To shatter any illusions, we’re not talking smartwatches today. But before you shake your head and click the “back” button there’s a bit of a story here—hear us out. Prior to the emergence of now-omnipresent smartwatch tech an Android watch brand was born. Android USA (as they’re currently known) started in 1991, just in time to make styles for the new millennium. Having moved into the 21st century, Android still purports “futuristic” timepieces on their current sales website. However, the future has already arrived in more technologically advanced ways in the industry—and Android is mostly making very basic mechanical movements—which unfortunately means that they’re far less competitive than other trending brands/inventions.
Android started at a time when 20 dollar off-brand watches weren’t being incessantly hawked in the margins of social media sites. They started before the internet could spoil the idea of what’s new/modern within weeks, instead of years. But it seems that the same feeling you’d get from a spam advertisement is breathing its way through their catalog. Essentially this once-rising brand is is coasting by, slashing prices, and is riding off the tails of a former glory. Looking at their online site today one would almost suspect they never made it as far as the silver screen. But in the early 2000s, alongside Christian Bale, one of their unique quartz designs was featured in the sci-fi cult film Equilibrium (2002).
Android
AD52K
Equilibrium is a tech-noir dystopian flick with action-packed choreography and unique wardrobe design. To match the sleek gray, white, and black palette the film-makers adopted Android’s AD52K silver style. At the time of the release, Android was leaning heavily into creating truly futuristic designs—a key aspect of their branding/name. Being one of their most unique pieces, the AD52K matched the fluid motions and style of Bale’s character John Preston. Although Preston moves quite quickly, flashes of this stainless-steel double-movement watch flickered in front of audiences flawlessly.
AD52K’s design work is a testament to what Android had to offer at the time. The band component of the watch incorporated both a proper bracelet (attached at the lug) and stainless steel links attached to the otherwise smooth-bracelet top. Sporting two quartz movements, the sleek, wide, rounded steel case sported two black dials for display. Functioning similarly to a digital dual-time watch, each of its two movements had their own crown—allowing the wearer two analog times at once. Blending unique oblong silhouettes with a sleek band made AD52K a standout piece for the brand. Android’s AD52K in Equilibrium showcased the momentum the brand had moving into the early 2000s. It allowed for their modernist style to denote subtlety and futuristic charm—on full display across the country. Unfortunately the size of the case was rather large. Though some still prefer “oversized” dials to this day, the 2000s trend to be bigger played into the ultimate slow-down of Android’s forward motion (smart-tech eventually throwing off their equilibrium).
Android’s
New Chapter?
Online forums speculate that the company may be liquidating its wares and calling it quits. They do have an unfortunate name in an industry now dominated by Android OS software (what’s in a name?). Their older designs had unique futuristic flair that seems a bit lost on the brand nowadays. This leads some to believe that Android isn’t planning on closing up shop but is instead clearing shop for something entirely new for the brand. As it stands, now is a good time to pick up one of their wristwatches. Their prices are staying slashed as they move forward—perhaps they’re not quite ready to throw in the towel on the future.
Times Ticking has been in operation for more than 30 years, since 1982. We have performed watch repair for customers both locally and internationally. If it Ticks! We KNOW it! Our team of watch repair technicians have a combined experience in watchmaking of over 120 years.
