I can appreciate a complex timepiece just as much as the next guy. Given the choice, though, I’d just as quickly go for classy and sophisticated. Those two qualities are exactly what Xetum’s minimalist designs bring in droves.
Founded by San Francisco designer Jeff Kuo, the new watchmaker only started operations late last year. All designs are made locally, although the pieces are manufactured and assembled right in Switzerland.
Xetum’s initial models consist of the Stinson and the Tyndall, two timepieces with a well-defined appearance that keeps them distinct from your usual Swiss-designed fare. Both sport uncluttered functions and dials, displaying the time inside a sleek and clean 40mm-diameter, 11mm-thick circular case.
The Stinson, which clocks in at $995, keeps things basic. Design is strictly conservative, with three hands, pronounced markers (with Super-Luminova on the 12,3,6 and 9 indexes), and an uncluttered face. It uses Swiss-made ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with 25 jewels and a 38 hour power reserve. Case is made from 316L surgical stainless steel, topped by a sapphire front crystal cover.
The Tyndall, which tips in a bit pricier at $1,395, brings slightly more modern aesthetics, coming with a recessed second subdial.  It’s based on an elaboree-grade ETA 2895 automatic movement, sporting 27 jewels and a 42 hour power reserve.
Both watches come with black and off-white dials, paired with black and brown leather straps. The Xetum watches aren’t cheap, but for what they deliver – Swiss ETA movement, a cool-looking thick case and a really sexy yet understated design – they sound like terrific value.
[Xetum via The Watch Lounge]