The Resurgence of Certina Watches

Certina DS Diver Watch

A Brief History of Certina Watches

Swiss watchmaker Certina, despite boasting a rich heritage – founded in Grenchen, 1888, by Adolf and Alfred Kurth, had some what lost its way. By 1972 the brand employed 900 people and produced 600,000 watches every year. However, the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s and early 1980s took its toll and it never really recovered. Until now. With demand for affordable mechanical watches back where it should be – customers are seeing value in heritage brands. Which despite their relatively affordable price points do still carry an air of prestige. Sure, a £655 Certina will never carry the cachet of a five-figure Parmigiani Fleurier timepiece. But as an everyday watch or a first timepiece, Certina is a legit option.

DS (Double Security) Action Diver Watch

Certina’s resurgence is spearheaded by its new divers watch. Named the Certina DS (Double Security) Action Diver it boasts a 300 metre water-resistance, innovative Powermatic 80 movement and solid time-keeping precision. And crucially, it’s a nightly handsome divers watch too.

Certina

C032.407.11.051.02 (Black dial/ bezel, brushed 316L stainless steel bracelet and green second hand) – £655

Whether out surfing, snorkelling and diving among coral reefs or just busy with everyday life, the DS Action Diver is a suitable timepiece, offering precision and reliability. Inside, that Swiss Made ETA Powermatic 80 automatic movement delivers up to 80 hours of power reserve. While externally, the robust 43mm brushed stainless steel case equipped with a black aluminium unidirectional rotatable bezel conveys a suitably masculine feel.

 

C032.407.11.091.00 (Green dial/ bezel and brushed 316L stainless steel bracelet) – £655

At 12 o’clock, a protected Super-LumiNova® marking ensures that dive times can be easily consulted even in darkness. To the rear, a screw-down case back, decorated with the historical Certina turtle emblem, and a protected screw-in crown give the DS Action Diver reliability under water. On that, the DS (Double Security) detail conforms to ISO-6425 certification – a stringent standard for diving watches.

A Good Cause – Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC)

 

C032.407.11.051.10 (Aquamarine) Sea Turtle Conservancy Edition – £655

As if the above wasn’t enough, Certina have partnered with the Florida-based Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) to raise awareness. STC is an organisation that devotes itself to the conservation of the sea turtle and its habitats, and Certina now produce a special aquamarine model to mark its dedication to this cause.

References Summary

  • C032.407.11.051.10 (Aquamarine) – £655.
  • C032.407.11.051.02 (Black dial/ bezel, brushed 316L stainless steel bracelet and green second hand) – £655.
  • C032.407.11.091.00 (Green dial/ bezel and brushed 316L stainless steel bracelet) – £655.

Visit certina.com for more information.