Few brands provide an instant feeling of nostalgia like Certina. A Swiss watchmaker with roots dating back to 1888, Certina has a long history of tough, durable watches associated with sports, and its latest release is no different. This latest DS-7 Chrono Auto is meant to be connected to the sport of padel. For readers who may be less familiar with the sport, padel may not be as well-known as tennis or soccer, but it’s a sport on the rise globally. Popular in Europe and Latin America, padel is a fast-paced racket sport played on an enclosed court that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played in doubles, padel rallies are lightning-fast, and use the walls of the court in strategic ways to keep the ball in play. Certina has been involved in padel since 2021, and the sport’s explosive growth perfectly mirrors the brand’s dynamic and sporty ethos.
With the launch of the DS-7 Chrono Auto, Certina is creating a connection to a unique sport and a unique-looking chronograph. The watch features a 42mm stainless steel case with brushed and polished surfaces for a sleek look. It has a reliable water resistance of up to 10 bar (100 meters), as well. The case includes a protected crown and classic mushroom push-buttons, which further create a sporty aesthetic. On paper, the tachymeter scale on the bezel adds functional utility, ideal for those who appreciate measuring speed and distance, although I’m not sure there are too many enthusiasts who find value in the scale or actually put it to effective use.
Inspired by padel, the dial of the DS-7 Chrono Auto features an embossed grid structure that echoes the nets used on the court. More importantly, the ability to make a visual connection to other dials that have been successful with this type of look is likely a wise move by the brand. This design element is available in three color variations: dark blue, green, and black. The dark blue version stands out with its red stop-seconds hand, adding a touch of color. The dial is protected by a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, as well. The Super-LumiNova coating on the hands and indices should provide solid visibility in low-light environments.
At the heart of the DS-7 Chrono Auto lies the ETA A05.231 automatic movement, The movement features a silicon balance spring that enhances resistance to magnetic fields, temperature fluctuations, and shocks, ensuring long-term durability. With a 68-hour power reserve, the A05.231 is a strong contender in its market segment. The sapphire crystal case back reveals the mechanics of the movement, although showcasing the movement is likely an unnecessary display as the dial is really the highlight of this particular model.
The steel bracelet of the DS-7 Chrono Auto combines both style and functionality. Featuring a quick-change system, it allows for easy customization without the need for tools, making it convenient for those who enjoy changing their look. The integrated bracelet look is well-liked by the watch community, and while it’s straightforward, this one is reasonably well done. It’s not exactly a unique style and the version found on the DS-7 Chrono Auto is similar to other integrated bracelets on the market.
The Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto is meant to highlight the brand’s commitment to precision, sportsmanship, and style. Designed with inspiration from the fast-paced world of padel, this watch merges dynamic aesthetics with contemporary Swiss engineering. Whether you’re an athlete, a watch enthusiast, or simply someone who values high performance, the DS-7 Chrono Auto offers a combination of rugged durability and design. Integrated bracelet sports watches have long been a style that’s appreciated, and if chronographs are also of interest then this very well may be the watch to check out.
The price point seems to be in line with others offering a similar movement. Available worldwide from October 2024, the DS-7 Chrono Auto starts at CHF 1,685 for the blue and green dial options, while the black dial version is priced at CHF 1,695. Learn more at the Certina Watches website.