The last few years have seen the arrival of several UK watch companies, in general designing in the UK and manufacturing abroad. Farer is part of this trend, their attractive watches are made in Switzerland, designed in London and, named after British explorers, take their inspiration from celebrated wayfarers and seafarers.
 |
| Wearing the Farer Barnato GMT watch |
Some of these new watch companies have made the mistake of over-designing their products. Cluttered dials, ugly hands, massive cases and crowns make for unattractive timepieces. Farer haven't gone down this route. Their designs are classic, simple, very attractive and, at 39.5mm in diameter, haven't taken the over-sized option.
 |
| Farer Barnato GMT watch |
 |
| Farer Frobisher sub-dial watch |
 |
| Farer Johnson three hand watch |
Farer sent me the Barnato, from the GMT collection, to try out (top image, above). Its plain and minimalist design has drawn many positive comments. I've worn it for five weeks or so and in that time it's gained around a second; good accuracy from the Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement.
The case is a subtly brushed stainless steel and the vintage-style two-tone dial and hands are easily legible. The leather watch strap is a nice touch, fitting well with the watch's classic looks. A minor comment is that the 24 hour hand lags slightly behind the 12 hour time. This doesn't affect watch accuracy at all. [Edit: Farer have spoken to me and tell me that they have not seen this problem on any other watch. They are looking into it. Further edit: I've heard nothing more about this and my watch continues to have this, albeit minor, problem. If it concerns you, I suggest you check before purchasing the GMT watch].
The case is a subtly brushed stainless steel and the vintage-style two-tone dial and hands are easily legible. The leather watch strap is a nice touch, fitting well with the watch's classic looks. A minor comment is that the 24 hour hand lags slightly behind the 12 hour time. This doesn't affect watch accuracy at all. [Edit: Farer have spoken to me and tell me that they have not seen this problem on any other watch. They are looking into it. Further edit: I've heard nothing more about this and my watch continues to have this, albeit minor, problem. If it concerns you, I suggest you check before purchasing the GMT watch].
This watch has become a daily wear for me and is ideal for both casual and more formal wear. The GMT models are ideal for the traveller as you can keep track of time in another timezone with the independently adjusted 24 hour hand without having to stop the watch to alter the time.
Summary: nicely designed and reasonably-priced watches, designed in London, made in Switzerland. Watches come in three collections: the three-hand collection, one with a sub-dial and the GMT watch. Prices from £340 to £420 from Farer.
A great tip - thank you - I love the top GMT model, so onto the birthday list possibles for Mr B!
ReplyDeleteGrey Fox
ReplyDeleteYou have come up tumps yet again with a very interesting report - thank you.
I totally agree with your sentiments about over clutered watch faces. I have never understood the logic of somebody who does not go deep sea diving needing a watch that shows him water pressure at some ridiculus depth. Or for a man who never drives a racing car wanting to know split second lap timings. I think you are correct for these elegant watches in saying less is more.
My most treasured (materialistic) possesion is a pilot's Omega wrist watch. This was purchased 49 years ago by my late wife for my 21st birthday. It cost her a month's salary of £19 19s 6p. It was made during the 39-45 war for issue to pilots and has an AM (Air Ministry) identification number engraved on the back. Although servicing and repairs now run into hundreds of pounds each time and the watch is, I am told, worth some low thousands of pounds its sentimental value is priceless. I still wear it every day and it has given a lifetime of perfect service.
Grey Fox I am sorry to have high jacked your thread for personal reasons but I wanted to add value to your assesment of how personal a watch can be.
May I also take this opportunity to compliment you on your well thought through attire in the pictures. Everything goes together beautiful and enhances each individual piece.
Best regards,
Snapper
Thanks Snapper, That was a wonderful post -- and what a lovely memento to have of your wife.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone and in particular snapper for another of your wonderful comments. What a great present and a lovely memory to have. A good watch is such a personal thing and they make superb presents. Is it a white-dialled watch with rather elegant hands? I used to have a collection of British military watches and one was an Omega AM watch, I regret selling the collection, so hang on to it!
ReplyDeleteThank you also for your kind comments on the blog.
GF
Grey Fox
ReplyDeleteThank you for your reply.
The watch has a black face with a full set of arabic numbers and a full radius second hand. The main hands and a dot at each number have a photoluminescent coating originally designed for night time vision.
I believe I heard somewhere that the material used for the coating (cadmium?) is now banned from cockpits as overly long exposure to it could have detrimental health problems. I wonder in the heat of battle how many fighter pilots would have worried about the fact that if they stayed up there continually for years on end their watch hands might be their ultimate downfall rather than enemy fire!
All the best again,
Snapper
Nice looking watches. I hope they do well.
ReplyDelete