There always has to be a first. The lucky manufacturer to be the first review on about-timepieces.com, is Xeric and their Trappist-1 Moonphase. Some may not consider Xeric a luxury brand as such, however this watch is certainly a unique looking timepiece!!
This particular watch shown in Blue, with brown leather strap, is one of 7 colour options and is one of 2017, which identifies the watch as a limited edition run from Xeric.
Xeric’s description of where the idea came from on their website reads as follows:
“NASA’s recent ground-breaking discovery of the Trappist-1 solar system inspired us to imagine what a journey to these newly found planets might be like. The watch pays tribute to this new planetary system of seven planets resembling our own, located 12 parsecs (39 light years) away from us and orbiting a red dwarf star slightly larger than Jupiter. During observation of the Trappist-1 planetary system, researchers found that these new worlds were within a habitable zone where liquid water and even plant life may be present. Traveling to these planets may still be a long way off, but that doesn’t prevent us from dreaming up the perfect watch about the journey: the Trappist-1 Moonphase.”
So, the picture is painted in the words of it’s creators, however how does it compare on earth?
Face & case
The 44mm face sits behind a (space tested) hesalite crystal dome and on an initial glance, it appears there is nothing but a metallic blue cage (reminiscent of a 1960’s optical illusion design) with the centre missing in order to frame the Xeric logo. But look closer and there is a lot more happening in there. Yes, the logo sits in the centre, but directly above it in the same circular frame of Roman numeral hour markers, sits the Super-luminova moonphase; and breaking the bottom of the circle frame at 6 o’clock, is a small magnified date window. There is also a north star 12-hour indicator sweeping round in there. Behind the metallic blue “cage”, which covers the rest of the face, you will see a number of super-luminova stars which move with the planetary hour and minute hands, which consist of super-luminova planets.
The case is hand finished stainless steel and the case back is closed, in the same colour. The crown pulls out 2 positions and looking closely, it features a web like embossed stamp.
Xeric Trappist-1 Moonphase domed face
Strap
The 22mm strap has been designed to resemble space gloves, by stitching ridges into the well known US Horween leather. Quick release pin levers means its easy to change the strap.
US Horween Strap
Other stuff
The movement used is a Ronda Caliber 708 Swiss Quartz movement, so owners could expect roughly 5 years battery life.
Water resistance is quoted at 5atm, so in theory, should be good up to 50m, although, I’m not sure the watch was designed to go swimming in!
Packaging is visibly compact and there is a small single page warranty card, with further details to check out the instruction manual online. Xeric show signs that they are conscious about the environment.
Xeric Trappist-1 Moonphase on the wrist
Our verdict
The Xeric Trappist-1 Moonphase is a unique looking watch and having worn it out for a few days, it is certainly a conversation piece. Along with the very different, almost futuristic design; and the fact there are only a limited number being made, the likelihood of anyone else wearing one is very low.
The watch is very light and although it has quite a large face, it feels more like a dress watch on the wrist than anything else.
The only negative could be that the date window, although magnified, is so small that unless the angle is perfect, it is almost impossible to see the number within. Let’s be honest though, who wants to look at the date when the rest of the watch looks so good!
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