Naturally, having spent so long working on our watches, we admit to being a little biased. We love them. But ultimately, it doesn’t matter what we think. So, we decided to get the opinions of leading figures in the watch, design and style industries and our customers. Who, having seen and handled the watches, share their different experiences and perspectives. Here’s what they said.
“Everyone can make a dive watch, but Aera launched their watches with a pared-back design that belies a sharp focus on material choices like 904L steel and the best FKM rubber. ...
The brand applies its distinctive design language to its first complication.
“Even more luminous hour markers… are surefire indicators of a a true tool watch, something that is not lost on a new dive watch entrant, the Aera D-1.”
"AERA calls into question traditional watch-making, launching under timeless ethos and unmatched craftsmanship. AERA is taking its talent to the great outdoors, testing its P-1 ...
"Horological startup Aera draws its inspiration from classic tool watches, but adds a modern twist with its rounded case designs. WatchTime performed a quick pre-flight check wi...
"A brand making waves. The D-1 Diver and P-1 Pilot, minimalistic watches with a more modern design aesthetic."
Aera follows up its D-1 series of dive watches and P-1 series of pilot’s watches with its first-ever chronograph.
"Both models manage to feel distinctive, stylish, and more mature than I'd expect from such a young brand. Certainly the definition of "one to watch," it will be exciting to see...
'The details add up in a big way. Aera does big-brand execution for a very reasonable price'
"The D-1 is an exemplary watch with a Leica-like feel and big yet comfortable presence. In an ergonomic case on soft FKM rubber, it’s Swiss-made and seriously good value for £1,...
"This staunchly British brand has a focus on actually making something resolutely modern rather than jumping on the retro bus. The key to Aera’s small but noticeable collection ...
"It represents a compelling fusion of modern style and function, and arguably a truly fresh viewpoint in the watch world. So what is better, then — consistency or variety? AERA ...
"My love of watches moves in mysteriously lateral ways, especially this year. I don’t know why, but I seem to be jinxed, with size preferences, consolidation, and plans going as...
“A high-quality watch for the price. Customers today are seeking out proper value for their money, as well as something that’s different.”
To my mind the P-1 Pilot sits squarely at the intersection between ‘design watch’ and ‘tool watch’. Yes, it’s functional, but it also looks super-cool with it. This is a serious piece of watchmaking, assembled, tested and finished in Switzerland. Its dial is one-piece. There is no tapered ring to mess with the minimalist aesthetic – there doesn’t need to be.
Aera’s new D-1 Diver does not disappoint. It’s genuinely hard to come up with something new in this field. And not just something new, but something
that feels contemporary. The D1-Diver is a modern watch. It belongs to
now.
"The Aera is a top watch, the design is beautiful and understated - exactly
what I love. Rubber straps (come) in different colors, the bezel is nice and matte, and has a nice graphic design. You can wear it casual, but also dressed up. I wear it every day since I've owned it!"
"Although for years i did not wear a watch and didn’t miss its presence, today i am excited how naturally the shape, color and prestine detailing of the dial on my P-1 Pilot, complements my wrist and elevates my swagger…."
It’s great to see how much effort Aera has put in to making a better
product. The design is so simple. The curved profile of the Diver’s sapphire crystal and bezel is beautiful. It makes me think of Mother
Earth. That’s a great idea. And I like the blue in the crown and the
bezel, the blue of the Luminova at night, the rounded, hand filled dots.
Nobody else is going to go to this level of detail.
It feels like something I’ve always had and always will have. It’s timely and timeless.
