Certina DS-7 Chrono AutovsTAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto at true scale

DS-7 Chrono Auto

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph at true scale

Carrera Chronograph

Diameter

42mm

44mm

Lug-to-Lug

49.5mm

n/a

Thickness

14.9mm

n/a

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

n/a

48h

MSRP

$2,083

lowest

$5,600

Movement

Tissot Valjoux A05.231

TAG Heuer Calibre 16

Case

5 specs
Diameter
42mm
44mm
Thickness
14.87mm
n/a
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
n/a
Lug Width
10.5mm
n/a
Finish
n/a
Steel Fine-Brushed/Polished

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
n/a
Dial Color
n/a
Black

Movement

6 specs
Caliber
Tissot Valjoux A05.231
TAG Heuer Calibre 16
Beat Rate
0 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
0h
48h
Hacking
No
Yes
Hand-winding
No
Yes
Complications
None
Chronograph, Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,083
$5,600
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto for its retro 1970s-inspired design, featuring a waffle-style dial with raised sub-dial rings and a contrasting red seconds hand, all housed in a refined 42mm brushed steel case. The watch is noted for its excellent finishing and sporty aesthetic, with some owners remarking that it wears smaller than its 42mm case size due to its thinness for an automatic. The integrated bracelet is generally well-received, though one reviewer found the included strap to be cheap, uncomfortable, and an impractical 21mm width. The automatic movement is cited as a robust Valjoux A05.231 with a 68-hour power reserve, and the watch is considered a great value. One owner notes the movement beats at 21,600 bph, resulting in a more noticeable tick rather than a smooth sweep. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto highly for its attractive retro design and excellent value proposition.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

Owners widely praise the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph for its attractive vintage design, particularly the "Glassbox" crystal, stunning dials like the sunburst blue and reverse panda, and legible numerals. The 39mm case is frequently cited as very wearable and comfortable, with some owners finding its proportions perfect. However, some reviewers and owners note a price of €6.5k as steep, suggesting a lower price point would be more competitive, and one owner finds the Heuer 02 movement noticeably noisy. Accuracy gains 5-7 seconds per day, and while finishing on the case and hands is considered excellent by some, others find it less refined than competitors, with issues like misaligned date windows and a lack of premium feel in the strap and bracelet also noted. Overall, owners rate the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph highly for its beautiful vintage design and wearable proportions, despite some concerns regarding price and finishing compared to rivals.

From video reviewers

The Calibre 16 automatic movement is consistently mentioned as a strength. Reviewers noted the 100-meter water resistance rating.

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