Aera’s co-founders, Jas Minhas and Olof Larsson, decided to launch a modern range of timepieces as recently as 2022. Challenging the idea that a watchmaker must necessar- ily have decades of history under its belt – or should that be strap? – they set about design- ing a collection of mechanical Swiss-made watches that are contemporary in terms of looks and conceived to be, above all, useful. The C-1 Cloud chronograph is a good example of the Aera aesthetic, and is the first timepiece in the range that has a dial that isn’t black. The extremely pale dial in matt grey has accents in sky blue and, when paired with its white FKM scuba rubber strap, has a Riviera appearance that works well in sunny climes. It also comes with a light grey Italian leather strap – easy to swap in – to dial down the effect, should you wish for a more urban look. The beauty of the C-1 Cloud is in its refined simplicity, quality build and rarity. The ergo- nomic case is made from brushed superior- grade stainless steel (904L), and at night the seconds hands and pointers glow green, thanks to a Super-LumiNova coating. The Aera logo, cut from Globolight, glows white in contrast, adding to the modern appearance. The timepiece comes in a handmade Italian leather pouch. Only 300 have been made. £2,200; aera.co
Secret Trips Autumn 2025
Aera’s co-founders, Jas Minhas and Olof Larsson, decided to launch a modern range of timepieces as recently as 2022. Challenging the idea that a watchmaker must necessar- ily have decades of history under its belt – or should that be strap? – they set about design- ing a collection of mechanical Swiss-made watches that are contemporary in terms of looks and conceived to be, above all, useful. The C-1 Cloud chronograph is a good example of the Aera aesthetic, and is the first timepiece in the range that has a dial that isn’t black. The extremely pale dial in matt grey has accents in sky blue and, when paired with its white FKM scuba rubber strap, has a Riviera appearance that works well in sunny climes. It also comes with a light grey Italian leather strap – easy to swap in – to dial down the effect, should you wish for a more urban look. The beauty of the C-1 Cloud is in its refined simplicity, quality build and rarity. The ergo- nomic case is made from brushed superior- grade stainless steel (904L), and at night the seconds hands and pointers glow green, thanks to a Super-LumiNova coating. The Aera logo, cut from Globolight, glows white in contrast, adding to the modern appearance. The timepiece comes in a handmade Italian leather pouch. Only 300 have been made. £2,200; aera.co