12 Best Certina Watches For Sports Fans

Certina watches grew popular for their sportiness and precision. And through the years, the brand has proven its reliability from their Himalayas expedition to the motocross world championships.

 

If you’re in need of a sporty watch that can handle your demands, then you’re in the right place. Check out our top picks from their vast lineup by reading through this guide.

A Brief History of Certina Watches

Certina started when brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth opened their own movement and supplies factory in 1888. During that time, they weren’t producing complete watches yet. In fact, they were only producing movements for other watch brands.

 

The brothers’ business flourished and after a few years, they expanded their operations. By the 1930s, they started using the brand name Certina, which is based on the Latin word “certus” which means “sure”.

 

By 1972, the company employed around 900 people while producing 600,000 units of Certina watches annually.

Different Certina Watches Collections

Certina watches are divided into four distinct collections. And each group features watches that have their own personality — from sporty to elegant.

1. Aqua Collection

As its name suggests, the Aqua Collection features a lineup that can dive deep underwater. The models under this collection have a water resistance of at least 200m, which is enough for recreational diving.

 

Apart from its innovative technology, the Aqua Collection is also known for its design. Despite being tool watches, the models from this collection also feature stylish designs. So whether you’re going to the beach or conference table, you can never go wrong with the Aqua Collection.

2. Heritage Collection

Love vintage watches but hates their lack of features? Check out Certina watches’ Heritage Collection. It combines today’s technology with the designs of the past. Indeed, each model from this collection pays homage to the brand’s most iconic timepieces.

 

This collection is perfect for those who want a classic, timeless look without sacrificing functionality.

3. Sport Collection

Certina watches are known for their sporting ambition. With that said, the Sport Collection houses the brand’s most accurate and durable chronograph watches. These models are equipped with high-tech functions, innovative technologies, and a design that’s made to conquer the outdoors.

4. Urban Collection

Certina’s Urban Collection has one thing in mind — to prove that a watch can be both sporty and elegant at the same time. This collection features dress watches that are jam-packed with features. These are watches that you can wear to the meeting room, as well as the race track.

12 Best Certina Watches

1. Certina DS 8 Moon Phase

Why Is It Good?

The Certina DS 8 Moon Phase is an elegant timepiece that can serve as a dress watch. It features a simple black dial that bears a moon phase at the 6 o’clock position and a small date window right beside 3 o’clock.

 

It uses a highly precise quartz calibre that is tested and certified by the COSC. In fact, it uses a technology called “Precidrive” to ensure that the watch achieves true chronometer precision. In particular, it has a rate deviation of +/-10 seconds per year, thus, making it 8 to 10 times more accurate than the average quartz timepiece. Apart from that, the movement also has an End of Life and chronograph features.

 

You also need not to worry when it comes to the watch’s durability. Its case is made with 316L stainless steel, which is more resistant to corrosion than your normal steel. Apart from that, the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflection treatment on one side.

Certina DS 8 Moon Phase Specs:

• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 41mm
• Movement: Quartz
• Water resistance: 100m

2. Certina DS PH200M Powermatic 80

Why Is It Good?

Vintage lovers, this one’s for you. The Certina DS PH200M Powermatic 80 is a reissue of a past model. To be more specific, this model draws inspiration from 1960’s dive watches. However, it is not an exact copy of the vintage version, as modern trends were taken into consideration.

 

For one, the 42.8mm stainless steel is a lot bigger compared to retro models. Apart from that, the whole case features a brushed finish. The signed crown is also large with a size of 6mm for a great grip when setting the watch.

 

Meanwhile, the dial stays true to the original PH200M watch. It features a 60-minute unidirectional diver style bezel that is bulky. Towards the centre, the black lacquer dial sports the brand’s trademark red crosshair that gives the watch a pop of colour. The seconds hand also comes in the same red hue.

 

Another thing that’s interesting about this watch is its Powermatic 80 movement. An average automatic movement can provide 38-42 hours of juice, while this calibre boasts an 80-hour power reserve. Yes, you read that right. You can leave your watch without winding it on Friday night and still see it working on Monday.

