Independent American Design and Unconventional Time Displays
Xeric
Xeric emerged from the Greenblatt brothers’ experience collecting and selling unusual watches through Watchismo. Launched in 2013 with the Xeriscope, the independent American brand became known for imaginative, accessible watches that reinterpret how time is displayed through rotating movements, wandering hours, retrograde scales, orbiting indicators and sculptural cases.
Abbady photographic archive
Xeric photographs
Origins and period
California, United States
Launched in November 2013 with the Xeriscope Kickstarter campaign
Xeric in watchmaking
Xeric emerged from the Greenblatt brothers’ experience collecting and selling unusual watches through Watchismo. Launched in 2013 with the Xeriscope, the independent American brand became known for imaginative, accessible watches that reinterpret how time is displayed through rotating movements, wandering hours, retrograde scales, orbiting indicators and sculptural cases.
Landmark dates
1998 — Mitch Greenblatt begins the collecting and retail journey that later develops into Watchismo.
2013 — Xeric is created with Andrew Greenblatt, Danny Hunsaker and collaborators.
November 2013 — The first Xeriscope launches through Kickstarter.
2015 — The Halograph expands Xeric’s signature of unusual yet accessible mechanical displays.
2019 — NASA-authorized Apollo 11 anniversary watches broaden the brand’s space-themed collections.
Known for
Conversation-starting microbrand watches, Kickstarter launches, unconventional mechanical and quartz displays, wandering-hour and retrograde indications, rotating movements, bold case architecture and NASA-themed collections.
Movements and innovation
Xeric combines established automatic and quartz base movements with proprietary display architecture and customized modules. Designs have used rotating movements, wandering-hour satellites, double-retrograde indications, jump-hour layouts and orbiting planetary hands. Selected Apollo 15 models use the AmeriChron X3.1 automatic movement assembled and regulated in Arizona.
Identification checklist
Look for the Xeric name or X emblem, unusually shaped cases and nontraditional displays. Identify the collection by its display system: rotating movement, halo indicators, wandering-hour arcs, retrograde scales or orbiting planets. Confirm reference numbers, movement type and limited-edition markings on the case back.
Preservation guidance
Because many Xeric watches use specialized displays and model-specific components, follow the correct instruction manual before setting the time. Protect shaped crystals and display modules from impact, observe the stated water-resistance rating, and use Xeric or an experienced watchmaker for complicated or discontinued models.
Historical development
Xeric grew from the Greenblatt brothers’ fascination with unusual watches. Their earlier work through Watchismo exposed collectors to experimental timepieces from around the world and inspired an independent brand devoted to original displays at attainable prices.
The brand officially launched in November 2013 through a Kickstarter campaign for the Xeriscope. That watch used a visible rotating movement as part of the hour indication and established Xeric’s preference for mechanical theater, unexpected geometry and playful ways of reading time. Later collections explored halo hands, wandering hours, retrograde arcs, jump-hour layouts, orbiting planets and space-age case forms.
Xeric occupies a distinctive place in modern American microbrand watchmaking. Its watches commonly combine reliable third-party movements with specially developed display modules, layered dials and limited-production designs. NASA-authorized collections celebrating Apollo and other space programs extended the brand’s futuristic identity.
Identification depends on the collection because Xeric models differ dramatically. Collectors should compare the display system, case shape, movement, case-back reference and instruction manual. Specialized parts and discontinued calibers can complicate service, so careful handling and complete documentation are especially valuable.