The Certina DS-7 Chrono gets an automatic movement and a padel inspired dial
Buffy AcaciaUp until now, the chronograph variant of the Certina DS-7 has been highly accessible thanks to its quartz movement and intuitive dial layout. With the release of the DS-7 Chrono Auto, it’s still accessible and now boasts a far more distinctive look. It also happens to celebrate the rapidly-growing sport padel, which has been making waves all across the world. Can you imagine a doubles tennis match in a cage, where the athletes can slam up against and hit balls off those walls, sometimes even running outside of them to hit the balls back in? It’s crazy, and that’s padel. Chronographs and sports go hand-in-hand, and it’s extremely exciting to see watchmakers supporting emerging sports alongside the heritage ones.
The dial
To be clear, there isn’t much about the Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto which is actually based on padel. You don’t need to be a panel fanatic to enjoy the watch, because it uses a standard tachymeter bezel like almost every other chronograph, and its two sub-dials include a 30-minute counter and a running seconds hand. The only explicit padel reference is the grid on the dial, which is supposed to evoke the net and rebound wall. That said, it looks just as retro and pleasing as any other deep blue waffle-style dial out there.
The elements which really give this watch character are the raised sub-dial rings in solid white, highlighting the dial’s various layers of depth, and the bright red chronograph seconds hand which contrasts strongly against the blue. The applied batons as hour markers ensure the dial never feels too busy, and the date window at 6 o’clock keeps everything smart and symmetrical. Although we have our hands on the blue model here, there are also references in green and black available.
The case
The popularity of 1970s style shows no signs of slowing down, which may have something to do with the fact that modern watches in this style are built to much higher standards than they were back then. The blocky case rocks its harsh facets with a brushed finish, accentuated by thin chamfers which have been polished. There’s some radial brushing on the slender steel bezel, adding to the overall refinement, but the solid pushers and crown guards reinforce the watch’s ruggedness.
Speaking of ruggedness, 100m of water resistance allows you to swim with the DS-7 Chrono Auto as long as you’re careful not to press the pushers while under water. Similarly, the use of sapphire crystal helps to prevent the accumulation of scratches. 42mm remains a fantastic size for a sporty chronograph, as it’s easily legible from a distance, but it’s not overpowering on most wrists.
The movement
The ETA A05.231, while not having a name which rolls off the tongue, is one of the more recent developments of the classic Valjoux 7753 movement which saw prolific use throughout the 1970s, right up to the present day. Now, its specifications include a large 68-hour power reserve that’s perfect for letting chronograph’s soak up some extra power, and a smooth beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement is visible through a sapphire display caseback, with the automatic winding rotor printed with Certina’s logo.
The bracelet
Integrated bracelets have their mix of die-hard fans and stern haters, but the Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto uses one which allays a lot of concerns. Firstly, the links are quite short and flexible, meaning they drape with the wrist well and don’t extend the watch’s lug-to-lug distance too much. Secondly, it actually comes with a quick-change system that may be compatible with other Certina straps down the line. The polished centre-links compliment the watch’s few areas of polish, and increase its versatility for smart-casual situations.
The verdict
If Certina’s only goal for the DS-7 Chrono Auto was to celebrate the sport of padel, it may not have succeeded. However, the padel tie-in merely shows that Certina has sponsored the sport for years. As a watch in its own right, the DS-7 Chrono Auto is a great option for an affordable, automatic, and swimmable chronograph thanks to its Swatch Group connections.
The Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto price and availability
The Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto is available now. Price: CHF 1,685 (~US$1,980)
| Brand | Certina |
| Model | DS-7 Chrono Auto |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | Blue, black or green grid inspired by padel |
| Strap | Integrated steel bracelet with quick-release |
| Movement | ETA A05.231, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 68 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, running seconds, chronograph with 30-minute counter, date |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | CHF 1,685 (~US$1,980) |