There are a lot of collaborations between watchmakers and car designers. Off the top of my head I can name the Tag Heuer x Porsche, Richard Mille x Ferrari and Jacob & Co. x Bugatti. However, it’s not just prestige watch and car brands that can get in on the action. For example, relatively young microbrand Aera have teamed up with Porsche restomod specialists Rennsport to release the C-1 Rennsport Chronograph Limited Edition.
It has the same 42mm steel case as the standard C-1 Chronograph, but the dial has been reimagined to give it a motorsport connection. The twin, bicompax subdials that display chronograph minutes and small seconds feature 3D printed renditions of the famous Fuchs wheel used by vintage Porsches in the 1960s. It’s not the first time we’ve seen the Fuchs design grace a wristwatch as Union Glashütte tackled the concept last year, proving that it’s a match made in heaven.
Adding to the sporty vibe of the C-1 Rennsport Chronograph, the central chronograph hand, as well as the hands on the subdials, are presented in bright red. They’re also tipped in white, which provides a striking contrast to the matte black dial. On the whole it’s a very minimalist display that focusses on shape and colour. In that manner, it actually feels like a very German design despite Aera and Rennsport both being British. Although it does make a certain amount of sense as the Porsches that inspire both brands are German.
Inside, it houses the Sellita SW 510 bi-compax, elabore grade movement with 56-hour power reserve. Being the elabore grade means it has been adjusted to a higher degree of accuracy in more positions and also that it has a higher level of finishing (which is hidden by the solid steel caseback). It’s a worthy engine for this motoring collaboration.
As to pricing and availability, the Aera C-1 Rennsport Chronograph Limited Edition is £2,350 with only 25 pieces available. That’s £400 higher than the standard steel C-1 Chronograph, but I think that increase makes sense due to the exclusivity of the piece as well as the addition of extra technical elements such as the Fuchs chronograph display. Plus, it feels markedly different to the rest of Aera’s watches due to the Rennsport connection. It’s a fun play on the minimalist sports chronograph recipe.
Price and Specs:
More details at Aera.
