Certina Adds a Chronograph to its Integrated Sporty DS-7 Collection

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 them apart from the PRX collection – though there’s no need to pit the two lines against each other. The distinction becomes even clearer with the introduction of the DS-7 Chrono Auto line. The new Certina chronograph leans more towards the sporty and robust modern aesthetic the brand is known for rather than a totally vintage-inspired look. However, tasteful retro elements are still present, adding a subtle nostalgic touch.

The new Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto comes in a 42mm stainless steel case, offering 100m of water resistance. It features a slim tachymeter bezel and sapphire crystals on both the front (domed) and back. The case showcases a dynamic contrast, with a brushed finish accented by polished elements for added style. The fluted crown is protected by crown guards and sits between mushroom-style chronograph pushers. Completing the look is an integrated-style stainless steel bracelet with a quick-change system, mirroring the case’s finish – primarily brushed with a polished central part. The bracelet is slim and comfortable, seemingly designed to keep the overall weight of the watch down.

The DS-7 Chrono Auto is available in three dial variants: dark blue, green, or black, each featuring an embossed grid pattern said to be inspired by the “crisscrossed lines of padel sports nets and rebound walls.” The running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock and the 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock are accentuated by applied silver rings, and the bold, lume-treated baton indices and the white minutes ring create an aggressive, sporty aesthetic. The blue dial stands out with its red central chronograph seconds hand, a distinction not present in the green and black versions. All three models feature Super-LumiNova-filled hour and minute hands and a silver-framed date window above the 6 o’clock index, complemented by a white date disk.

The DS-7 collection previously included chronographs, but they were powered by quartz movements. This new addition is a welcome upgrade with the introduction of a mechanically driven chronograph. The DS-7 Chrono Auto is powered by the ETA A05.231 calibre, a significantly enhanced version of the Valjoux 7750. This cam-actuated, integrated chronograph movement features a variable inertia balance wheel, a Nivachron anti-magnetic hairspring, and a silicon balance spring. It offers an impressive 68-hour power reserve while operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

The new Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto is priced at CHF 1,685 (green and blue dial variant) and CHF 1,695 (black edition), and will be available from October 2024. For more details, please visit certina.com.