Farer Field Collection

Farer, the British watch brand known for its vibrant and distinctive designs, has once again captured the attention of watch enthusiasts with its revamped Field Collection. This trio of timepieces, each named after a UK National Park – Pembroke II, Lomond II, and Exmoor II – takes the classic field watch concept and injects it with Farer's signature dose of personality and meticulous craftsmanship.



Before we delve into the specifics of the new collection, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate Farer's journey. Founded in 2015, the brand quickly carved a niche for itself by offering watches that were both mechanically sound and aesthetically unique. Farer watches are easily recognizable thanks to their bold use of color, distinctive dial layouts, and an undeniable sense of British design flair. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in their choice of components, including Swiss movements and carefully selected materials. This dedication has resonated with watch collectors, who appreciate Farer's ability to deliver watches that are both stylish and reliable.



The new Field Collection builds upon the success of its predecessor, incorporating feedback and refining the design to create a truly compelling series of watches. Each model embodies the spirit of adventure and practicality that defines a field watch, while simultaneously showcasing Farer's unique design language.



Imagine yourself holding one of these watches, turning it over in your hands. The first thing that strikes you is the sleek, fully brushed stainless steel case. It's a perfect balance of robustness and refinement, measuring a versatile 38mm in diameter with a slim 11.7mm profile. This, combined with a short 45mm lug-to-lug distance, ensures a comfortable fit on a wide range of wrist sizes. The slimmed-down bezel, a key update from the previous generation, allows the dial to take center stage, enhancing legibility.



The dials themselves are a masterclass in functional design with a Farer twist. Each variant boasts a unique colorway and layout, offering distinct personalities within the collection. The Pembroke II, for instance, features a sandy-colored dial with a subtle gravel texture, reminiscent of the rugged coastline of its namesake national park. The navy blue accents, bold Arabic numerals, and contrasting hands create a harmonious and highly legible display.



In contrast, the Lomond II evokes the deep waters and lush greenery of Loch Lomond with its navy blue dial and custard yellow markers. The classic 3, 6, 9 numeral layout, combined with a triangle at 12 o'clock, adds a touch of vintage charm. The Exmoor II, meanwhile, takes inspiration from the moorland landscape with its olive drab dial and crisp white numerals. The open minute track and splashes of yellow on the five-minute markers provide a modern and sporty aesthetic.



A closer look reveals the meticulous attention to detail that Farer is known for. The hands on all three models are generously filled with X1 Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The date window, a common feature on many watches, is replaced with a more unique and engaging pointer date complication. A dedicated hand, tipped with Farer's signature red arrow, points to the date displayed on a sloped rehaut. This adds a touch of visual interest and mechanical complexity to the watches.



Farer understands that a watch is more than just a timekeeping device; it's an extension of one's personal style. That's why they've provided two strap options with each watch. The first is a robust three-link stainless steel bracelet with a fully brushed finish. This bracelet marks a significant upgrade for Farer, featuring screw-in links, quick-release spring bars, and a first for the brand – a NodeX™ on-the-fly micro-adjustment system. This allows the wearer to fine-tune the fit of the bracelet with ease, ensuring optimal comfort throughout the day.



The second strap option is where Farer truly sets itself apart. Instead of the typical synthetic materials, Farer has opted for genuine sailcloth, a durable and water-resistant fabric. These straps, developed in partnership with Swiss manufacturers, are unique in the market and offer a blend of ruggedness and sophistication. The addition of a rubber lining, leather keepers, and reinforced pin holes further enhances their comfort and longevity.



At the core of each Farer Field watch beats a Swiss-made Sellita SW221 automatic movement. This robust and reliable caliber, a close relative of the ubiquitous SW200, is renowned for its accuracy and longevity. With 26 jewels and a smooth 4Hz beat rate, it delivers precise timekeeping and a satisfying sweep of the seconds hand. But what sets the SW221 apart from its more common sibling is the inclusion of a pointer date complication. This function, often found in higher-end watches, adds a touch of mechanical sophistication and visual interest to the Farer Field Collection.



Farer has taken this complication a step further by incorporating a spring-actuated date hand. This means that as you adjust the date using the crown, you'll feel a satisfying "click" with each increment. It's a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about Farer's commitment to providing a tactile and engaging experience for the wearer. And with a 41-hour power reserve, you can rest assured that your Farer Field watch will keep running even after a day or two off your wrist.



Now, let's revisit those captivating dials. Each model in the Field Collection boasts a unique personality, drawing inspiration from the distinct landscapes of its namesake national park. The Pembroke II, with its sandy-colored dial and navy blue accents, evokes the rugged beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The gravel texture adds depth and visual interest, while the bold Arabic numerals and contrasting hands ensure exceptional legibility.



The Lomond II, on the other hand, captures the serene atmosphere of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The deep navy blue dial, paired with custard yellow markers, creates a striking contrast that is both elegant and sporty. The classic 3, 6, 9 numeral layout, a hallmark of vintage field watches, adds a touch of nostalgia.



Finally, the Exmoor II draws inspiration from the vast expanse of Exmoor National Park. The olive drab dial, reminiscent of military-issued field watches, exudes a sense of ruggedness and purpose. The crisp white numerals and open minute track provide a modern aesthetic, while the splashes of yellow on the five-minute markers add a touch of vibrancy.



But the Farer Field Collection is more than just good looks and a solid movement. It's about practicality and functionality, designed to withstand the rigors of everyday wear and tear. The sapphire crystal, known for its exceptional scratch resistance, ensures that your watch remains pristine even after years of use. And with three layers of anti-reflective coating on its underside, legibility is never compromised, even in bright sunlight.



Speaking of practicality, the Field Collection boasts an impressive 150m water resistance. This means you can confidently wear your watch while swimming, snorkeling, or even diving to moderate depths. The screw-down crown further enhances water resistance, providing peace of mind in wet environments.



Farer understands that a watch is an investment, and they've gone to great lengths to ensure the longevity of the Field Collection. The case, crafted from 316L stainless steel, is known for its durability and corrosion resistance. The fully brushed finish not only adds a touch of sophistication but also helps to minimize the appearance of scratches and scuffs.



And let's not forget those fantastic strap options. The three-link stainless steel bracelet is a testament to Farer's attention to detail. The screw-in links allow for easy sizing adjustments, while the quick-release spring bars make swapping straps a breeze. And with the NodeX™ on-the-fly micro-adjustment system, you can fine-tune the fit of the bracelet throughout the day, ensuring optimal comfort in any situation.



The sailcloth strap, on the other hand, offers a more casual and adventurous aesthetic. Made from genuine sailcloth, it's not only incredibly durable but also water-resistant. The rubber lining provides added comfort, while the leather keepers and reinforced pin holes enhance its longevity.



With a retail price of £1095 / $1250 / €1295, the Farer Field Collection offers exceptional value for money. You get a Swiss-made automatic movement, a beautifully crafted case, and a choice of two high-quality straps. But more importantly, you get a watch that is both stylish and functional, capable of accompanying you on any adventure.