Certina DS PH200M Powermatic 80 Specs:

• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 42.8mm
• Movement: Automatic
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Water resistance: 200m

3. Certina DS Action Chronograph

Why Is It Good?

Certina watches are known to be sporty. However, the Certina DS Action Chronograph takes its sportiness to another level. In fact, this model comes from the Certina DS-3, which is the watch of choice of the Australian Navy in the ’70s. But aside from boasting a rich pedigree, this watch manages to continue and improve upon the legacy that its ancestors started.

 

It meets the strict requirements of the ISO 6425. Among those demands are extreme precision, resistance to shock, and legibility underwater. Apart from those, the Certina DS Action Chronograph has a water resistance rating of 300m. In truth, the water resistance rating is better than the average dive watch.

 

Looking at the dial, you’ll see three sub-dials for the chronograph. One is for indicating the running seconds, another is for the minute tracker, and lastly, 1/10th of a second. These can be accessed using the two pushers found on the right side of the case. Moreover, its unidirectional aluminium bezel prioritizes legibility and can be read with ease underwater.

 

Finally, the movement of this diver is COSC-certified. Apart from that, it is a quartz movement to aid in accuracy and precision. With that said, this model is perfect for people who take their diving sessions seriously.

Certina DS Action Chronograph Specs:

• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 43mm
• Movement: Quartz
• Water resistance: 300m

4. Certina DS Action GMT

Why Is It Good?

The Certina DS Action GMT is one of the newest Certina watches to come out. And it features a new complication that the other Certina DS models don’t have — the GMT function. With that said, this model is the perfect travel companion as it has a separate 24-hour display. And its display lets you view the time from two time zones at once.

 

It’s quite easy to love this watch’s design as it bears the famous Coke colourway. The upper half of the bezel is black while the lower half is red, to imitate the famous soda. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with this combination of colours. Moving towards the centre, Certina decided to keep it simple with round hour markers. This gives the watch a classic look that is also easy to read.

 

Under the hood, it uses the Powermatic 80 movement. What’s special about this calibre is its impressive power reserve. While a lot of watches can only tick for 40 hours, this one can store power for up to 80 hours.

 

Certina watches are notorious for being accurate and tough. And the Certina DS Action GMT is no exception to that rule. With that said, this timepiece is perfect for globetrotters who could make use of the second time zone.

Certina DS Action GMT Specs:

• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 43.1mm
• Movement: Automatic
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Water resistance: 200m

5. Certina DS Action Day Date

Why Is It Good?

The Certina DS Action Day Date is an elegant dress watch that is fit to wear on formal occasions. Clearly, legibility is a top priority when it comes to this watch. The dial is minimalistic, with only the day and date complications beside the 3 o’clock position.

 

But don’t let its looks fool you. In spite of its classy aesthetic, this watch can also be used for recreational diving. Indeed, a lot of people call it the “dressiest dive watch ever”. While it doesn’t have a unidirectional bezel, it has a water resistance rating of 200m.

 

Its case is made with 315L stainless steel to make it durable. Additionally, it has a screw-down caseback with a display window so you can view the movement. And in terms of comfort, it is top-notch. The just-right diameter and slim height make the timepiece a pleasure to wear even for long periods of time.

 

Like the other Certina watches previously mentioned, this model uses the Powermatic 80 movement. It is an automatic calibre that can power the watch for up to 80 hours, just like its name suggests. Apart from that, the movement also contains a total of 23 jewels. Overall, this watch is the perfect combination of elegance and sportiness.

Certina DS Action Day Date Specs:

• Case material: Stainless steel
• Dimensions: 41mm
• Movement: Automatic
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Water resistance: 200m

6. Certina DS-1 Powermatic 80 Himalaya Special Edition

Why Is It Good?

The Certina DS-1 Powermatic 80 Himalaya Special Edition pays homage to a mountain expedition. To add, this model was inspired by the first watch equipped with Certina’s own DS (double safety) concept. That watch accompanied the first people who ascended the Dhaulagiri in the Himalayas back in 1960.

