£750.00
In stock
The Xeric Scrambler Automatic represents a bold re-imagining of timekeeping presentation, combining vintage-inspired aesthetics with cutting-edge horological innovation. Taking design cues from iconic 1970s watch cases while leveraging contemporary manufacturing precision, this distinctive timepiece features Xeric’s proprietary wandering hour movement that creates a mesmerising mechanical display. The striking Aqua Gray colourway provides a modern accent to the industrial design, while the tiered, multi-level dial construction offers a three-dimensional visual experience rarely seen in watchmaking. For collectors seeking a truly distinctive mechanical timepiece that challenges conventional design while remaining highly functional, the Scrambler Automatic delivers a compelling blend of artistic expression and technical ingenuity.
Condition: Excellent pre-owned condition
Includes: Complete box set
Guarantee: Warranty originally dated 2023
Shipping: Free UK delivery
Xeric represents the creative vision of watch collectors turned designers who set out to challenge conventional horology. Founded in 2013 by brothers Mitch and Andrew Greenblatt along with Danny Hunsaker, the brand emerged from their established Watchismo platform, which had been introducing unique timepieces to collectors since 1999. Mitch Greenblatt’s journey began as a vintage watch collector and influential horology blogger, eventually becoming an authority on unusual timepieces from the 1960s and 70s.
After years of curating exceptional watches from other brands, the team launched Xeric to create their own distinctive designs, deconstructing traditional watchmaking concepts to offer truly unique mechanical timepieces. With 25 successful Kickstarter campaigns, including the most funded timepiece in the platform’s history, Xeric has established itself as a leading American microbrand dedicated to pushing the boundaries of how time can be displayed on a mechanical watch.
The wandering hour complication in the Scrambler Automatic operates through a sophisticated mechanical system that transforms the traditional approach to displaying time. Three module arms rotate around the dial, each carrying four hour markers (covering all 12 hours). As these arms rotate, the current hour aligns with a minute scale in the upper viewing window. When you read the time, you simply look at where the current hour marker meets the minutes track. As one hour completes its journey across the minute scale, the next hour begins its path, creating a continuous time display.
This is accomplished through a precision Geneva gear mechanism that coordinates the movement of the hour modules while maintaining accurate timekeeping. What makes this system particularly special is that it’s fully mechanical, powered solely by the motion of your wrist through the automatic winding system, rather than relying on electronics or batteries to create this distinctive display.
While the Xeric Scrambler presents a thoroughly modern interpretation, the wandering hour complication itself has a rich horological history dating back to the 17th century. Originally developed for nighttime reading of clocks without illumination, early wandering hour clocks used a rotating disk system visible through a small aperture. The complication gained prominence when watchmakers began creating pocket watches for European aristocracy featuring this distinctive time display.
In the 18th century, wandering hour mechanisms were particularly favoured by royalty, including Pope Alexander VII. After falling out of fashion for centuries, the wandering hour experienced a renaissance in recent decades as watchmakers sought to differentiate their designs with alternative time displays. Xeric’s implementation represents a contemporary American interpretation of this historical complication, making a once-exclusive feature of haute horlogerie accessible to enthusiasts while adding their own industrial design aesthetic.
The Xeric Calibre X2.2 is a proprietary movement that uses the reliable Miyota 9039 as its base calibre, upon which Xeric has developed and added their own wandering hour module. The Miyota 9039 is a well-respected Japanese automatic movement known for its dependability and accuracy, featuring 24 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and a smooth 28,800 vph (4Hz) beat rate.
What makes the Xeric Calibre X2.2 special is how the company has engineered an additional mechanical module that converts the standard time display into the wandering hour complication. This approach combines the proven reliability of an established movement with Xeric’s innovative time display system. The resulting calibre represents a pragmatic approach to movement development commonly employed by independent watchmakers, allowing them to create distinctive complications without the enormous investment required to develop complete in-house movements from scratch.
The Super-LumiNova application on the Scrambler Automatic represents a technical innovation that sets it apart from other watches, including previous Xeric models. Rather than simply applying luminous material to the surface of hands or markers, Xeric has developed a technique where the Swiss-made Super-LumiNova is back-filled into deep wells machined into the components. This approach serves several purposes: it provides substantially more luminous material than surface applications, creating exceptional brightness in low-light conditions; it protects the luminous material from wear; and it enhances the three-dimensional quality of the dial.
The result is described as “the brightest Xeric watch to date,” offering practical functionality for nighttime reading while enhancing the industrial aesthetic of the design. This attention to both form and function in the luminous elements demonstrates Xeric’s commitment to thoughtful design that goes beyond mere decorative applications.
Xeric represents a distinctly American approach to watchmaking that contrasts with traditional European houses in several key ways. As a microbrand founded by watch collectors rather than traditional watchmakers, Xeric approaches design without the constraints of centuries-old conventions. This freedom allows them to explore unconventional time displays and design languages that might be considered too experimental for heritage brands. Their development process leverages modern platforms like Kickstarter for both funding and community building, creating a direct relationship with their customers that influences design decisions.
Rather than emphasising hand-crafted components or in-house production of every part, Xeric focuses on creative design and engineering, strategically sourcing quality components like Miyota movements while adding their proprietary complications. This pragmatic approach allows them to deliver mechanical innovation at accessible price points compared to traditional luxury watchmakers, democratising interesting complications like the wandering hour that were historically reserved for high-end collectors.
The Scrambler’s connection to 1970s horology is evident in several intentional design choices that evoke that distinctive era of watchmaking. The overall case architecture, with its substantial proportions and industrial presence, recalls the bold experimental designs that emerged during that decade when watch companies began breaking away from traditional round cases. The brushed finishing technique applied to the 316L stainless steel case references the industrial aesthetic that gained popularity in the 70s, contrasting with the highly polished cases of earlier eras.
The tiered, mechanical-looking dial construction echoes the technical, almost architectural approach seen in avant-garde 70s timepieces from brands like Omega, Bulova, and independent designers. Even the colour palette, particularly in the anodised components, references the more experimental use of colour that emerged during this period. These elements are reinterpreted through contemporary manufacturing capabilities, creating a watch that pays homage to vintage design while avoiding direct reproduction or pastiche.
For any purchases online, we offer a 14 day refund as long as they are returned exactly as sold. Any purchases in person are final.
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