The Aurora comes with a 90 click unidirectional rotating bezel, which is extremely firm but rather difficult to grasp, except for the case side edges. I have always failed to understand the purpose of a 90-click bezel. I find the 60 and 120 click versions to be more desirable. The bezel insert is the rather standard aluminum variety with painted markers and a lume pip at the 12 o’clock position. The model is fitted with a mineral crystal measuring 35mm in diameter, which provides a great view of the red skeletonized dial. The crystal does appear to have an anti-reflective coating, which keeps glare at a minimum, as photography was rather uncomplicated even direct sunlight. Due to the dial being skeletonized, the topside of the watch movement including the date wheel, is clearly visible which is also rather atypical with the majority of dive style watches on the market. One of the more striking features of the dial is the applied markers surrounding the dial on the top portion of the chapter ring which is also an added bonus for such a budget priced dive style watch. A large open date window is positioned at the 3 o’clock position on the dial, which will not present a problem to the visually impaired. I know one of the first questions a lot of dive style watch lovers will throw out there is: “How’s the lume?” Well, I am not completely disappointed based on the watch price point, but except for the initial charge, the lume is average at best. The after-glow is also rather limited so do not expect to be able to tell the time in the dark hours after the initial charge. Overall, the watch case and dial are quite appealing providing a less than typical case design and style with features, save the lume, desired on dive style watches.
The display case back is screwed down to the upper part of the case. The mineral case back crystal measures 25mm, providing quite a different view of the back side of the automatic movement housed within the model. The case back is either red-tinted or has a red tint applied to the underside of the crystal, which is something not seen often, if ever, with display case backs. The case back has general specification information etched around the perimeter about the watch model, which is very typical. Beneath the case back is the modern and dependable Seiko NH-35 automatic movement. The movement has been as accurate as one would expect from an unadjusted Seiko automatic movement, averaging around +20 or so seconds a day. Overall, great appearance and movement for a value priced dive style watch.
Finishing off the Aurora is a truly incredible multi-link bracelet which corresponds perfectly with the brushed and high polished finishes of the case. I certainly didn’t expect such a well-constructed bracelet at such a budget price point. The bracelet measures 22mm at the lug and tapers to 20mm at the clasp. The links measure over 3.5mm in thickness and are assembled together using friction pins. The bracelet is finished off with a brushed push-button dive clasp. The clasp does not include a dive extension found on many dive and dive style watches. The clasp has three (3) micro-adjustments that will aid in achieving the perfect fit on the wrist. There are enough links to allow for wrist sizes well over 8 inches.
While I have seen several different watches produced from CCCP Time, I believe this is the first occasion I have had the opportunity to complete a full written review on one of their models. I can truly say that I am impressed with the overall quality and features provided on such a budget priced dive style watch. While I would prefer to see the inclusion of a sapphire crystal, slightly better lume and 60 or 120 click bezel, the watch as produced is a solid value based on its solid overall construction, case design, bracelet design and quality Seiko automatic movement. I would like to thank CCCP Time for arranging this review with WatchReport.com and I would like to thank each of you for reading. Please take a moment and view the brief video presentation included with the review and subscribe to the WatchReport.com YouTube channel. I look forward to your thoughts and comments as always.
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