FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Where can I obtain a Certina catalogue?
Every official Certina representative will be glad to hand you a catalogue if you ask for one at a point of sale, otherwise please request it by email and it will be sent to you.

2. Where can I obtain an instruction manual?
You can download it on this site from "Contact & Support / Manuals” or directly under watch collection. As well you can contact any of our official representatives in your country.

3. Where can I get my Certina watch repaired?
Please refer to the list of Contact & Support / Search retailers. You should contact directly the Service Centre in your country.

4. Are Certina watches sold over the Internet?
Certina does not sell any watches on the Internet. Certina merchandises its watches exclusively through our worldwide network of authorized wholesale and retail distributors. Therefore, any purported Certina watches offered for sale, particularly on the Internet, by a seller who is not authorized by Certina, could be counterfeits or of dubious origin and thus not guaranteed by Certina.

5. How can I be sure I am buying a genuine Certina watch?
You can be sure you are buying a genuine Certina watch if you follow these steps:
• buy a Certina watch only from authorised Certina retailers
• ask for the credit-card size guarantee, duly completed with the watch reference and the retailer's full name and address

6. Do you have spare parts for my old Certina watch?
Certina guarantees repairs and the delivery of spare parts for at least 10 years for standard watches and up to 20 years for gold watches from the date production is discontinued. Beyond this time, Certina will do its utmost to ensure collectors\' items and vintage watches can be repaired.

7. How long is the lifetime of a watch battery?
A battery life varies usually from two to five years depending on the type of the watch, its dimensions and the quantity of energy requested by the different functions. For instance, a chronograph will have a higher energy consumption than a watch indicating the hours and minutes only. Most Certina watches feature an End Of Life (EOL) indicator: When the seconds hand starts jumping every four seconds, it is time to have the battery replaced by a Certina qualified watchmaker.

8. How frequently should a watch be serviced?
Like any high-precision instrument, a watch needs to be services regularly in order for it to work perfectly. Obviously, we cannot indicate the intervals for such servicing, given that it depends entirely on the model, climate and the care taken by the watch\'s owner. As a general rule, it is be-tween 3 and 4 years, depending on the use of the watch.

9. Why does Certina not deliver spare parts directly to its customers?
For technical and quality reasons, we do not deliver individual spare parts directly to our customers. The Certina World Customer Service Centres are available to all customers and offer a professional service, carried out in accordance with Certina's high quality standards.

10. To what depth are Certina watches water resistant?
Certina sport watches set the standard in water resistance. In water sports, a timepiece with a minimum water resistance of 10 bar (100 m) is recommended. All Certina sport watches are equipped with the ‘DS’ concept, and tested to a minimum pressure of 10 bar (equivalent to a depth of 100 m) in accordance with the relevant ISO standards.

It should also be understood that water resistance cannot be guaranteed for an indefinite length of time. It may become compromised by ageing of the seals or impacts to the crown or push-button. For this reason, we recommend that you have the timepiece checked for water resis-tance by an authorised Certina Service agent annually, and have any faulty components replaced. Do not attempt to open the timepiece yourself under any circumstances.

11. What should I do to ensure that my watch continues to provide excellent service for many years?
• Magnetic fields: Do not expose your watch to intense magnetic fields such as loudspeakers or refrigerators and other electromagnetic appliances.
• Bathing in the sea: always rinse your watch with fresh warm water afterwards.
• Crown: depending on model, push or screw it in carefully to ensure that no water enters the mechanism.
• Cleaning: for metal bracelets and for all water-resistant cases use a toothbrush with soapy water and a soft cloth for drying.
• Chemical products: avoid direct contact with solvents, detergents, perfumes, cosmetic products etc., since they may damage the bracelet, the case or the gaskets.

12. What are the precision tolerances for Certina mechanical watches?
The accuracy of the watch depends on the movement and on the individual habits of the wearer and can therefore vary. A qualified Certina watchmaker can adjust the precision of a watch to within the Certina tolerances. The majority of watches that do not have a chronometer certificate have average precision tolerances of between -5 / +30 seconds per day. To earn the title of chro-nometer, the mechanical movement’s average daily variation in rate must be between -2 / +12 seconds per day.

