Farer watches are distinct from their competitors due to a combination of elements that work in harmony. The brand’s eye for design is crucial to achieving this, as getting it wrong could have significant consequences. To truly appreciate what sets Farer apart, one must experience the watches in person. This was my experience when reviewing the Lander II GMT; upon unboxing, I initially thought the sea-green sunray dial was blue. It wasn’t until the next morning that the true color and beauty of the watch revealed itself in the morning light. The uniqueness of Farer dials can only be fully appreciated in person, and is a key factor in the brand’s success.
A multi-layered success story
Farer has amassed an impressive assortment of timepieces, mostly mechanical but also including a few quartz watches, each with a unique character. Among the most sought-after models in their collection is the Lander II GMT, which is part of the GMT Automatic lineup, alongside the Ponting and Oxley Black LE models. One striking aspect of Farer’s watch range is that despite their distinct appearances, they all share the distinctive identity that characterizes a Farer watch. Whether scrolling through the collection online, one cannot miss noticing the family resemblance that defines each of the watches.
Credit is due to the brand for their success in creating a distinctive vintage-inspired design language that unifies all of their watches. What sets Farer watches apart from their competitors is their unmistakable appearance. This is achieved through a combination of classic British design elements, inspiration from vintage watches of the past, unconventional color choices, and the brand’s renowned dials. Farer also has its own unique touches, such as the trademark “A” tip on the seconds hand and the striking bronze crown that stands out against the stainless steel case of the Lander model. It’s clear that a great deal of thought has gone into the design of these watches, which is something that I appreciate.
The gorgeous aesthetic
The watch’s dial is truly impressive with its sea-green sunray triple step design. While some may mistake it for blue, the green color is highly visible in specific lighting conditions. The dial’s shifting color effect is captivating, providing a vibrant and dynamic look that catches the eye. The numerals and indexes in white, outlined with Super-LumiNova, provide a stunning contrast against the sea-green hue. Additionally, the silver hands, styled like syringes, enhance the readability of the watch. The blue seconds track printed on the dial pops against the sea-green base, adding a sense of vitality to the overall design. The seconds hand is orange while the hour and minute ones are silver. Lastly, the red GMT-hand moves around the dial to indicate the second time zone.
Great eye for design
Upon observing the black and white dial summary of the Farer Lander II, one may assume that it is overly complicated. However, this is not the case, as the designers have executed the dial design with precision and balance. The elements of the watch are thoughtfully arranged, resulting in a cohesive and visually appealing timepiece. The brand logo, which incorporates an arrow-shaped icon, is a prime example of a well-designed logo that complements the watch’s style. The lume quality is also impressive, exceeding expectations even in low-light conditions. The green dial transforms into a dazzling display of lume, adding to the overall value of the watch considering its price.
The Lander II Measurements
One noticeable feature of the Lander II is its exceptional comfort when worn. With a diameter of 39.5mm and a thickness of 10mm, the polished stainless steel case fits seamlessly on the wrist, and the 20mm lug width contributes to its comfortable wear. The brushed lug tops provide an eye-catching contrast against the polished case. While I typically prefer watches between 40mm and 43mm due to my height, my recent inclination towards smaller watches has led me to appreciate the Lander II’s slightly smaller size. The watch’s overall wrist presence and comfortable dimensions make it an exceptional choice for daily wear.
The watch movement
Farer has decided to upgrade the Lander III with the Sellita SW330-1 movement, which is part of a different production run. If you opt for a pre-order of the new Lander III production run, you will receive a timepiece with the upgraded Sellita SW330-1 movement. This automatic movement has a ticking speed of 28,800vph and a power reserve of 42 hours, which can display hours, minutes, seconds, and the date, in addition to a 24-hour hand for indicating a second time zone.
Wearing the Lander II
Farer deserves recognition for producing a remarkable timepiece. The review sample we received was equipped with a tan leather strap that complements the dial color quite well. The Farer website offers a choice of five leather straps (tan, chestnut, navy, black, or green) for Lander III purchase. After reviewing the website, I would personally choose the tan strap, which is also the most popular option. Nonetheless, I personally prefer a lighter sand-colored suede strap, as it enhances the contrast with the dial.
To be frank, there’s nothing else I would alter. Farer designed the Lander II GMT watch with ingenuity, featuring an exceptional dial and offering excellent value. Moreover, having a GMT feature in a timepiece is highly useful, and I make use of it from time to time whenever I am on the go. The success of the Farer brand is rooted in their inventive ideas and their ability to produce quality products, as evidenced by the Lander II.
At this price point, it’s challenging to find another watch that can rival the Lander in terms of aesthetics and technical capabilities. I suspect that the 150 Lander III watches, each with an individual number, will sell out quickly. Therefore, act fast if you wish to purchase one. I guarantee that you won’t tire of looking at that dial!
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