 

But in spite of its origins in hiking, this model is one of the classiest Certina watches around. It features a white dial with rose gold accents. Apart from that, it also comes in an alligator leather strap that goes well with the whole look.

 

The watch is also top-notch when it comes to durability. Its case is made with 316L stainless steel, which is more resistant to corrosion. Apart from that, the dial is protected with sapphire crystal to avoid scratches. Additionally, the crystal is slightly domed to give the watch a retro touch.

 

If you flip the watch over, you’ll see a nice treat. The crystal case back features an engraving of the Himalayan Mountain and an inscription that says “Dhaulagiri, 8167 m, 1960”. Apart from that, you can also view a part of the movement through it. Overall, this timepiece is great for those who want a durable dress watch.

Certina DS-1 Powermatic 80 Himalaya Special Edition Specs:

• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 40mm
• Movement: Automatic
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Water resistance: 100m

7. Certina DS Podium Chronograph Lap Timer

Why Is It Good?

One look and you’ll know that the racing DNA obviously runs in the Certina DS Podium Chronograph Lap Timer. As Certina fondly says, it is the watch that “transfers the magic of the racetrack to the wrist”. True enough, it has everything that a racecar driver will ever need.

 

The watch includes a real-time tenths-of-a-second display that can be seen on the upper right subdial. Meanwhile, the 60-minute tracker is located just beside it. Lastly, the sub-dial at the bottom shows the lap timer that can measure and add round-the-track times. According to the brand, these functions can display precise results with a zero time lag.

 

Along with the jam-packed features is an ergonomic design. At the right side of the case are two big buttons for the timer. These chronograph push buttons were sized to provide optimum comfort. Apart from that, the whole watch has an extremely dynamic profile.

 

Clearly, the DS Podium Chronograph Lap Timer is dedicated to motorsports – from its features up to the smallest details of its design. This is the perfect timepiece for those who watch motorsport races religiously and for those who need a precise timing instrument that looks amazing as well.

Certina DS Podium Chronograph Lap Timer Specs:

• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 42mm
• Movement: Quartz
• Water resistance: 100m

8. Certina DS Eagle Chronograph Automatic

Why Is It Good?

Like the previous watch, the Certina DS Eagle Chronograph Automatic was made for motorsports. Every detail of its design gives it a racing vibe — from the black and red dial to the case protector.

 

The watch’s dial features a pattern that’s made up of a grid of small squares. And apart from that, it also houses three sub-dials — two for the chronograph counters and one for the small seconds. Meanwhile, the chronograph pushers can be found on the right side of the case.

 

Inside, it houses the ETA C01.211 movement, which is considered an efficient workhorse. It has a total of 15 jewels and beats at a frequency of 21,600bph. Apart from that, it offers a power reserve of up to 45 hours. And in case you were wondering how this calibre looks like, it can be seen from the watch’s transparent caseback. No doubt, this calibre offers an excellent price-performance ratio.

 

Apart from its impressive functions, it also features a high-tech case that offers the stability of the components. To add, the case itself is made up of 50 individual parts. And each of these parts is made up of high-quality materials for durability.

Certina DS Eagle Chronograph Automatic Specs:

• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 46mm
• Movement: Automatic
• Power reserve: 45 hours
• Water resistance: 200m

9. Certina DS Caimano

Why Is It Good?

The Certina DS Caimano falls on the elegant side of Certina watches. It boasts a simple and classic design that will never go out of style. Indeed, the dial itself comes in silver colour. Meanwhile, the hour markers are made with thin indexes with Arabic numerals on the 3, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. There is also a small date window just above 6 o’clock.

 

Other Certina watches have a lot of features to boast. Whereas this one only has a single function, but it does it very well — tell time accurately and precisely. This is thanks to the movement inside its case. The DS Caimano uses the Powermatic 80, which is lauded for being a very reliable calibre. Apart from that, you also get an above-average power reserve of 80 hours.

 

While the front of the watch is nice to look at, so is the back of it. It features a see-through caseback where you can admire the timepiece’s mechanism. Indeed, its delicately constructed rotor will bring pleasure to every watch enthusiast.

