CERTINA MANUAL WINDING WATCH N.O.S. (New Old Stock), 1950s

The history of Certina began in 1888 in Grenchen, Switzerland, when brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth founded their own watch factory in the annex of their house. The company, initially named Kurth Frères, began by producing watch components and gradually started manufacturing their own complete watches. The quality and precision of their watches helped them make a name for themselves in the Swiss market.

Name change and focus on durability

In 1939, the company officially adopted the name Certina, derived from the Latin word “certus,” meaning “reliable” or “secure”. This name reflected their commitment to the reliability and precision of their watches. In the 1950s, Certina began to stand out in the industry for its focus on durability and robustness of its products. In 1959, the brand introduced its DS (Double Security) system, which significantly improved shock resistance and water resistance, making Certina a favorite among adventurers and athletes.

Watchmaking achievements and explorations

Thanks to its DS system, Certina watches were used in various expeditions and extreme events:

• In 1960, a Certina DS watch accompanied a Sw…