Certina: history, models and value

Founded

1888

Founder(s)

Adolf Kurth, Alfred Kurth

Headquarters

Le Locle

Owner / group

Swatch Group

Certina: origins and founding

Certina began in 1888, when the brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth opened a small factory in Grenchen, in the canton of Solothurn. At first they made watch parts and movements under the company name Kurth Frères. In 1906 they introduced the brand name "Grana", taken from the Latin name of Grenchen. The name "Certina", from the Latin for "sure" or "certain", was registered in the late 1930s.

Founders and family

The Kurth family ran the company for several generations. In 1959 the next generation, Hans and Edwin Kurth, launched the DS concept that still defines the brand. In 1971 the family joined General Watch Co., part of the ASUAG group.

Certina history and milestones

• 1888: the Kurth brothers found the company in Grenchen.
• 1906: first watches under the name Grana.
• Late 1930s: the Certina name is registered.
• 1959: launch of the DS (Double Security) concept.
• 1960 to 1970: Certina DS watches go on the first ascent of Dhaulagiri in the Himalayas (1960), the Sealab II (1965) and Tektite (1969) underwater projects, and a Japanese Everest expedition (1970).
• 1971: the company joins General Watch Co. (ASUAG). In the 1970s restructuring, Certina stops making its own calibres.
• 1983: Certina becomes part of SMH, today's Swatch Group.
• 2013: for the 125th anniversary, Certina introduces the Powermatic 80 automatic and other new movements.

Famous Certina models

• DS models: the DS-1, DS Action, DS PH200M and DS Powermatic 80 all carry the Double Security label.
• DS PH200M: a diver's watch based on a 1960s design.
• Vintage Certina: automatic and hand-wound watches from the 1950s to 1970s, including early DS watches with the turtle emblem on the caseback.
• Biostar: a 1970s watch that showed the wearer's biorhythms.

Movements and technique

The idea of the DS concept is protection: the movement sits in a shock-absorbing mount inside a reinforced case, with a sturdy crystal and better water resistance. Until the 1970s, Kurth Frères made its own calibres, and these vintage movements have a good reputation for robustness. Today Certina uses Swatch Group movements from ETA, such as the Powermatic 80 with up to 80 hours of power reserve, and quartz movements.

Certina today

Certina belongs to the Swatch Group and is based in Le Locle. It sits in the entry and mid-price segment, next to Tissot and Mido in the group, and offers both mechanical and quartz watches.

Certina prices on the pre-owned market

Modern Certina watches are well made for the money, but like most mid-range brands they sell well below their original retail price when pre-owned. Quartz models fetch the least. Automatic DS models in good condition with box and papers sell more easily.

Vintage Certina is a niche with growing interest. Early DS watches, 1960s divers and chronographs with original dials are the most sought after, especially when the turtle logo on the caseback and the original crown are intact. Redialled watches and replacement parts lower the value.

How to recognise a genuine Certina

Certina is not heavily faked, but check the basics: crisp dial printing, a turtle emblem on DS casebacks that is cleanly engraved, a serial and reference number on the case that matches the papers, and a movement that matches the model. With vintage pieces, the bigger risk is a refinished dial or swapped parts. For more checks, read how to spot a fake watch.

What is your Certina worth?

Want a quick idea of value? Upload photos for a free watch value estimate. A written watch appraisal is available if you need a document for an estate or insurance.

← All Swiss watch brands A–Z