 

All things considered, the Certina DS Caimano is perfect for the gents who need a no-frills watch that tells the time accurately. With its classy exterior, this model will serve as a good companion for formal occasions.

Certina DS Caimano Specs:

• Case material: Stainless steel
• Dimensions: 39mm
• Movement: Automatic
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Water resistance: 100m

10. Certina DS First Lady Chronograph Moon Phase

Why Is It Good?

Apart from being sporty and durable, Certina also knows how to be refined and classy. One classic example is the Certina DS First Lady Chronograph Moon Phase. One look at it and you’ll know that it can upgrade your outfit in an instant. To add, this is Certina’s first venture into ladies’ watches with a moon phase display.

 

This watch uses a faceted ceramic bezel which is scratch-resistant, durable, and hypoallergenic. Apart from that, it can keep its lustrous colour for years. So no matter how many years have passed, it’s a guarantee that this watch will look like it just got out of the box.

 

Meanwhile, the dial gives off elegant sparkles, thanks to its mother-of-pearl material. To explain, the material is made with an inner shell layer of certain molluscs. These are naturally developed which means that each dial is unique.

 

At the top left corner, just below the 10 o’clock position, is the moon phase window. The moon and the stars are finely sculpted on the surface of the dial. And just above it is a star-shaped diamond that makes the watch more visually interesting. All things considered, the DS First Lady Chronograph Moon Phase is a work of art and is definitely fit for any First Lady.

Certina DS First Lady Chronograph Moon PhaseSpecs:

• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 38mm
• Movement: Quartz
• Water resistance: 100m

11. Certina DS Stella

Why Is It Good?

For the ladies who need a formal watch, the Certina DS Stella fits the bill perfectly. In fact, it looks so elegant that it would also pass as jewellery. Its brilliantly-polished case gives the watch a highly-decorative character.

 

Looking closer at the dial, you’ll notice that it has a sun motif. Its delicately lined pattern resembles the rays of the sun during sunrise. Apart from that, the material of the dial creates various effects when the light catches it from different angles.

 

A big date window is placed at the 3 o’clock position of the dial. Certina is fond of calling this the panorama date due to its readability and legibility. The enlarged date window was achieved by using two discs placed either overlapping or beside each other.

 

Inside, the Certina DS Stella is powered by the Precidrive movement. As mentioned above, this quartz calibre is a lot more accurate and precise than other quartz movements. So to conclude, this watch may be small, but it surely packs a big punch.

Certina DS Stella Specs:

• Case material: Stainless steel
• Dimensions: 31.6mm
• Movement: Quartz
• Water resistance: 100m

12. Certina DS-2 Flyback

Why Is It Good?

Certina watches are known for their excellence in sports. True enough, the Certina DS-2 Flyback is a special type of chronograph because it has a flyback function. To explain, you have to stop, reset, and restart the timer if you want to reset a regular chronograph back to zero. This is not the case with the flyback chrono where you just have to press one button instead of three, to put the timer back to zero.

 

This function makes the watch very popular with pilots and racecar drivers. Apart from the convenience, its additional split-seconds hand allows the wearer to time two events at once. All of these high-tech functions are paired with a subdial that can display 1/100th of a second.

 

Another interesting thing about the DS-2 Flyback is its movement. It uses the Precidrive Quartz calibre which is considered a high-end movement. And according to Certina, this calibre is 20 times more accurate than your average quartz watch. In fact, its average chronometric error clocks in at just +/-0.07 seconds per day or +/-10 seconds per year.

 

The DS-2 Flyback is certainly for people who need an extremely accurate chronograph that is easy to use at the same time.

Certina DS-2 Flyback Specs:

• Case material: Stainless steel
• Dimensions: 43mm
• Movement: Quartz
• Water resistance: 100m

Final Notes

From mountain climbing to motorsports racing, Certina watches are no doubt on top of its game. If you’re looking for a watch that offers top-notch accuracy and precision, then look no further. Apart from their high-tech features, these watches also offer interesting designs that will surely catch the attention of dozens of people.

 

Can’t get enough of sports watches? Check out our primer on the Longines Legend Diver!