Certina watches

Certina Watches and DS Technology – Swiss Precision Since 1888

Certina was founded in 1888 in Grenchen, Switzerland, and is now part of the Swatch Group – one of the world's leading watch conglomerates. What sets Certina apart from many brands in the same price segment is its DS concept, Double Security. DS technology means that the movement is surrounded by a double protection system against shocks and moisture: a shock-absorbing intermediate layer around the movement and an extra seal that prevents water and dust from penetrating. Certina introduced the concept in 1959, and it has since been a clear design principle throughout the entire range – from sporty dive watches to classic models with automatic movements. It is a built-in technical solution, not just a name. If you want to learn more about the background of the history and origin of Swiss watch brands, there is a guide in Kronura's watch history section.

DS Action – Sporty Certina for Active Everyday Life and Outdoors

DS Action is Certina's most sport-sensitive model in Kronura's range. The watch is built with DS technology's double protection and a robust outer casing designed for an active lifestyle. DS Action suits those seeking a reliable sports watch with Swiss quality – a model that holds up in tough environments without compromising on appearance. DS Action is available in variants with automatic movements and quartz, and in materials such as stainless steel and titanium. The titanium variant is a lighter alternative with high durability, suitable for those who wear the watch all day and value comfort. DS Action is available in Kronura's range for men in several sizes and dial colors.

DS Action Diver – Certina's Dive Watch

DS Action Diver is designed for diving and water sports and is one of Certina's most technical models. The watch is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel – a safety requirement for watches intended for diving – and clear markings for reading underwater. The model meets the requirements for dive watches with high water resistance. DS Action Diver is available at Kronura with an automatic Powermatic 80 movement, which provides an 80-hour power reserve. The unidirectional bezel means you can always safely monitor dive time – it can be rotated counter-clockwise but not clockwise, eliminating the risk of moving the time marker in the wrong direction. DS Action Diver is one of the most sought-after Certina models at Kronura and functions equally well as a robust everyday watch as it does for actual diving and water sports.

DS-1 – Classic Certina with Automatic Powermatic 80 Movement

DS-1 is Certina's more classic model with a cleaner design compared to DS Action. The model offers automatic watches in Kronura's range, with the Powermatic 80 movement providing an 80-hour power reserve. In practice, this means the watch continues to run for three to four days without being worn. DS-1 is also available in a Skeleton version with a visible movement, which highlights the mechanical movement without altering the watch's basic form. DS-1 is a good choice for those who want a reliable automatic movement in a clean and more everyday elegant form – without the extra robustness of a sports watch. If you want to understand the differences between automatic and quartz movements, Kronura's guide on choosing the right movement is very helpful.

Powermatic 80 – Automatic Technology with Long Power Reserve

Powermatic 80 is the automatic movement used in several of Certina's models at Kronura. With an 80-hour power reserve, it is one of the more practical movements in this price range. Most automatic watches have a power reserve of 38–48 hours, meaning that a standard automatic watch needs to be worn daily to keep running. A Certina with Powermatic 80 can handle a weekend break without needing to be wound or placed on a watch winder. The movement is constructed with a double spring that increases storage capacity without increasing the watch's thickness. Certina's men's watches with Powermatic 80 are available in DS Action and DS-1 and are a good choice for those seeking an automatic movement with a high operating time.

Certina Watches for Women

Certina's DS series is designed for both men and women. Certina women's watches offer the same DS technology and sapphire crystal as the men's options, in a format suitable for a slimmer wrist circumference. Quartz movements are common in Certina's women's models and provide accurate timekeeping without requiring regular winding. Certina is suitable for those seeking a Swiss watch with a strong technical profile in a discreet and well-balanced format. Inspiration for choosing a women's watch in the Swedish watch selection can be found in Kronura's article on trendy women's watches.

Materials and Finish – Sapphire Crystal, Steel, and Titanium

Certina uses sapphire crystal as standard in its watches. Sapphire crystal is one of the hardest glass materials used in watchmaking and provides better scratch resistance in everyday life compared to mineral glass. The case is normally in polished or brushed stainless steel, while the DS Action series also offers titanium for those who value a lighter watch with high durability. Titanium weighs approximately 45 percent less than steel and is a good alternative for those who wear the watch intensely. The choice of watch material affects both durability and how the watch suits your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Certina Among Swiss Brands at Kronura

Certina is priced in the Swiss mid-range segment and is closely related to brands like Mido and Hamilton in character and price range. What distinguishes Certina above all is the double protection of DS technology – a design solution that is unique to the brand and gives it a clear technical identity. Certina is a good choice for those seeking a technically well-built Swiss watch with a sporty or semi-dressy profile, without having to move up in price range to get sapphire crystal and an automatic movement.

How to Choose the Right Certina Watch at Kronura

Certina's range at Kronura is divided by application and movement. If you are looking for a durable sports watch for active use, DS Action is the right choice. If you need high water resistance and a watch designed for diving or intensive water use, DS Action Diver is the natural alternative. If you prefer an automatic movement in a cleaner and more everyday elegant form, DS-1 is a better fit. Certina in Kronura's range is available at a price point that is competitive compared to other Swiss brands in a similar technical class. If you are unsure which model suits your lifestyle, Kronura's customer service can help you choose based on style, function, and wrist circumference.

What is DS technology in Certina watches?

DS stands for Double Security and is Certina's own protection system. The movement is surrounded by a double layer of shock absorption and an extra seal against water and dust. The system was introduced in 1959 and is used throughout Certina's range.

Are Certina watches waterproof?

Water resistance varies by model. DS Action Diver meets the requirements for dive watches and has high water resistance. Other DS models have water resistance suitable for everyday use and light water contact. Always check the specific model's water resistance rating before purchasing.

How much does a Certina watch cost?

Certina belongs to the Swiss mid-range segment. Prices in Kronura's range vary depending on the model, material, and movement. Quartz models are normally more accessible in price, while automatic models with Powermatic 80 movements and titanium cases are higher.

Are Certina watches suitable for women?

Yes. Certina's DS series offers models for women with the same DS technology and sapphire crystal as the men's options, in a format adapted for a slimmer wrist circumference. Quartz movements are common in women's variants and provide accurate timekeeping without winding.

What is the difference between DS Action and DS-1?

DS Action is the more sporty model with a more robust outer casing and sports design. DS-1 has a more classic watch shape with cleaner lines, suitable for both everyday wear and more formal occasions. Both series are available with automatic movements.

Is Certina a good watch brand?

Certina is an established Swiss brand with over 130 years of history and belongs to the Swatch Group. DS technology's double protection, sapphire crystal as standard, and automatic movements like Powermatic 80 give the brand a technical advantage in its price segment.