Aera has unveiled the new C-1 Chrono – a watch that “channels the classic chronographs of the 1960s—the golden era of motorsport, when watches weren’t just style statements but tools for measuring speed, endurance, and progress.”
Short for Aera Instruments, the London based brand was founded when a handful of watch enthusiasts from different parts of the industry tried to answer a pertinent question in 2018: “What defines a good watch?”
Key Features
Functions and Operations
Central hours and minutes. Small seconds indicated at 9 o’clock. Chronograph functions: Central chronograph seconds. 30 minutes counter at 3 o’clock. Crown at 3 o’clock for winding and time setting. Chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock.
Dial
Matte black coloured one-piece dished dial. Matte white coloured subdials with black markings. Hour and minute hands are coated with white Grade X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova. Chronograph seconds and subdial hands are red lacquered, with their respective tips coated with white Grade X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova.
Case
Case and bezel are made from 904L stainless steel. Diameter: 42 mm. Thickness: 15.75 mm. Lug-to-lug distance: 49.55 mm. Lug width: 22 mm. Dial side features a domed sapphire crystal with two layers of anti-reflective coating on the inside. Water resistant up to 10 ATM or approximately 100 metres.
The watch is delivered with two straps: Black Italian calf leather strap, and a battleship grey coloured FKM scuba rubber strap. Both are fitted with a 904L stainless steel buckle.
Movement
Powered by Sellita SW510 BH Bi-compax, an automatic movement that drives the hours, minutes, small seconds with stop seconds function, and the chronograph functions. Jewels: 27. Frequency: 28,800 vph or 4 Hz. Power reserve: 56 hours. It is a cam operated chronograph movement. This version of the Sellita SW510 BH is an Élaboré grade movement, which means it is adjusted in 3 positions, as compared to the Standard grade’s 2 positions.
Please click here and here to read about the Oris Ocean-Green Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph and MING57.04 Iris respectively – both of which are powered by Sellita or Sellita based cam operated chronograph movements.
Our Thoughts
The C-1 Chrono is a study in design and execution – both of which (to my eyes and judgement) are excellent. Chronograph dials are typically busy. Not so the C-1 Chrono. Its minimalistic dial combined with the brushed finish of its case and bezel evokes a gorgeous aesthetic – one that is sure to find a fan following. It will be a super cool watch to wear – irrespective of whether one is driving a vintage sports car or just dreaming about one.
Additional Details
Name: C-1 Chrono
Price: Great Britain Pounds (GBP) 2,200. Price includes shipping, duties, and customs fees (except for the USA where the duties and customs fees are paid by the customer).
Limited edition of 300 pieces.
Warranty: 2-years, extendable to 3-years upon registration.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
