1959 – 2009: The DS ConceptCertina's famous two letters celebrate an important jubilee
Year 2009 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Certina's famous Double Security “DS Concept”. These two emblematic letters, visible on every Certina timepiece, bear witness to the unique protection system developed by company engineers at the Swiss watchmaking brand in 1959. The acronym speaks for the extensive history and experience of the Swiss watchmaker, and the rich years of scientific expeditions, extreme sport and adventure, which testify to its outstanding precision and reliability. Today, the same innovative technical philosophy drives on with the verve that made the resistance of its timepieces legendary, and a natural presence in the exciting world of Formula 1 Grand Prix racing.
Since Certina was founded in 1888 by the Kurth Brothers, the company has gained worldwide notoriety thanks to the precision and reliability of its timepieces. The image of this sporty Swiss brand has traditionally been closely associated with the original protection system it developed, the Double Security DS Concept. Along with offering outstanding performance, Certina has shown an unwavering interest in bringing to its market products of the highest quality at an attractive price.
Driven by a deep sense of innovation and perfectionism, Hans and Erwin Kurth focused their work on the production of high-quality timepieces suited to every situation. Their primary aim was to find a way of protecting the watch movement against all negative external influences, such as pressure, temperature, humidity, dust and impact. Research experiments held with the support of mechanical engineers and technicians evolved, in 1959, into a protection system with double security.
All DS timepieces feature strong technological advantages to ensure flawless operation and precision. Their movements are protected by a thick sapphire crystal, and their stem and crown are both equipped with O-ring seals that guarantee absolute water-resistance. Additionally, all Certina DS watches carry specially-reinforced case and back structures. The DS + Concept, developed in 2000, offers even further protection thanks to a screw-in crown and case back.
For the past fifty years, DS models have been tested and certified during numerous scientific expeditions to the top of the Himalaya, on land or in highly-challenging deep-sea environments. Famous sportsmen such as Muhammad Ali have also put the DS system to the test, back in 1976. Active involvement in extreme motor sports have also provided many graphic occasions to demonstrate the reliability of the DS Concept, most notably in 2003 on the international rallye circuit, with Petter Solberg in WRC events. Similar feats were reiterated in motorcycle competition, with Sete Gibernau in Moto GP, or Thomas Lüthi, 2005 World Champion in the 125cc category. One must also mention that, for ten years now, a Certina chronograph has graced the wrist of Swiss-born stuntman Oliver Keller through breathtaking Hollywood movie stunts, doubling for famous actors.
These days, Certina is still high on action, and continues to display the extreme resistance of its timepieces on the world Formula 1 circuit, in collaboration with the BMW Sauber F1 Team and its praiseworthy driver Robert Kubica. The DS story is set to continue!