Android Savant Retrograde

Timepieces from the Land of the Rising Sun, or thereabouts
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mrneddles
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Android Savant Retrograde

Post by mrneddles » Thu Apr 05, 2012 6:28 am

This model came out some years ago, long before Mr. Wing jumped the 48mm shark. I think my attraction is the visual similarities to some of the Maurice LaCroix and Martin Braun complicated retrogrades. I have never seen any pop up on ebay until recently, and to my surprise, the seller took $88 + shipping.

Just a few highs and lows, as I'm not one for extensive reviews.

42mm case width from 9-3 not including the crown.
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Silver dial with multiple different textures and treatments. Splashy yellow chrono hand. The hour markers are painted silver under the crystal (looks neat, but is likely a way to cut production cost corners). The chrono hand runs counterclockwise from 9-3 and then swings back with a pretty cool audible mechanical "whrr".
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Pseudo screw down chrono pushers. Coordinates nicely with the crown, but again another fashion brand design over function move. Signed crown which I always like.
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Sapphire crystal is a bonus. 100m water resistance seems ambitious.
The strap leaves much to be desired. Plain black plastic-like leather with some padding, suitable for Walmart Jesus sandals. At least it has quick change pins so I can ditch it quickly. Android signed tang buckle not pictured. The watch feels very light and unsubstantial, especially for a 42mm case. I wonder if there were corners cut in the steel quality.

Overall a nice little watch, especially at my purchase price. I like the novel Swiss movement and sapphire crystal. It is a testament that Wing used to design well, before he succumbed to the Invicta neanderthals' wishes. I have a black croc strap with yellow stitching incoming.

Thanks for looking!
fatman
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Re: Android Savant Retrograde

Post by fatman » Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:50 pm

Very nice mrneddles, I have always liked that retrograde movement. I once hand a inconvicta with that movt. And it is pretty novel.

Nice looking watch and a even better price.
Lube the goat.
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DBCooper
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Re: Android Savant Retrograde

Post by DBCooper » Thu Apr 05, 2012 1:15 pm

Spiffy looking watch. I would be happy to wear that one. Nice size. I wish I had yours instead of this one.

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Has the ETA G15 retrograde like yours but it's so damn big (50MM) I still can't believe I ever wore it. Left over from my GEEK days sitting in my give away drawer. I guess this one fits into that testament thing you're talking about. I keep putting it on like I'm going to wear it. Ain't gonna happen.
Sam
ChronoMATT
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Re: Android Savant Retrograde

Post by ChronoMATT » Mon Apr 09, 2012 11:10 am

Wow! I hate to sound cliche and WatchGeek-like, but I really mean this: It looks like a multi-thousand dollar timepiece! Picking the yellow stitched gator was stroke of excellent taste. If I were to get this model, I will do the exact same mod.

mrneddles wrote:
ChronoMATT wrote:This was one of the best dials Wing ever designed. Please post a pic with the new strap installed.

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mrneddles
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Re: Android Savant Retrograde

Post by mrneddles » Mon Apr 30, 2012 5:54 am

DBCooper wrote:
itfc1959 wrote:Does anyone know what movement was in this?

Thanks
ETA G15.261 in mine. I suppose neddles is the same.

That is correct. Wing confirmed it.
Mortuus Fakeuus

Re: Android Savant Retrograde

Post by Mortuus Fakeuus » Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:52 am

fatman wrote:I like it also DB, if you want to move it let me know. I really like the movement.

Me, too, DeeBs! (Who knows? We may end up with a bidding war...! :bounce: )
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DBCooper
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Re: Android Savant Retrograde

Post by DBCooper » Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:09 pm

This thing has a design flaw in the bracelet. Any wrist over 7" can forget it. Just getting the thing over your hand can be a PITA. Not to mention its giganticus @ 50mm. What are you guys thinking!

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Sam
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