I'll say something that many might disagree with, but it came to mind when I got to know these watches: Xeric is an affordable alternative to Jacob & Co.
The brand has always created unusual watches with non-standard complications and indications, where novelty and originality were paramount, long before many hard-to-pronounce brands with similar ambitions emerged in recent years. I remember when I first became interested in watches, Xeric was in its infancy, and their models did not particularly interest me, although I understood their general appeal. They looked interesting. Even now, the brand's official website states: "We create cool, unique, and affordable watches."
This is indeed true, but in my opinion, the meaning of this statement has changed - the brand has grown in terms of quality and design. An excellent example is the Xeric Timeline Retrograde Automatic - coaxial double retrograde watches with a vibrant vintage style, which, in my opinion, are among the best in the Xeric lineup.
Case Design and Dimensions
The Xeric Timeline Retrograde Automatic feels less comfortable on the wrist compared to other Xeric models, which usually distribute thickness across a wider case. These watches strongly resemble the Bulova Super Seville but are thicker due to the automatic movement, module, and hand placement. The case is available in stainless steel, two-tone, or gold-plated. The square-oval case with an integrated bracelet has a diameter of 38 mm, thickness of 12.5 mm, and a lug-to-lug length of 47 mm (measured via the protruding central links).
Note that the brand indicates a thickness of 12.5 mm, but my calipers showed 12.9 mm with the tightest press. Due to the square shape of the case, this thickness feels more pronounced, and 38 mm feels slightly larger than in round watches. Nevertheless, on the wrist, the watch does not seem bulky - they are not elegant, but they are not overwhelming either.
Quality of Finish and Materials
The case finish shows attention to detail: a thin chamfer along the edge of the mid-case and a comfortable bracelet with dual-finish treatment. The watch is equipped with flat sapphire glass (imagine if it were convex!) and has a water resistance of 50 meters, which is quite sufficient for me. The transitions of the facets on the bezel and protective lugs could be a little sharper, but for this price range, it's acceptable. The crown could be slightly larger - the case allows for an increase in size, which would make it easier to grip and wind the watch. The bracelet ends with a thin folding clasp with two positions for precise adjustment.
Dial Design and Indication Features
Beneath the unusually shaped "squircle" sapphire glass lies an impressive double retrograde dial with a vintage style. First, focus on the dial design, and then its practicality. I really like this design. On the left are radial ribs where luminous hands are located, then a silver hour scale with a chamfer and applied luminous markers, and further divisions and elongated lines leading to minute markings. At the 30-minute mark, there is a "cyclops" magnifying glass, improving date readability.
It is important to note that although Xeric has released many models with similar retrograde hands, most of them show double hands with ends moving along concentric arcs. Watching the hands snap back to their original position after passing the arc is a real pleasure. Additionally, the model is offered in various colors: purple, mint, silver, salmon, black with rainbow markers, white with gold, and black with gold. From an aesthetic point of view, this is an excellent design.
Practicality and Ease of Time Reading
Any atypical indication requires getting used to, and I'm not sure if I ever fully mastered quickly reading time from this dial. The minute numbers are placed rather far from the end of the minute hand, making it difficult to instantly perceive the time. Over time, this probably won't be an issue, but I often oriented myself by the general position of the minute hand on the arc for approximate time determination.
The cyclops and date window are not perfectly executed: due to the narrow and deep window, the date can only be seen when looking strictly perpendicular. This does not hinder understanding the date, but ideally, the window could be wider. The luminescence is also weak, likely due to the small application area. If using these watches alongside more traditional ones, I would probably not get used to such a dial and would more often look at my phone, simply admiring the design rather than using the watch to tell time.
Movement and Technical Specifications
These watches are equipped with a Japanese automatic Miyota 9015 movement with an additional custom module for implementing the double retrograde indication. The manufacturer calls this combination the Xeric X5.1 Retrograde Automatic caliber. Custom modules in this price range are rare, and Xeric deserves praise for this solution. The technical specifications of the movement are standard for the Miyota 9015: a 42-hour power reserve, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, accuracy of -10/+30 seconds per day. The movement is visible through the sapphire case back and is decorated with the Xeric signature rotor.
Conclusion: Uniqueness and Value of the Model
Ultimately, these watches are purchased for the unique dial and unusual indication, which is difficult to find in this price range, especially in such a retro style. Like most Xeric models, the Timeline Retrograde Automatic is focused on fun and originality. They fully align with the brand's statement: cool, unique, and affordable. With an impressive dial, thoughtful integrated case, and exclusive module, the watches offer many advantages and will be a bright highlight in any collection. The price of the Xeric Timeline Retrograde Automatic is $1199.