Two Broke Watch Snobs
The Certina DS-X GMT Might Be the Most Watch You Can Get for Under $700
The new Certina DS-X GMT combines rugged build, shock-resistant tech, and a clever dual-function bezel-all for under $700.
84 articles · 5 videos found · page 2 of 3
Two Broke Watch Snobs
The new Certina DS-X GMT combines rugged build, shock-resistant tech, and a clever dual-function bezel-all for under $700.
Fratello
You can’t put a price on fun, but the best fun is often had during a vacation, and you can put a price on one of those. You can go camping in a two-person tent on the cheap or spend your downtime in a private villa with butler service on a tropical island for a […] Visit Fratello Summer Watch Picks 2025: Lex’s Choices From Laventure, Certina, And Swatch to read the full article.
Time+Tide
Certina gets in on the summer watch action with a fun GMT that has an additional compass bezel to aid your travels. The post Certina’s new colourful DS-X GMT is an affordable option for summer adventures appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Well, well, well… It appears that Certina isn’t standing still and allowing microbrands to have all the fun with color. The new DS-X GMT collection consists of five new models. One visited us at Fratello HQ, and it marks a real departure for Certina and the Swatch Group in general. Gear up for fun, affordable, […] Visit Hands-On With The Colorful New Certina DS-X GMT to read the full article.
Fratello
Dive watches are what got me into this hobby. As the proud owner of a Tudor Black Bay 58, I can appreciate as much as anyone the appeal of a good, solid dive watch. Such a timepiece is a good starting point for those just getting into the watch hobby. Why? Well, that’s because it […] Visit Lesser-Known Dive Watches With Heritage - Featuring Certina, Zenith, Aquastar, And More to read the full article.
Monochrome
D… and S…. two simple letters that, when put together, mean the world to Certina. They indicate the brand’s famous Double Security system, used to waterproof its watches for over 6 decades. Introduced in 1959, the technology behind the system to increase a watch’s resilience is still in use today, even though it now benefits […]
Fratello
Today, we go hands-on with a new Certina. The DS Action Diver 40.5mm is a significant release for the brand because it presents a new case size. In fact, most would argue that it will end up as the most successful model in the collection. Let’s take a closer look and discuss the merits of […] Visit Hands-On With The New Certina DS Action Diver 40.5mm to read the full article.
Teddy Baldassarre
The Certina DS Action Diver 38mm is a dive watch that has been largely off the radar of many U.S. watch enthusiasts until somewhat recently but is having a moment in our current era, in which sporty utility, striking colorways, value for money, and understated sizing reign supreme in the watch market. How much do you know about the DS Action Diver, including the meaning of “DS,” or about the not-so-famous but very historic Swiss watch brand that produced it? Read on, and you’ll be up to speed. Origins Of Certina Certina traces its roots to 1888, but it wasn’t called Certina back then. That year, a pair of Swiss brothers, Adolf and Alfred Kurth, set up a watchmaking workshop in an annex to their family home in the town of Grenchen (above), initially, to make movements and parts to sell to other watch companies in the region. By 1906, however, they were making enough of their own complete timepieces that they introduced a brand name: Grana, which was a shortened version of the Latin word “Granatus,” referring to Grenchen. The early Grana watches found success, but for several years the Kurth brothers continued to also make and supply movements to other companies; the name “Certina” - another Latin-derived word, from “certus,” for “sure” or “certain” - began appearing on the company’s timepieces in the 1930s. The name, which was also easier to pronounce than “Grana” in more languages, was registered in 1933 and eventually became the c...
Fratello
Today, we’ll briefly examine two new Certina DS-1 Big Date Collection variants. While we’ve typically covered some of Certina’s sportier watches here on Fratello, it’s important to remember that models like the DS-1 form the foundation for a brand. Watch nerds aside, pieces like this sell in large numbers. The DS-1 Big Date was introduced […] Visit Hot Take: Two New Certina DS-1 Big Date Watches With Matte Cases to read the full article.
