A Watch for the Photography Enthusiast: Artra Designs' Love Letter to Photography
In a bold move, Artra, renowned for its Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 lens, has ventured into the world of timekeeping with a unique twist. The Artra Designs Camera One watch is a captivating blend of photography-inspired design and an aggressive price point, offering a fresh take on timepieces.
As reported by Leica Rumors, the Camera One series boasts an automatic mechanical movement, a durable 316L stainless steel case, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. But here's where it gets intriguing: the watch's design elements pay homage to the world of photography.
Starting with the side, the Camera One features depth-of-field markings, and its crown sports a distinctive red dot, reminiscent of lens mount alignment. Moving to the top, shutter speeds encircle the face, with an aperture f-stop marking at the 12 o'clock position. Inside the face, ISO speeds and apertures are listed in order, providing a subtle nod to photography's technical aspects.
One of the most captivating features is the watch's ability to showcase its intricate mechanical movements. The wearer can choose to display a transparent film strip with sprocket holes, or 'close the aperture,' revealing a mechanism akin to a photographic lens. But the real gem lies beneath the watch: a silhouette of Eadweard Muybridge's iconic horse photos, captured in 1878. These photos, a pioneering example of chronophotography, showcase a horse with all four legs in the air, and their inclusion is a fitting tribute to photography's history.
The Camera One's specifications are equally impressive: a 42mm case, 15.2mm thickness (including glass), a quick-release rubber strap with a stainless steel buckle, and water resistance up to 50 meters. While the starting price of $887 may seem steep, it's a bargain compared to similar automatic mechanical watches from established brands, which can cost two to eight times more. It's also significantly more affordable than Leica's ZM series watches, which range from $7,000 to nearly $30,000.
The Artra Camera One is now available for preorder, priced between $887 and $992, with shipping expected to commence in mid-December. A unique blend of photography and timekeeping, this watch is sure to spark conversations and debates. And this is the part most people miss: is a watch a mere timepiece, or can it be a work of art? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