13. What is the difference between a self-winding and a manual-winding movement?
The difference between these two movements is the way in which the watch is wound. Manual-winding watches must be wound every day by hand using the crown, whereas self-winding watches are wound by an internal rotor which responds to wrist movements.

14. How much is the power reserve for a self-winding mechanical Certina watch and how does it work?
The functioning of a self-winding mechanical Certina movement depends on the wrist movements of the wearer. When fully wound, the watch have a power reserve of minimum 38 - 42 hours. Since the watch's self-winding mechanism is directly linked to the wearer's activity, 10 to 12 hours' wear should be sufficient to generate a power reserve of 20 hours or more, which ensures that the watch will continue to run throughout the night. However, if a watch has not been worn for several days and its power reserve has thus run low, we recommend you wind the watch manually for around 15 rotations of the crown (clockwise) to ensure the best possible rate from the outset.

15. What are the precision tolerances for Certina quartz watches?
Certina quartz movements are produced in accordance with Certina’s highly renowned quality standards and manufacturing methods. Ambient temperatures (20°-25°) may affect the precision of quartz movements, which can lead to variations of between -0.5 and +0.7 seconds per day.

16. What is the difference between a chronograph and a chronometer?
A chronograph is a timepiece which, in addition to displaying the time, is equipped with a stop-watch mechanism that measures and records elapsed time. Depending on the model, the meas-ured time is shown either by an analogue display with an hour, minute, second and even a 1/10 second hand or by a digital display. A chronometer is a watch that has obtained an official rate certificate from the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), which certifies that the movement has passed a range of precision tests in different positions and at different tempera-tures over a 15-day period. Certification can be granted for mechanical, automatic and quartz movements.

17. What is a COSC-certified quartz chronometer?
A chronometer is a watch that has obtained an official rate certificate from the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), after having passed the precision tests in different positions and at different temperatures over a 15-day period.

Thermocompensated means that the effective temperature in the watch is measured and taken in-to account when improving precision. This eliminates the known problem that the accuracy of a normal quartz watch may deviate by several seconds per week due to changes in temperature. This is the only way that a quartz movement can meet the extremely high demands placed on it by COSC. Precision is 20 times more accurate than on a normal quartz watch, i.e. +/- 10 seconds per year (0.07 seconds/day).

18. What does COSC mean?
COSC stands for “Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres”. COSC is the official Swiss Chro-nometer testing institute, and tests movements for their precision. Only those movements that pass the various tests are awarded a COSC certificate and then dispatched.

19. Can I wear a Certina stainless steel watch if I am allergic to nickel?
The materials used by Certina are subjected to severe tests in order to avoid allergies. The stainless steel (316L) used by Certina does contain a small amount of nickel, but does not release it and is therefore safe for allergy sufferers. The only exception is for those who are hyper-sensitive to stainless steel. In this case, we recommend you to buy a watch which is made of titanium, gold or which is PVD coated.

20. What is the DS Concept?
DS stands for “Double Security”. The DS concept can be identified by the toughened case, a sapphire crystal, special seals in the crown, the stem and case back: This process confers on the watch an exceptional resistance, even under extremely demanding conditions.

21. What does PVD mean?
PVD are the initials for Physical Vapour Deposition. It is a sophisticated process, performed under vacuum which deposits microscopic particles on the products by ion bombing or sputtering, to form a protecting coating on their surface. Very thin layers (1 to 3 µm) of impurity-free components can be made which possess high levels of hardness (nitride, carbides, etc...) and it is hypoaller-genic.

22. What is titanium?
Titanium is a metallic element found in the earth’s crust. The element occurs as a bright, lustrous metal or a silver-grey or dark-grey powder. Its compounds are found in practically all igneous rocks and their sand deposits. Hardened titanium is 30% stronger than steel and nearly 40% lighter but more expensive. Titanium resists corrosion; when exposed to the atmosphere, titanium forms a tenacious oxide film that resists salt water corrosion. Titanium is hypoallergenic: it is nickel-free.

