Retronaut Automatic Wandering Hour Matte Gunmetal Orange
$1,299595
38 mmMineral
The Sensei's take
The Xeric Retronaut is a bold choice for those who appreciate avant-garde design paired with the complications of an automatic watch; its funky wandering hour display is a conversation starter but can feel impractical for everyday use. While the matte gunmetal and orange accents are striking, the overall value at $1,299 is questionable, especially with only stainless steel in the mix. If you're a collector looking to add something unique to your lineup, it might be worth considering, but set your expectations accordingly.
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Discover the Retronaut Automatic—a bold evolution in our acclaimed line of wandering hour watches. Built for both form and function, this compact 38mm timepiece features a uniquely sculpted case that highlights a sweeping hour hand powered by a customized Miyota 9-series movement. The illuminated Super-LumiNova minute dial ensures visibility even in the dark, offering a mesmerizing and accessible way to read time. Crafted for durability and comfort, the Retronaut Automatic comes with a stainless steel case and a bracelet equipped with a two-pusher butterfly clasp and built-in expansion links for the perfect fit. Its beadblasted finish, anti-fingerprint coating, and ultra-hard curved mineral crystal provide superior resistance to daily wear and tear. With only 250 individually numbered piec…
5.8
NotableSensei Score — Notable
Worth a look for the right buyer.
Independent rating. Purchase links may be affiliate.
At a glance
Strengths & trade-offs
Pulled straight from the spec sheet, framed for the buyer. The editorial verdict is the Sensei's take above.
Strengths
- Versatile 38mm case
- Luminous dial and hands
Trade-offs
- Mineral crystal — scratches more easily than sapphire
- Priced above what the spec suggests
Sensei Says
The specs, in plain English
On the wrist
At 38 mm it lands in the modern sweet spot, a short 43 mm lug-to-lug keeps it friendly on smaller wrists.
The value
Fairly priced for what it is.
On the wrist
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Wrist circumference
Preferred fit
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Specifications
- Reference
- RET-2229-02B
- Released
- 2025
- Production
- Limited edition
- Case diameter
- 38 mm
- Lug-to-lug
- 43 mm
- Thickness
- 13 mm
- Lug width
- 22 mm
- Case shape
- Round
- Case material
- Stainless Steel
- Crystal
- Mineral · anti-fingerprint
- Bezel
- None
- Caseback
- Closed
- Dial colour
- orange
- Dial finish
- Matte
- Indices
- none
- Lume
- Yes — Super-LumiNova
- Strap / bracelet
- stainless steel
- Clasp
- butterfly
- Fit
- Unisex
The maker
Xeric Watches
The brand aims to push the boundaries of watch design, creating unexpected and distinctive timepieces that stand out in a saturated market. Xeric believes that uniqueness and affordability can coexist, allowing more watch enthusiasts to enjoy unique horological designs.
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