Monochrome
If you’re going to have a date function on a watch, make it legible. For people of a certain age, there is nothing more frustrating than squinting your eyes to consult the date. Big dates are the heavyweight champions of the date function, proudly revealing their double digits. While the big date display is intimately […]
Monochrome
Founded in 1888, Certina is one of the accessible luxury brands of the Swatch Group, catalogued in the sports watch section. A visit to the brand’s headquarters in Biel, Switzerland, to check some of the upcoming 2025 new watches was the perfect opportunity to sit down with the brand’s CEO Marc Aellen, and to discuss […]
Fratello
Two days ago, we attended an event called Watch Valley. It’s set up annually by Swatch Group brands like Tissot, Rado, and Certina to show their novelties to retailers and the press - kind of like a mini Baselworld. This year, Mido was there for the first time as well. We were expecting to see […] Visit A Hands-On Introduction To The All-New Mido Multifort 8 Two Crowns to read the full article.
Teddy Baldassarre
Certina is a watch brand that may be fairly new to you, especially if you live in the United States, where distribution has been limited to non-existent over the past several decades. In actuality, however, Certina is among the oldest Swiss watch brands currently in operation and today represents an appealing and perhaps underrated option in the arena of stylish sports watches that are solidly built yet priced affordably. The Kurth Brothers, Grana, and the Dirty Dozen Certina has its origins in 1888, when two Swiss brothers, Adolf and Alfred Kurth, set up a watchmaking workshop in an annex to their family home in the town of Grenchen (above). Initially, the brothers made movements and parts that they supplied to other watch companies in the region, but by 1906 they were making enough of their own complete timepieces that they introduced a brand name: Grana, which was a shortened version of the Latin word “Granatus,” referring to Grenchen. The early Grana watches found success, but for several years the Kurth brothers continued to also make and supply movements to other companies; the name “Certina” - another Latin-derived word, from “certus,” for “sure” or “certain” - began appearing on the company’s timepieces throughout the 1930s. The name, which was also easier to pronounce than “Grana” in more languages, was registered in 1933 and eventually became the company’s sole name in 1949. Few Grana watches are remembered as milestones today, i...
Time+Tide
With subtle nods to padel with its grid dial texture, the new DS-7 Chrono Auto from Certina is a great all-around entry-level chronograph.The post The Certina DS-7 Chrono gets an automatic movement and a padel inspired dial appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Monochrome
Last year, Certina ventured into the popular 1970s-inspired integrated-bracelet sports watch category. In this space, fellow Swatch Group brand Tissot has made waves with its highly successful and accessible PRX series. While the 2023 Certina DS-7 Powermatic 80 models offer a simple time-and-date functionality, they bring a more contemporary, slimmer, and less angular design, setting […]
Fratello
Welcome to this Sunday Morning Showdown “Summer Edition.” Last week, we put two high-end golden travel timers up against each other. This week, two stainless steel divers from the more affordable side of the watch spectrum will battle it out. Both the Seiko SRPE05 “King Turtle” and the Certina DS Super PH1000M STC (short for […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Seiko SRPE05 “King Turtle” Vs. Certina DS Super PH1000M “Sea Turtle Conservancy” to read the full article.
Monochrome
Certina is a go-to brand for resilient, well-designed, decently-priced sports watches. The latest model to join the Certina family is the DS Action Diver Chrono, which combines the solid diving specifications of the DS Action Diver with the functionality of a chronograph. Robust enough to fathom depths of 300 metres, the stylish two-tone golden sand […]
Fratello
The Certina DS Action Diver Chrono is here just in time for the summer holidays. It’s a refreshing modern watch that follows the same design path as the DS Action Diver. It also takes a sharp detour from the trend of smaller diameters and thinner cases. This is a big, bold watch! I’m happy to […] Visit Introducing: The Certina DS Action Diver Chrono to read the full article.