23. What is a tachymeter?
A tachymeter is an instrument for measuring speed. It is a chronograph with a graduated dial on which speed can be read off in kilometres per hour based on a 1000 metre distance. How to read the tachymeter: Only the central chronograph second-hand is used. For longer durations, the indications of the timers (minutes and hours) also count. Example for calculating the speed of a car: The chronograph indicates that the distance of one kilometre has been covered in 30 seconds. The corresponding point on the tachymeter scale indicates 120. The speed is therefore 120 km per hour.

24. Does the dial and hand of my watch contain Radium or Tritium?
Radium has been abandoned by Certina a long time ago, followed by tritium some years ago. Tritium has been replaced by a new luminescent material called Super-LumiNova that is used in the manufacturing of our dials and hands. Super-LumiNova is phosphorescent only and consequently has no radioactivity whatsoever. The Super-LumiNova material takes its luminescence from day-light or any artificial source of light. The watch should therefore be exposed to bright light in order to ensure the luminescence of the dial and hands in the dark, i.e. during the night. The luminescence decreases with hours but it is restored as soon as the watch is exposed to bright light.

25. What is a unidirectional bezel?
Often the bezel (top ring on the case), serves to record additional data, and can rotate in both directions to provide a number of functions. A unidirectional bezel only turns one way to prevent any danger of false manoeuvre. This is especially important when being used to measure diving times as even if the bezel is knocked and moved it will simply indicate the diver has less air or decompression time rather than more.

26. What does the Flyback function mean?
A "Flyback" or "Retour a vol" is a function which allows the chronograph to be reset to zero without having to stop the chronograph first (remember that a normal chrono requires you to stop the timing before resetting). This is useful for aviation, where several segments or legs of a route are flown for specific periods of time in sequence; the act of stopping, resetting, and restarting leads to a short delay at the beginning of timing the next leg. This delay, reportedly, can be an important factor in some precision military operations, for example.

27. Why is the 4 o’clock roman number of my watch represented with 4 sticks (IIII) when the correct number is IV?
The “correct” roman number is IV, but the IIII is also applicable and accepted. Several explanations are possible as to the reason for this interpretation of the roman figure. One thing is sure: it has been like this for more than 4 centuries. One reason is because half of the numbers are upside down, since they follow the edge of the clock face round. You can get IV and VI muddled up when they are the right way up. It is even worse when they are upside down. Another, historical reason, is that in the sixteenth and seventeenth century, most of the population could not read their own language let alone a foreign one. Time was displayed mainly on public monuments like churches, temples and towers. It was then easier for people to count four sticks rather than make mistakes reading a strange figure. Finally, it could also be seen simply to come from a decorative point of view as the IIII balances well with the VIII opposite.

28. What does the guarantee cover?
Certina customers receive additional benefits with an extended guarantee period. The Certina management decided to introduce a 24 months’ guarantee period for all Certina watches sold worldwide, starting from January 1st, 2002.

All terms and conditions of this extended 24 months’ guarantee remain unchanged as in the past for the one year guarantee. For repairs, the guarantee remains at one year on the work performed.

Related document: Guarantee (except for the USA)
Related document: Limited Two-Year Guarantee (only for the USA)


Guarantee (except for the USA)
Your Certina® watch is guaranteed by Certina SA* for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase under the terms and conditions of this guarantee.

The international Certina guarantee covers material and manufacturing defects existing at the time of delivery of the purchased Certina watch ("defects"). The guarantee only comes into force if the guarantee certificate is dated, fully and correctly completed and stamped by an official Certina dealer** (valid guarantee certificate).

