The New & Accessible Certina DS-7 Powermatic 80 Collection

It won’t come as a surprise to tell you that the integrated bracelet category, watches inspired by 1970s luxury sports icons, is more popular than ever. Many brands, from entry-level to independent watchmakers, have already presented their alternatives in this field. When it comes to accessible luxury, the market is dominated by the Tissot PRX, a watch that has made a strong impact in the category. It is now time for Certina, another Swatch Group-owned brand, to unveil its vision of a sports watch with an integrated bracelet. Sleek and accessible, powered by the group’s solid automatic movement, meet the new DS-7 Powermatic 80 Collection.

With the DS-7 collection, which also comprises a more accessible and sportier quartz-powered chronograph, Certina plays on the classic codes of the genre. Barrel-shaped case, raised bezel, a combination of textures, sporty look, full metal attire and a bracelet that follows the lines of the case… Simple, sleek and efficient.

The Certina DS-7 Powermatic 80, which is the star attraction of this new collection, is nothing revolutionary for the category, but it features the necessary ingredients for a good recipe. The case, which is quite rounded and less angular than many of its competitors, measures a wrist-friendly 39mm diameter, with a fairly pleasant thickness of 9.94mm (below 10 is always a plus…). Given the limited time we spent with the watches, we couldn’t measure the lug-to-lug measurement; however, it felt compact enough, and the first link of the bracelet is articulated (contrary to the PRX), meaning that it hugs the wrist pleasantly.

Despite the inevitable comparison with the PRX, which not only comes from the same group but also features the same movement and plays in the same price segment, the design is different enough to avoid confusion. As said, the overall shape is sleeker, less angular and feels lighter on the wrist. The bracelet is also slimmer and narrower at the junction with the case, making for a watch that feels more circular and less bracelet-like. The lateral guards next to the crown add a modern and sporty touch. The specifications are classic: 100m water-resistance, sapphire crystal front and back, push-pull crown.

As with the case, the dials of the Certina DS-7 Powermatic 80 are sleek and more contemporary. Overall, it’s a relatively classic watch with a discreet 1970s touch. All the dials are brushed, either vertically or with a sunray effect, and feature luminous applied markers and hands.

The Certina DS-7 launches as a collection with six references, with multiple colours available, but also PVD-coated elements and one version in titanium. Starting with the simplest of all, it comes with a turquoise-toned dial and a case and bracelet made entirely of non-coated stainless steel. Then, the green and black dial editions also come with a steel case and bracelet, yet with dark PVD-coated intermediate links and a contrasting ring underneath the bezel. The silver dial model displays a two-tone style, with the case and bracelet featuring PVD gold accents. A bold, full PVD gold edition is also offered with a tone-on-tone dial. Finally, the blue dial model is housed in a titanium case with a matching bracelet. All models are worn on a bracelet with quick-release spring bars and a butterfly clasp.

Under the sapphire caseback is the well-known Powermatic 80 movement, an evolution of the classic ETA 2824. This modernised calibre has been reworked with a slower frequency (3Hz), an antimagnetic Nivachron balance spring and a beefed-up power reserve of 80 hours.

Available now from the brand and its retailers, the new Certina DS-7 Powermatic 80 starts from EUR 835 or CHF 740 (steel/turquoise) up to EUR 975 or CHF 860 for the titanium version. While there is no doubt that the PRX will remain Swatch Group’s star model in this accessible integrated bracelet category, the DS-7 brings a more compact, slightly sleeker and more modern take on the concept that could appeal to those looking for a more discreet and more wearable watch. For more details, please visit certina.com.