Time+Tide
Rather than issuing yet another small retro diver, Certina goes big.The post Certina doesn’t follow the downsizing trend with the brawny DS Action Diver Chrono appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
With the summer holidays approaching, it’s time to talk about summer watches. Thomas started this series with his three favorite summer watches at three different price points. We are looking for one pick under €1,000, another under €10,000, and an unlimited-budget option. It seems like a fairly straightforward task, but as it turns out, it’s […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Summer Watches At Three Different Price Points - Jorg’s Picks From Certina, Sinn, And Hublot to read the full article.
Fratello
It is that time of year again, though you would be hard-pressed to notice when looking out the window here in the Netherlands! In any case, summer is upon us, which means we are back with a new theme for our Fratello Favorites series. I get the honor of kicking off this round by sharing […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Summer Watches At Three Different Price Points - Thomas’s Picks From Certina, Omega, And Zenith to read the full article.
Monochrome
Certina’s robust and affordably priced DS-1 is a descendant of the brand’s pioneering DS (Double Security) concept introduced in 1959. Back then, much like a turtle’s protective shell, the DS concept was engineered to enhance the resilience, reliability, and water resistance of watches against external threats by incorporating O-ring seals. This versatile and straightforward timepiece […]
Fratello
While my love of vintage-infused watches is cyclical, my love of dive watches is constant. There is just something about the purity and a sense of purpose that will always keep the genre on my favorite list. When done right, as with the shape and size of Certina’s DS Super PH1000M STC, a touch of […] Visit Hands-On With The Certina DS Super PH1000M STC - A Dive Tool Done Right to read the full article.
Monochrome
In recent years, Swatch Group-owned brand Certina has demonstrated its capability of creating powerful, capable and nicely designed dive watches at fair prices. Take the example of the DS Super PH500M, the DS PH200M, or the DS Action Diver to understand my point. Last year, the brand pushed things even further with a watch drawing inspiration from […]
Time+Tide
The dive watch-focused brand has released a very vintage-looking special edition 'superdiver' in support of the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC).The post Certina doubles down on its love for turtles with the special edition DS Super PH1000M STC appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Full disclosure: I dreaded the moment I had to choose the best watches under €2,500. Why? Because what I think is under €2,500 isn’t anymore. Yeah, go ahead. Call me out of touch and old-fashioned; it’s okay. But you know what? My list of three watches came to me in a wave of clarity. And […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €2,500 - Lex’s Picks From Certina, King Seiko, And Oris to read the full article.
Fratello
The Certina DS-7 Chrono Padel Edition by Marta Ortega sheds light on a sport that has recently come to my attention. Padel is a big deal! Now the sport has a watch celebrating one of its most popular players. Marta also had a hand in designing the chronograph. I hadn’t heard much about padel until […] Visit The New Certina DS-7 Chrono Padel Edition By Marta Ortega to read the full article.
Fratello
The reality is that there are loads of choices for watches under the magic €1,000 threshold. Choosing the so-called “best” watches, however, is a challenge. It all depends on whether the watch will supplement a collection as a daily beater or perhaps be the first nicer watch for the buyer. I’ve chosen three very different […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €1,000 - Mike’s Picks From Brew, Certina, And Baltic to read the full article.
Fratello
Am I being overly dramatic when I think of the word “fratricide” after seeing the two-tone Certina DS Action GMT Powermatic 80? Well, first, this is Fratello, so it is within the theme. And then there’s the watch. Certina’s GMT took me by surprise and made me worry about its “big brother,” the Longines Spirit […] Visit The Two-Tone Certina DS Action GMT Powermatic 80 Took Me By Surprise On A Monday Morning to read the full article.
Fratello
Yuichiro Miura’s 1970 expedition to Mt. Everest was the subject of a documentary and press coverage, and it became a legend in the extreme skiing community. His companion on that adventure was the Certina DS-2 Chronolympic. It was a hardy chronograph built for adventure. There is a way of considering the world’s tallest peaks that […] Visit The Man Who Skied Down Everest With A Certina DS-2 Watch to read the full article.
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