Farer is a young British watch company that has quickly made a name for itself with its unique and stylish timepieces. The company was founded in 2015 by brothers Liam and Alistair Farer, who grew up exploring the rugged coastlines of Scotland. Their watches are inspired by the spirit of adventure and exploration, and they are designed to be worn on life's journeys, big and small.
The
Farer Banzare GMT is the latest addition to the company's growing collection. It is a GMT watch, which means that it can track two time zones simultaneously. This makes it a perfect watch for travelers, or for anyone who needs to keep track of the time in another city.
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The Banzare GMT has a number of features that make it stand out from other GMT watches on the market. One of the most striking features is the dial. The dial is a deep, rich purple with a sunburst texture that shimmers in the light. The hands and hour markers are made from polished steel and are filled with lume, which makes them easy to read in low-light conditions. The watch also has a bold orange GMT hand that contrasts nicely with the purple dial.
The Banzare GMT is powered by a Sellita SW330-2 automatic movement. This is a Swiss-made movement that is known for its reliability and accuracy. The movement has a power reserve of 56 hours, which means that it can continue to run for up to two days after it has been fully wound.
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The Banzare GMT is housed in a 39.5mm stainless steel case. The case is water-resistant to 100 meters, which makes it suitable for swimming and showering. The watch comes with a leather strap that is comfortable and stylish.
One of the things that watch collectors appreciate most about the Farer Banzare GMT is its unique name. The Banzare is named after the British Australian New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE), which took place from 1929 to 1931. The expedition was a major scientific undertaking that helped to map the Antarctic coastline. The Farer Banzare GMT is a fitting tribute to this historic expedition.
The Banzare GMT houses a Sellita SW330-2 movement, a workhorse known for its reliability and accuracy. This Swiss-made automatic movement operates at 28,800 bph (4Hz) and has 25 jewels, ensuring smooth and precise timekeeping. The real standout feature is that Farer uses the 'Top Grade' version of the SW330-2, meaning it is meticulously adjusted in five positions for enhanced accuracy. A generous power reserve of 56 hours means that, if you take it off for a day or two, it'll still be ticking when you strap it back on.
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The Banzare's core function is the GMT complication. This allows you to track a second time zone, ideal for frequent travelers or those who often connect with family, friends, or business associates in distant locales. The vibrant orange GMT hand points to a 24-hour scale in subtle blue, offering a clear indication of a secondary time zone against the captivating purple dial.
Shifting focus, the case offers refined proportions that contribute to the watch's versatile appeal. At a wearable 39.5mm in diameter and a slim 10.8mm height, it sits comfortably on most wrists – a feat not always achieved with GMT watches. The case features a mix of finishes, with a polished case side and bezel contrasting with brushed lugs for a touch of measured refinement. Speaking of details, a unique surprise lies on the inset crown: a bronze cap embossed with the Farer emblem adds a charming, distinctive detail.
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A good watch needs a comfortable strap, and Farer delivers with a supple leather option that complements the Banzare's adventurous personality. The strap tapers down, enhancing wearability and adding a touch of visual refinement. Of course, strap enthusiasts will have plenty of fun experimenting with different colors and leather textures to create their own personalized combinations.
Protecting the beautiful dial is a boxed sapphire crystal, renowned for its scratch resistance and clarity. This is a key feature in any watch meant for regular wear, ensuring the Banzare can withstand the rigors of your journeys, whether those involve boardrooms or backpacking trails. A matching sapphire crystal on the caseback reveals the mechanical heart of the watch at work.
Beyond the technical specs, there's something else to consider – the ownership experience. Farer, despite being a relatively young brand, has garnered a reputation for excellent customer service and attention to detail. Those little touches, like the embossed bronze crown cap, speak volumes about a brand's commitment to creating timepieces that aren't just visually appealing but also genuinely enjoyable to own.
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This isn't a watch that will quietly blend in. The vibrant dial, bold color accents, and historical connection ensure it turns heads. The Farer Banzare GMT is for the adventurer at heart, someone who enjoys a touch of the unusual, someone who believes that their watch should be a conversation piece as well as a practical timekeeper. If your journeys take you across time zones or if you're simply drawn to pieces with a distinctive personality, the Farer Banzare GMT deserves serious consideration.
The Banzare GMT is a compelling offering from Farer. It strikes a delicate balance between eye-catching design and robust functionality. It's a travel companion, a daily wear statement piece, and above all, a testament to Farer's understanding of what makes a watch truly special.