Today we are gonna talk about a watch from a company that I follow since I started to make watch reviews. We have talked about this company previously many times. The company is called Xeric and they probably make the coolest and most unusual watches in the microbrand market and with each watch, they are stepping up the game of their design. Basically, they are making haute horology looking pieces for very affordable prices, and I totally agree! You can actually read more about the history of the company and the interview with one of the founders here.  Also, there is a new watch coming out called Invertor and it is on Kickstarter right now and has been funded for more than 220,000$. I hope I will get one in for review as I have gotten about 10 messages if I would review it. You can read about the Invertor also here on my blog.

Now let’s talk about the watch that Xeric sent in for a review called Halograph II which is a bit newer and updated version of the first Halograph which actually became the most funded watch on Kickstarter which is a pretty good indicator that the design Xeric is making is really liked by the average consumer or watch enthusiast like me. The Halograph II has a very interesting way of showing time as you can see from my photos and I will later explain how to tell time. The Halograph II comes in 9 different versions with different dials, case colours and strap options. I chose this version as it is the only one that features a wooden inlay on the dial and it kind of reminded me one of those old radios of the Soviet era. The other ones are pretty cool too, but I just liked this one the most. All the Halograph II watches come in limited editions. That basically means that each colourway has only 999 watches.

The Halograph II came in a pretty small fabric box. I like when watch companies make smaller boxes. I always will remember the Omega Speedmaster Prof. box which is probably like 10 of these boxes combined. Inside the box you will find a watch and instructions/warranty, that’s it, everything is kept straight to the point and simple! The first impressions of the watch were that it is very big. I also noticed the super nice Horween leather strap with that buttery smooth leather. And of course, the wood inlay makes the dial look really cool in my opinion. Xeric was also very kind to include me an extra strap which is the same colour and leather strap, except it has this ribbed stitching and it looks like something out of a vintage car, vintage cars actually used to have this ribbed style leather in interiors. I have to point out that I swapped the strap on the watch for the ribbed one so in the photos you will see it. I also have to remind that this is extra and you need to buy it separately from them. Xeric also included one of their 2 watch travel cases in blue leather which are really nice and pretty cheap, about that we will talk in the end of the review.

The case of the Halograph II is made of 316L stainless steel. The case is very well machined and almost has this Ikepod look with rounded edges and that lugless design. The case finishing all over the case is satin brushed which also done pretty well. between the bezel and case we have a brown coloured ring and between the case and case back we have a grey ring to give the watch a little more colour. The diameter of the case is 46mm, the thickness is 14mm with the crystal and the lug width is 22mm. At 2 o’clock we have a push-pull crown which is deeply engraved on the top with Xeric logo. The crown is pretty bog and very accessible even when the watch is on the wrist so you can change time on the fly which is really handy! The case back is held on with four small screws and has a window to see the balance wheel of the movement which is also a nice detail. On the case back we have a big “2” engraved standing for the model number. Also on the case back you will find some specifications and also a limited edition number you have, mine, for example, is 4 out of 999. On top of the watch, we have a boxed sapphire glass which makes the dial really pop. The water resistance is only 5ATM (50M), but it is enough for daily wear and can withstand rain, handwash etc. Swimming isn’t something I would recommend with this watch.

The dial is just super cool! Halograph II features Xeric‘s innovative signature display and halo hands which float over the arcs to encircle the time. The inner arcs display the hours and the outer arcs display the minutes. The time can easily be read through the two halo hands. As the halo reaches the end of its track, a new halo appears on the opposite side, similar to a retrograde display. Two secondary displays were integrated into the movement grille which is surrounded by a wooden inlay The day/night window on the left displays your current position relative to the sun. The window on the right is a running second display. These features are printed on transparent discs for an unobstructed view of the open balance wheel. The grille part is probably the only thing I don’t like and I just think if it was fully wooden it would look even better as I don’t care much about the day/night window or the running second’s display. The time reading part is pretty straight forward, but I wouldn’t call it that simple. When you look at a classical watch design you immediately can see the exact time, but here you need to look a little longer to know whats the time, but at least on this complication, you can tell time precisely. Another thing that I would love them to add probably would be lume as it would look pretty cool in the night, but I guess that would make the watch more expensive.

Inside the Halograph II we have Japan made automatic Miyota 82S7 movement. The movement has a 42-hour power reserve and beats at 21600 BPH. I haven’t had this movement in any of the watches I owned or reviewed, but spending more than one month with the watch I can surely say it is ticking pretty good with only +7 seconds a day which is really good for these affordable movements. I also have to say that you just can’t go wrong with Miyota or Japan movements in general as they have proven their reliability throughout the years. Also, Miyota movements are pretty popular in microbrand watches because of how much you get for a relatively low price.

With the watch, you will get a dark brown Horween leather strap. The strap is pretty simple with nice stitching. It is very very supple and buttery to touch! I honestly can say that this is another brand that really ships great straps with their watches that you don’t want to switch for others. The strap tapers from 22mm to 20mm at the buckle. The underside is signed with Xeric and Horween logos. The buckle is pretty simple one tang style.  Xeric also sent me another strap that has been on this watch since it came in and also in the photos. It is basically the same Horween leather strap, just ribbed. And I really like it, it is just a small detail, but it really changes up the style. The strap as I previously said reminds me of those old sports cars from the 60s and 70s which had these ribbed details in seats, belts and other interior parts. And together with that wooden details on the dial and this ribbed strap, it looks like it has something to do with racing. It’s just how I see it. The ribbed strap costs 60$ and they have other colours too with different colour stitching and in different sizes. So you can change up not only your Xeric watch, but also other watches you have. And I got to say 60$ is really cheap, I have been sent straps in the past that are Horween and costs twice as much.

Xeric also sent me one of their travel cases. They come in three colours: blue, black and brown and hold 2 watches, a couple of straps and other accessories. The one that I got is the blue one. The travel case has leather all over it. The leather has this nice rugged texture and it feels very well built. On top, we have a Xeric logo. You unzip the case and you can see that it is lined with this really soft to touch material. The cushions are big and fluffy so they will fit bracelet watches that are fit for big wrists and also for smaller ones. Each compartment will fit up to 56mm sized watches which is more than enough space for almost any watch. On the top part, we have a closed compartment where you can store a couple of spare straps, it also has a place where to store cufflinks or rings and other accessories. Altogether it is a really nicely made travel case. I usually travel with my watch roll which fits 3 watches, but it has no compartment for extra straps or rings, but this is very handy as you get almost a small jewellery box. And for the price of only 75$ it is a really good deal as some of these travel cases on the market can get expensive!

Overall I really like the watch. In fact, it has been on my wrist a lot since I got it in for a review. Many people have been asking me about this piece and where to get it as it has a really unique and distinctive look. I really like what Xeric is doing with their watches and where the company is moving forward. Especially with their newest piece called the Invertor on which you can read more here on my blog. Back to the Halograph II. The price for this exact model is 500$ and with that, you get a really unique design and interesting time telling, sapphire on front and back, really well-made case and everything, Horween leather strap and compliments from watch guys! Can I recommend buying it? DEFINITELY! You just won’t regret it!

Price: 500$ @ www.xeric.com