Certina was founded in 1888 by Adolf and Alfred Kurth in Grenchen, Switzerland. Originally a movement and supplies factory, Certina did not start producing complete watches until several years later. Their first brand name was Grana, named after the Latin name of Grenchen. The name Certina first came into use in the 1930s, and was officially registered in 1939. Ten years later, it became the company’s sole brand name.
500cc World Champions: Mick Doohan and Àlex Crivillé
Certina has worked with five time 500cc World Champion Mick Doohan and Àlex Crivillé, the first Spaniard to win a 500cc Grand Prix title, to produce limited edition chronographs to commemorate their respective achievements. The Swiss company has also been an early supporter of the Swiss former Grand Prix motorcycle racer Thomas Luthi during his time in the support classes with at least a couple of special edition watches.
500cc Grand Prix Sponsorship?
Certina branding has also made appearances at 500cc Grand Prix events prior to Tissot’s tenure as the Official Timekeeper of MotoGP.
Sauber F1 and Robert Kubica
On four wheels, Certina became a sponsor of the Sauber Formula One team in 2005 and has produced several Sauber F1 limited edition models. Certina has also released several Robert Kubica edition chronographs during the Polish driver’s stint with the team.
Sponsoring Sete Gibernau and Timo Glock
Certina has also been associated with MotoGP race winner Sete Gibernau during his time with the Telefónica Movistar Honda team, and with Formula One podium finisher Timo Glock.
References
https://www.certina.com/en/since1888/history
https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/certina-ref-8050-8051-michael-doohan-lot-357-60
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/certina-chronograph-special-edition-michael-doohan-3026-c-0014b40a1c
https://www.f1network.net/main/s491/st153430.htm
https://www.europastar.com/news/1004085097-certina-launches-new-limited-edition-ds-podium.html
https://masterhorologer.com/2018/06/28/certina-swiss-watches-brand-details-company-history-watch-collections/
https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/exclusive-movement-certina-ds-podium-automatic-chronograph.952908/
https://tendancehorlogerie.com/certina-ds-action-chrono-limited-edition-robert-kubica/