Since I started writing this blog it seems to me that there are more and more watch companies starting up, and this trend isn’t limited to the UK.
Bearing this in mind I assume there are also people out there thinking “I’d like to start a watch company – how do you do it ? “. Well with this post I don’t aim to answer this question, just to point you in the direction of another great interview on the Scottish Watches podcast, this time with Paul Sweetenham of the British brand Farer Watches.
Sometimes real life gets in the way of a blogger’s blogging. Last week I was invited to the launch of Farer’s new dive watch. As a fan of both dive watches and British watch brands I was really looking forward to attending – then I was stuck in a conference in Brighton and could not attend – bother.
The Endeavour
The teaser photos on social media in the run up top the launch did not really give much of a clue to the final appearance. I think you will agree they have come up with a great looking watch. The Farer designers have managed to come up with a dive watch that does not follow the usual “submariner” direction. The look is individual whilst at the same time looking classic. The most similar design I can remember is the Longines Heritage Legend.
The Farer cushion case design was chosen for strength. Developed to allow the architecture of the Aqua Compressor system to work seamlessly within the water, it is carved out of a solid block of high-grade 316L stainless steel and finished with highly polished sides and case back, with a fine decorative edge lip cut into the case surrounding the bezel, creating a subtle contrast against the brushed top of the cushion case. The case is characteristic of Farer, dropping down at the lug for a more compact feel and superior comfort on the wrist.
The Aqua Compressor case has the key features of a classic Super-Compressor case design – twin crowns, screwed on case back, compressed O’ring gasket, internal rotating bezel. However the Farer Aqua Compressor design has evolved the specifications of the original system which was created when the water resistance of watches was a big challenge. With the progress of modern materials, they have gone through a whole series of developments to create a very compact but highly technically capable dive watch case. Now tried and tested to modern standards to be taken to depths of 300m / 1000ft.
The Farer Aqua Compressor collection is powered by the Swiss-made ETA 2824-2 Elaboré Non-Date Movement. This is a rare piece from ETA, in that it features no date within the mechanics to make this 100% functional for the diver’s needs. A highly reliable, workhorse movement.
There is a screw down back case to hold the flat sapphire crystal exhibition glass, both utilising compressor gaskets to secure the water resistance and withstand the high pressures to 300m/1000ft.
The watch is available as one of three variants, each named after ships of the Royal Navy.
Endeavor
The Helca
The Leven
As well as the natural rubber strap the watches are supplied with a 316L Stainless Steel bracelet.
All this for £ 1095 – which looks a pretty reasonable price. I hope to get my hands on a physical example of the watch soon. I think the Helga version is my current favourite.
I have been very slow in picking up this British watch brand. My only possible excuse is that when they launched in 2015 it was with a range of quartz watches. When I started this blog I ignored, unfairly, these companies. I have now realised that watches with quartz movements are a perfectly legitimate route to getting a brand to market.
Farer Banarto -with Ronda movement
The Barnato model, above, is a great example from the quartz range, priced at a reasonable £420
THE original collection of “net-retro styled” watches is named after British explorers, inspiring individuals who perfectly define the true spirit of Farer: daring, courageous and filled with ambition beyond the ordinary. From Amy Johnson – Britain’s most famous female aviatrix – to Everest climber, George Mallory and Tutankhamun archaeologist Howard Carter.
The 316L steel cases come in a fashionable 39.5mm size. With quick release straps on 20mm lugs. The movements either being Ronda 512, in the GMT models, or 600D in the watches with the sub-dial.
All Farer watches are designed in London and manufactured by their Swiss manufacturing partners, Roventa-Henex,.
With the arrival of their Automatics at the end of last year, they have taken inspiration from the famous vessels that carried Britain’s most brilliant explorers around the globe. The first three Automatics are named Beagle, Endurance and Hopewell.
The automatics use the proven ETA 2824-2 movements and are very similar in style to the original quartz range.
Everything I have read so far about these watches is very complimentary. I am looking forward to getting a closer look.
Before starting this post I had a couple of doubts:
In answer to my first question, I couldn’t find any previous piece. The problem was the story seems pretty familiar. British designed quartz watches assembled in Switzerland. I decided that in the end this is not very different from Christopher ward that I mention quiet frequently. So here we go.
The New British brands Farer Banarto
Farer was launched in 2015 with the mission: to create quality timepieces that stand out from the ordinary. Designed in detail in Piccadilly, London and handmade without compromise in Geneva, Switzerland. The range of seven watches are all driven by a Swiss Made ETA 955.102 movement with second hand.
You can find the full range at https://www.farer.com