adore both the rare vintage models for their link to real historic adventures and the newer releases for their ability to cope with actual aquatic challenges. Whether placed in a display case or strapped on for waves and wind, this watch is a natural hero in any dive-oriented set.
Unearthing Treasures: The Heritage Series
Certina’s Heritage lineup honors the vintage greats. Each new iteration uses either Swiss automatic movements or highly-accurate quartz. Hesalite crystals add period flavor, while colorful vintage straps and updated calibers showcase the brand’s knack for mixing old looks with modern technology. Highlights here include the refined DS Caimano Lady Automatic, which features genuine mother-of-pearl dials and touches of diamond for those who want sophistication with their sports model.
Popular 1960s-inspired chronographs also populate this range—drawing racing fans and trendsetters with timeless motifs and practical features. Sizes are rarely overpowering, keeping between 38mm to 42mm—perfect for those valuing classic wrist proportions with a nostalgic bent. Stylized dials hint at Art Deco and mid-century minimalism without being copies, showing Certina’s contemporary flair for design in every piece.
Why Certina Wins Collector Hearts
The real draw of Certina goes beyond just looks or features. Here, collectors find genuine Swiss mechanics, notable water and shock protection, and substantial brand history—often at much lower prices compared to top luxury labels like Rolex. Special editions such as the Grana “Dirty Dozen” inflate in value at auctions, but most Heritage models remain affordable for keen buyers.
Thanks to robust building methods, Certina pieces continue to prove themselves—from freezing peaks to ocean dives—earning deep trust among their fans. Today, as part of the Swatch Group, Certina can share more innovation while retaining the substance that earned their reputation long ago. Whether brand new or passed down through generations, Certina watches offer an enduring sense of style and dependability—one that lets collectors feel sure their investment will stand the test of time.
If you’re on the lookout for your next unique addition, many respected European retailers provide an expert path to genuine Certina models, ensuring you get to enjoy the quality and legacy behind every robust Swiss-made creation. With almost a century and a half of history, Certina delivers reliability and elegance, no matter the era or the wrist.
