Xetum is a hybrid Swiss watch brand, designed and incorporated in California, with all timepieces being produced in Switzerland. Like so many recently launched small watch brands, they sell to their clientele exclusively via the web. This network-based organizational structure is a great way to offer customers quality products, at more reasonable prices than many of the bigger brands.
Xetum has designed its watches, packaging and operations with the environment in mind. They use renewable cork on naturally tanned straps and the watch boxes are made from rubberwood that is saved from being burned.
The watch I had for review, the Tyndall, is one of the two models currently in the Xetum lineup.
It is powered by an elaborated ETA 2895 movement with 27 jewels and blued screws, which is thankfully visible through the clear caseback. The mostly brushed (40 mm x 11 mm) stainless steel watch case is fairly small by today’s standards, however, watch size is really a matter or personal preference. And it really has a lot to do with the proportions of your wrist (my wrists are not thin). Still, this is the type of watch I would personally prefer to wear with long sleeves on, for example, with a suit.
One notable design feature on the Tyndall is the 24-hour markers on the inner chapter ring of the dial. The inner scale lines up with the outer ring, which has the traditional scale, so you can read 12 or 24 hour time simultaneously. The outer ring has Superluminova treatments on the 12, 3, 6 and 9 markers, as do the hour and minutes hands. Small seconds are displayed in the subdial at 6 o’clock. The date window sits a 3 o’clock.
The strap is a made of naturally tanned leather, with an Italian cork backing. The strap features a pushbutton release butterfly clasp with engraved Xetum logo.
The dial is protected by a flat sapphire crystal with an interior anti-reflective treatment. The back features a hardened K1 mineral crystal. Water-resistance is 100 meters. Power-reserve is 42 hours. Balance cadence is 28,800 vph (vibrations per hour).
The watch is available in a black dial version (shown) and an off-white dial.
The rubberwood box, with Xetum carved into the top, is a nice touch. As is the matching plaid patterned watch cloth that comes with it.
Overall, the watch build quality, movement, and fit and finish appear to be quite good. The styling is unique and definitely compelling. The only caveat is that I would personally prefer a thicker strap, a more standard size like 20mm, 22mm or 24mm wide, would work better for my wrist. $1395
