In the ever-evolving landscape of horology, where innovation and tradition constantly intertwine, Xeric, a name synonymous with bold design and accessible mechanics, unveils a timepiece that dares to revisit a captivating, yet almost forgotten, corner of watchmaking history: the Timeline Double Retrograde Automatic. This is not merely another addition to their already impressive stable of unconventional creations; it’s a horological resurrection, a vibrant re-emergence of a rare complication, brought to life with Xeric’s signature blend of ingenuity and unwavering commitment to accessible artistry.
For those uninitiated, the retrograde complication, particularly in its double form, is a spectacle of mechanical theatre. Forget conventional circular timekeeping. The Timeline Retrograde Automatic, powered by a meticulously customized Miyota 9015 movement, orchestrates a mesmerizing ballet of flyback hands. Imagine, if you will, the minute hand sweeping across its linear arc for a full sixty minutes, only to dramatically – and instantaneously – spring back to zero, a captivating visual reset unlike anything you’ll find in a traditional timepiece. And the drama doesn’t end there.
Every twelve hours, as the watch transitions between AM and PM, the hour hand joins the performance, executing its own equally captivating retrograde leap. This ingenious mechanism allows for a uniquely linear time display, offering an intuitive and effortlessly legible way to read the time, while simultaneously setting itself apart as a true conversation starter on the wrist.
Beyond its mechanical virtuosity, the Timeline Retrograde Automatic exudes a quiet elegance in its design. The dial, a canvas of refined detail, boasts meticulously applied indices and a subtly magnified date window, striking a perfect balance between visual interest and clarity.
Encased in a comfortably proportioned 38mm stainless steel housing, the watch sits with assured presence on the wrist, its brushed and polished surfaces catching the light and drawing the eye. Turn the piece over, and the exhibition caseback reveals the beating heart of this horological marvel – the custom rotor, a glimpse into the intricate mechanics that orchestrate the retrograde spectacle within.
Xeric’s co-founder, Mitch Greenblatt, a noted author and enthusiast of vintage horology, reveals the Timeline Retrograde as a passion project years in the making. Inspired by the fleeting appearances of double retrograde complications in the late 1960s and early 70s – a feature now virtually unobtainable in the vintage market – Xeric has dedicated over a decade to overcoming the technical hurdles and making this rare horological gem accessible to a wider audience.
This dedication to reviving forgotten artistry is at the core of Xeric’s identity. Since its inception, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of microbrand watchmaking, celebrated for its audacious designs, from pioneering affordable wandering hour watches to incorporating celestial motifs and embracing intricate complications.
Staying true to their commitment to accessibility and exceptional value, Xeric is launching the Timeline Retrograde Automatic with a pre-order price point of $699-$749, a remarkable offering for a timepiece boasting such a unique and complex complication. Limited to just 999 pieces per colour, exclusivity is assured, further enhancing the allure of owning a piece of horological history reborn.
The Xeric Timeline Retrograde Automatic is more than just a watch; it’s a tribute to a nearly lost art form, a testament to Xeric’s innovative spirit, and a captivating reminder that within the measured march of time, there’s always room for a touch of dramatic flair.