During the guarantee period and by presenting the valid guarantee certificate, you will have the right to have any defect repaired free of charge. In the event that repairs are improper to restore the normal conditions of use of your Certina watch, Certina SA guarantees its replacement by a Certina watch of identical or similar characteristics. The guarantee for the replacement watch ends twenty-four (24) months after the date of purchase of the replaced watch.

This manufacturer's guarantee does not cover:

•  the life of the battery
• normal wear and tear and aging (e.g. scratched crystal; alteration of the colour and/or material of non metallic straps and chains, such as leather, textile, rubber; peeling of the plating)
• any damage on any part of the watch resulting from abnormal/abusive use, lack of care, negligence, accidents (knocks, dents, crushing, broken crystal, etc.), incorrect use of the watch and non-observance of the use directions provided by Certina SA.
• indirect or consequential damages of any kind resulting from e.g. the use, the non-functioning, the defects or the inaccuracy of the Certina watch
• the Certina watch handled by non-authorized persons (e.g. for battery replacement, services or repairs) or which has been altered in its original condition beyond Certina SA's control.

Any further claim against Certina SA for damages additional to the above described guarantee is expressly excluded, except mandatory statutory rights the purchaser may have against the manu-facturer.

The above manufacturer's guarantee is:

• independent of any guarantee that may be provided by the seller, for which he carries sole re-sponsibility.
• does not affect the purchaser's rights against the seller or any other mandatory statutory rights the purchaser may have against the seller.

Certina SA's customer service ensures the perfect maintenance of your Certina watch. If your watch needs attention, rely on an official Certina dealer or an authorized Certina Service Center as set forth in the enclosed list: they can guarantee service according to Certina SA standards.

Related document: Limited Two-Year Guarantee (only for the USA)

*Certina SA, CH - 2400 Le Locle, Switzerland
*Certina Specialist Dealer in EU Countries
Certina® is a registered trademark


Limited Two-Year Guarantee (only for the USA)

Your Certina® watch is guaranteed by Certina SA* FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE under the terms and conditions of this guarantee. The international Certina guarantee covers material and manufacturing defects existing at the time of delivery of the purchased Certina watch ("defects"). The guarantee only comes into force if the guarantee certificate is dated, fully and correctly completed and stamped by an official Certina dealer (valid guarantee certificate).

During the guarantee period and by presenting the valid guarantee certificate, you will have the right to have any defect repaired free of charge. In the event that repairs are improper to restore the normal conditions of use of your Certina watch, Certina SA guarantees its replacement by a Certina watch of identical or similar characteristics. The guarantee for the replacement watch ends twenty-four (24) months after the date of purchase of the replaced watch.

This manufacturer's guarantee does not cover:

• the life of the battery;
• normal wear and tear and aging (e.g. scratched crystal; alteration of the colour and/or material of non metallic straps and chains, such as leather, textile, rubber; peeling of the plating);
• any damage on any part of the watch resulting from abnormal/abusive use, lack of care, negligence, accidents (knocks, dents, crushing, broken crystal, etc.), incorrect use of the watch and non-observance of the use directions provided by Certina;
• the Certina watch handled by non-authorized persons (e.g. for battery replacement, services or repairs) or which has been altered in its original condition beyond Certina's control.

ALL APPLICABLE IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED GUARANTEE OF MER-CHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE GIVEN TO YOU BY LAW ARE HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS GUARANTEE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL CERTINA SA BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long implied warranties last, or exclusions or limita-tions of incidental or consequential damages, so exclusions or limitations mentioned may not ap-ply to you. This guarantee gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

CERTINA'S OBLIGATION IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS EX-PRESSLY STATED IN THIS LIMITED GUARANTEE. YOUR OFFICIAL Certina DEALER CARRIES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OTHER GUARANTEES.

The Certina's customer service ensures the perfect working order of your Certina watch. If your watch needs maintenance, rely on an official Certina dealer or an authorized Certina Service Cen-ter as set forth in the enclosed list: they can guarantee service according to Certina's standards.

*Certina SA, CH - 2400 Le Locle, Switzerland
® Certina SA. All rights reserved.
Certina ® is a registered trademark