The history of Certina dates back to 1888 in Grenchen, Switzerland, when brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth decided to establish their own watch factory in an annex of their home. The company, initially named Kurth Frères, started by producing watch components and later moved on to making complete timepieces. Through their dedication to quality and precision, they earned a prominent place in the competitive Swiss watch market.
A new name and a commitment to durability
In 1939, the company officially became Certina, inspired by the Latin word “certus”, meaning “secure” or “reliable”. This change reflected their strong commitment to producing accurate and long-lasting watches. During the 1950s, Certina established itself as a brand known for its emphasis on sturdiness and durability. In 1959, they introduced their innovative DS (Double Security) system, greatly enhancing impact resistance and water tightness, making Certina a preferred brand among explorers and extreme sports enthusiasts.
Adventures and acknowledgments
The DS system allowed Certina watches to be part of significant expeditions and challenging events:
- In 1960, a Certina DS watch accompanied a Swiss expedition to the Himalayas, performing flawlessly under extreme cold and altitude conditions.
- In 1969, another Certina model was part of the Tektite I expedition in the Caribbean Sea, where scientists lived submerged for months, showcasing the watch’s exceptional resistance in marine environments.
Innovation and tradition
Certina has maintained its innovative spirit, always focusing on precision and durability. Today, as part of the Swatch Group, the brand continues to produce watches that combine elegance and functionality, incorporating advanced technology and features that ensure longevity.
Currently, Certina is globally recognized for its sports watches, known for their reliability and robustness, keeping alive their legacy of safety and durability for over a century.
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