Introducing: The Aera C-1 Chrono
Today, we take a look at a new chronograph, the Aera C-1 Chrono. The brand, for those previously unaware, hails from Britain and was founded in 2018. Since the beginning, the small team has focused on designing minimalist, robust timepieces. So far, the company has produced a diver, a series of field watches, and a chronograph. The latest release is a follow-up to similar 2024 references, but as we’ll see, the colorway is a nod to one of our favorite periods for chronographs, the 1960s.
As a multi-focused collector, I’ve learned to admire nearly every watch sub-category. However, chronographs have always been at or near the top of my list. Granted, I favor vintage models, but I have a lot of time for new releases with one condition. Typically, I don’t favor retro-designed pieces, so when a new design comes around, it has the opportunity to grab my attention. From an initial glance, the new Aera C-1 Chrono looks like a strong contender to further the chronograph form. Let’s take a closer look.
The Aera C-1 Chrono
With its bold, minimalist design, the latest C-1 packs powerful dimensions. Aera chose to use 904L stainless steel for the 42mm by 49.55mm case. The material, while more challenging to machine, offers enhanced durability over 316L steel.
The brushed case design certainly trends toward modern, but there are reminders of classic chronographs. Clean pump pushers, a tactile knurled crown, and downward-sloping lugs echo pieces of yore. However, the lozenge-shaped case profile, which includes the bezel and case back, is contemporary.
A modern, minimalist dial and bezel
The C-1 Chrono has a reverse panda colorway with a matte black backdrop and two white sub-dials. The dial’s shape is consistent with the case profile and gently curves downward from the edge to the center. Details are minute but purposeful. These include a printed white outer track to measure elapsed times to 1/4th of a second with the central hand. Contrasting black scales sit within each sub-dial. These correspond to running seconds and a 30-minute totalizer.
A red central hand has a hand-painted Super-LumiNova tip and red body. Of note is the brand’s signature detail, which is an open circular counterbalance. It exposes both A’s in the brand name and the C-1 model designation. Each sub-dial bears a red hand with a similar Super-LumiNova tip. These correspond to the central hour and minute hands with large quantities of luminous material. Two fun features are a glowing dot on the crown and a three-dimensional brand logo made of Globolight.
The Sellita SW510 BH Élaboré Grade
As a nod to both the robustness and clean design language of the C-1 Chrono, the watch has a purposeful screw-in stainless steel case back. This also contributes to the stated depth resistance of 100 meters. Underneath this domed steel layer is a Sellita SW510 BH Élaboré Grade automatic movement. This 27-jewel caliber affords 56 hours of power reserve and has a frequency of 28,800vph.
Other details of interest on the C-1 Chrono
Aera shared additional details about the construction of the C-1. Components, including the red hands and the bezel numerals, have all been painted or enameled by hand. Similarly, all of the Super-LumiNova has been manually applied. Regarding accompaniments, each watch comes with a black Italian calfskin strap with quick-release spring bars and a 904L stainless pin buckle. A battleship-gray FKM rubber strap is also included. Finally, a black leather British-made pouch can be used to store the watch.
Final thoughts
The Aera C-1 Chrono is a unique-looking modern chronograph with classic details and proportions. It may not be built for the smallest of wrists, but there are plenty of buyers who enjoy a tough watch with a strong design. In fact, I see this watch as a compelling alternative to offerings from a brand like Sinn. Plus, with a tax-inclusive price of £2,200 within the UK or US$2,475, excluding import taxes and shipping, it’s relatively approachable. The limiting factor is that Aera will produce just 300 individually numbered pieces of this watch. For additional information on the brand, the new chronograph, and how to order, visit the brand’s official site.
