CronotempVs Collectors is proud to present the second and final chapter to the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, The AURORA by Habring²
Commissioned exclusively for CronotempVs Collectors the Aurora is a limited edition timepiece of 33 units based on the Endurance’s sister ship that was part of the historic expedition.
Like the Endurance, the creative process behind The Aurora by Habring2 is inspired by a remarkable feat of human resilience. When Habring² and CronotempVs Collectors collaborated to create a watch with unique characteristics, Ernest Shackleton and his arctic expedition came to mind. This expedition, which began in 1914 and concluded in 1917, stands as one of the most incredible survival stories in history. It is undeniable that Shackleton and his crew could not have foreseen that their tale would be immortalised in books not due to the success of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, but rather because of their unwavering determination to survive.
The second ship in the Expedition
In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton assigned Aurora the task of establishing supply depots along the expedition route for his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Despite encountering sea ice in McMurdo Sound in January 1915, Aurora persevered and dispatched teams to set up the depots. It eventually arrived at Discovery Bay on March 12, 1915, where it anchored and continued unloading supplies. However, in May, Aurora became trapped in the ice and was forced to be towed out to sea, stranding the men responsible for setting up the depots. The ship remained trapped in the ice for nearly a year, drifting approximately 1600 nautical miles. Finally, on February 12, 1916, Aurora managed to escape from the ice and returned to Dunedin, New Zealand, on April 3.
With the Aurora, CronotempVs Collectors and Habring² pay tribute to these men and the three long years they endured in the Antarctic. What better way to honour them than by creating an instrument that could have been part of Ernest Shackleton’s expedition? The result is a mechanical watch that embodies elegance and resilience, capable of withstanding various adverse conditions. The Aurora watch has been meticulously crafted with all these factors in mind.
Enduring the cold
Although the expedition members wore wristwatches and were protected from the cold, their voyage at the refuge of a warm officer’s cabin was far from comfortable. Tragically, the Aurora as well as the Endurance soon found themselves trapped in the ice, and less than a year later, they were compelled to abandon ship. From that point on, Shackleton and his crew endured two gruelling years of hardship in the unforgiving Arctic before they finally managed to return to civilisation.
The Aurora movement is meticulously crafted with special oils and components that can withstand temperatures as low as -60°C and even lower (though not recommended over long periods of time). The case is crafted from polished steel and features a double-domed sapphire glass, ensuring its waterproofness to a depth of 100 meters.
Top Second indication
The Top Second indicator, initially introduced by Mondia Switzerland in the 1960s, was acquired and absorbed by Zenith during that decade. As a result, the indicator and the brand disappeared. Looking back at that time, what better way to reintroduce something long forgotten in a new adventure? The concept of the Aurora aligns perfectly with the purpose of the Top Second indicator, which serves as a quick and certain way to check the watch’s functionality. While it may seem redundant at first, especially in times when people’s lives depend on chronometry, especially at sea, such visual confirmations are essential for both success and survival.
Tide indication
The Aurora watch boasts a remarkable tide indication system. Unlike conventional tide indicators that might not account for the unique rhythmic nature of tides, the Aurora’s tide indication mechanism is meticulously engineered to reflect the natural cycle of tides more accurately. It follows a period of 12 hours and 25 minutes to complete a full cycle, mirroring the actual lunar tidal patterns. This nuanced understanding allows the watch to better align with the natural ebb and flow of the sea, providing a more precise prediction of tidal movement.
The intricate detailing continues with the interval between high and low tides, which is approximately 6 hours and 12.5 minutes, reflecting the semi-diurnal tide patterns typically observed in nature. This feature is particularly useful for maritime activities, where understanding the precise timing of tides can be crucial for navigation and scheduling.
This careful attention to tidal cycles is a testament to the Aurora’s design, embodying both elegance and functional resilience, much like the Antarctic explorers it honors. Whether on a scientific expedition or a leisurely sail, the Aurora’s tide indication offers an essential tool for those who rely on accurate timekeeping and tidal prediction.
Aurora
In honor of its name, the “Aurora” watch will feature a striking Super Luminova ring that serves to maximize legibility in low-light conditions, making it an ideal companion for explorers and adventurers alike. The use of Super Luminova is not merely a design choice but a functional one, ensuring that essential information can be easily read, even in the darkest environments, much like those encountered in Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition.
Moreover, the moon phase indicator, a critical component for accurately predicting tidal changes, is also enhanced with Super Luminova. This application ensures that the lunar phases are clearly visible, allowing the wearer to gauge tidal movements with precision. This thoughtful integration is particularly beneficial for maritime activities, where understanding lunar influence is crucial.
By incorporating these luminous features, the Aurora watch not only respects its namesake—drawing on the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis, known for its brilliant visibility in the polar skies—but also pays tribute to the resilience and determination of the Antarctic explorers. This watch stands as a beacon of both elegance and durability, capturing the spirit of adventure and the quest for precision that defined Shackleton and his crew’s historic journey.
Antarctic Moon Phase
The accurate measurement of tide indications requires a profound understanding of the amplitude of tidal changes, which can be significantly influenced by the lunar phases. During full and new moon periods, the gravitational pull of the moon and sun align, creating what are known as spring tides, which are characterized by their higher high tides and lower low tides. By integrating a moon phase complication into the Aurora watch, this innovative timepiece provides users with a comprehensive understanding of these tidal fluctuations. This feature not only enhances the watch’s functionality but also pays homage to the interconnectedness of celestial movements and terrestrial phenomena. The inclusion of the moon phase allows users to anticipate the amplitude of tides with greater accuracy, making it an invaluable tool for navigators and maritime enthusiasts who rely on precise timing for successful voyages. The Aurora’s moon phase complication is a testament to its meticulous design, reflecting both the elegance and resilience that defined Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition.
Anti magnetic protection
The Habring Magnetic Shielding plays an essential role in protecting the watch from magnetism. Today we are surrounded more than ever by very strong magnets. Shielding the spiral from magnetism is essential to maintain proper timekeeping. The HMS focuses on the crucial and most vulnerable part of the watch, the spiral. This not only reduces weight, cost and thickness but also is more effective than using a traditional soft-iron shield.
Only 33 units of this watch and movement will ever be made. There will be no subsequent versions in any color, design or case material.
Habring² “Aurora” CronotempVs Collectors
Case 42mm in polished steel.
Movement mechanical manual wind
Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds, Top Second, tides and moon phase.
Dial antracite sandblasted, Super LumiNova indices
Water resistance 100m
Strap Nubuck
Limited to 33 units
Price 8.900 Euros (ex. taxes)
