Echo/Neutra has been carving out its little corner of the watch world since 2018. The brand’s founders, Nicola Callegaro and Cristiano Quaglia, blend Italian design sensibilities with Swiss-made execution, and the catalog has steadily grown from vintage-inspired field watches to elegant titanium dress pieces. The new Averau 42, however, is a different beast altogether. It’s modern, it’s technical, and it leans into materials not often seen at this price point.
The Averau 42 comes in two versions. One is a three-hand automatic, the other an automatic chronograph. Both use ceramic as the external case material, reinforced by an internal titanium structure that the brand calls TiFrame. The idea is to mitigate the well-known brittleness of ceramic while keeping its scratch resistance and sleek matte look. I should note here that I already own the Echo/Neutra Cristallo Diver. It’s another solid and reliable tool watch that proves the brand has already dipped into this territory successfully. The Averau 42 feels like a natural extension of that mindset with a more experimental edge.
A new twist on ceramic
Ceramic has a strange place in watchmaking. On one hand, it’s virtually scratchproof and remains crisp and clean after years of wear. On the other hand, it’s brittle, and a nasty knock in the wrong spot can spell disaster. Echo/Neutra’s solution is the TiFrame, a Grade 2 titanium skeleton that holds the movement, dial, and other critical components. It even extends into the lugs, a common weak point for ceramic cases.
In practice, the TiFrame doesn’t make the watch feel dramatically lighter compared to other ceramic or titanium watches. On the wrist, there’s nothing immediately obvious that makes you realize it is titanium inside. But the structural logic is sound. You get the scratch resistance and finish of ceramic with a little added peace of mind. Of course, the watch does not magically become invincible, but total catastrophic failure is slightly mitigated.
Both versions of the Averau 42 have a 42mm diameter, a 51.5mm lug-to-lug, and a 100m water resistance rating. Sapphire crystals, Super-LumiNova BGW9 lume, and Sellita movements keep the specs in solid territory.
A chronograph that feels purposeful
The automatic chronograph uses the Sellita SW510B Elaboré, a movement with 56 hours of power reserve that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Echo/Neutra has built it into a 14.6mm-thick case, which is on the slimmer side for an automatic chrono with these specs.
What stands out most is the dial execution. Despite plenty of text and detail, it remains legible. Small numerals and a restrained use of applied markers mean it avoids feeling crowded. The only applied index is at 12, which adds a subtle highlight without overcomplicating the look.
There is one detail worth clarifying: while the watch is water resistant to 100 meters, you should not use the chronograph function underwater. The pushers may look like screw-down units, but they’re not. They’re regular pump pushers dressed up with a design that suggests otherwise, so treat them accordingly.
On the wrist, the chronograph feels like a proper tool watch. There’s a lot of information on display, but it never overwhelms. The mix of legibility, matte ceramic case, and sturdy proportions makes it feel ready for daily use while still looking sharp. At US$1,970, it’s a competitive package for anyone wanting a ceramic chronograph from a young indie brand.
A three-hander with presence
The simpler three-hand automatic uses the Sellita SW200-1 Elaboré. With a 10.5mm profile, this version is slimmer, which makes it more wearable for everyday use despite the same 42mm case diameter. At US$970, it also comes in at half the price of the chronograph, making it an accessible way to get into this ceramic and titanium hybrid construction.
That said, the 42mm case feels big here for a time-only piece, especially with the large dial aperture. Without the subdials breaking things up, the three-hander “looks” and wears slightly larger. Some may love the added presence, but for my tastes, it’s on the big side. Your mileage may vary. It’s also worth adding that Echo/Neutra has plenty of smaller watches in this three-hand territory, so it makes sense to offer something a little larger as a counterpoint within its collections.
Design-wise, there are some nice touches. The cardinal markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 are applied, adding depth and contrast. Part of me wonders if Echo/Neutra could have extended that approach across all 12 indexes… I also like the small printed secondary logo at 6 o’clock. It reminds me of the pig (torpedo) motifs on older ceramic Panerai models, and it’s a clever nod to detail that doesn’t overpower the dial.
Modern tool-watch design
Echo/Neutra has often blended vintage and modern elements, but the Averau 42 feels firmly current. It’s a tool-oriented watch, but it still carries the brand’s clean Italian design DNA. Compared to the vintage-infused 1956 line, this collection looks forward rather than back. It’s sharp, sporty, and designed to be lived with.
Both models come with titanium case backs featuring a deeply stamped mountain. I prefer this over a see-through back showing an otherwise workmanlike Sellita movement. The mountain feels more in tune with the adventurous, outdoors-ready character of the watch.
Movements that make sense
While the SW510B and SW200-1 are not exotic calibers, they are well-proven ones. They offer reliability and easy servicing, which makes sense for a tool watch. Echo/Neutra’s choice to pair them with ceramic cases at these price points is where the appeal lies.
For under US$2,000 for the chronograph and less than US$1,000 for the three-hander, you’re getting solid Swiss movements inside a ceramic-titanium case from a young indie brand. That’s not a common combination. Even larger brands rarely offer ceramic at this price, and when they do, it’s usually in a safer, non-technical design. Echo/Neutra is taking a calculated risk here, and it pays off.
Who will appreciate the Averau 42
The Averau 42 is aimed squarely at enthusiasts who like tool watches and want something off the beaten path. If you’ve always liked the idea of ceramic but never wanted to pay premium-brand prices, this could be a gateway. The TiFrame makes it feel less fragile than a standard ceramic piece, even if the difference isn’t hugely noticeable on the wrist.
It’s also for collectors who appreciate thoughtful design. The chronograph, in particular, balances busy detail with strong legibility, which is no easy feat. The three-hander offers the same tech in a more minimalist package, albeit with proportions for a larger wrist.
My final word
Between the two, I’d pick the chronograph. The balance of function, design, and proportions just works better for me. But both models are handsome, fairly priced, and a smart next step for Echo/Neutra. The Averau 42 shows the brand can experiment with materials and still stay true to its design roots.
These aren’t flashy watches, nor are they trying to be. They are practical, well-executed tool watches that introduce ceramic in a way few indie brands have attempted. For Echo/Neutra, it strengthens the brand’s position as a young but credible player in the field. After last year’s successes with the Rivanera, it’ll be interesting to see if the Averau 42 is received in the same way.
Let us know what you think of this release in the comments below!