Artra Lab Camera One
Artra Lab's debut timepiece, the Camera One (C1), transcends mere homage to become a fully realized fusion of camera mechanics and horological tradition. The inaugural DLC Black Limited Edition was personally received by Dr. Chow Yun-fat, who used it to capture ArtraLab's first official product image—a moment now etched in the brand's history.
The 42mm 316L stainless steel case wears its inspiration proudly: depth of field markings line the case side, while the crown features a distinctive red dot—mirroring the lens mount alignment indicators found on professional camera systems. The dial itself becomes a photographer's reference guide, with shutter speeds encircling the face, aperture f-stops marked at 12 o'clock, and ISO values ranging from 50 to 800 elegantly displayed on the interior.
Perhaps most ingeniously, the Camera One features an interchangeable dial system that transforms the watch's personality. Wearers can choose to "open the aperture," revealing the intricate automatic movement through a transparent face flanked by a film strip complete with sprocket holes, or close it to display a working aperture mechanism that mimics a camera lens.
Kinetic Storytelling
The caseback houses the piece's most poetic element: an animated silhouette of Eadweard Muybridge's 1878 chronophotography sequence "The Horse in Motion"—the groundbreaking work that first proved a galloping horse becomes fully airborne. Since the Camera One operates on an automatic movement powered by wrist motion, these horses literally move with the wearer, creating a living connection to photography's origins.
Technical Specification:
Case diameter: 42 millimetres
Material: 316L stainless steel
Dimensions: Casediameter Ø 42 millimetres
Lug width: 48 millimetres
Thickness: 12 mm (15.2 mm including crystal)
Finish: Satin brushed and mirror polished
Details: Luminescent hands
Strap: Quick-release FKM rubber strap with stainless steel buckle
Water Resistance: 50 metres (5 ATM)
Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective and anti-fingerprint coating
Movement: ISO 1426A / 48H
Limited edition: 10 pieces per color
Price:
7280 HKD for Black edition
6880 HKD for Silver/White edition