Farer debuts second generation Field Collection with blue, green, and cream dials
Zach Blass- Farer launches its second-generation Field Collection with textured blue, olive green, and sand dials, complete with a cutesy pointer date.
- The redesigned case has a slimmed-down bezel that allows for a larger dial, and the screw-down crown has been enlarged to make it more ergonomic.
- All three configurations are priced at US$1,250.
We’re not clueless here at Time+Tide. We get that there are often watches we introduce or go hands-on with that most people can’t afford. It’s nice to have things to aspire to or declare a grail, but there is no better feeling for a watch addict than the sweet serotonin release of a new watch added to the collection. Fortunately, brands like UK-based Farer come to the rescue with mechanical watches that, despite their lower price point, deliver on the details watch geeks like to see under their loupe of scrutiny. With the second-generation of the Farer Field Collection, the brand presents three new dials in a refined case with plenty of strap options.
The first Field Collection measured 38.5mm in diameter, 12.3mm thick, and 45mm lug-to-lug, and this second-generation collection does not stray far from the original dimensions – measuring 38mm in diameter, 11.7mm, and once again 45mm lug-to-lug. Two key refinements, however, completely change the look of the watch. First, the bezel has been slimmed down to allow for a larger dial, and larger often means more legible, which is a good trait for a field watch to have. Also, superficially speaking, the same way a small exhibition window within a larger caseback can look weird, the thinning of the bezel and enlargement of the dial has a better ratio for the front-facing visual, and allows the outer calendar ring for the pointer date to sit nicer within a sloped rehaut.
Speaking of enlargement, Farer has also made the crown 35% wider to be more ergonomic and gripable. The crown is also set with Farer’s signature bronze capped and embossed “A” logo. As a field watch, it makes complete sense that Farer would elect to have a fully brushed case, but as a matter of personal taste, I think a mirror-polished bezel ring, especially since it has slimmed down, would have been a nice touch to further elevate its aesthetic.
As Farer is known to do, while each dial shares the same base framework the hour indices are conveyed in different ways for each dial. Each dial shares the same base framework, but the hour indices are conveyed in different ways for each colour, as Farer has been known to do. The green dial uses a full Arabic numeral set, the blue goes for a 3-6-9 layout, and the sandy beige has the inverse, with all but the cardinal direction indices represented with numeral. The first-gen Farer Field models all had flat dials, but this second-generation collection introduces a pebbled texture that adds a bit of grit to every dial.
A major detail Farer has considered for this trio is strap options. There’s a variety of interchangeable sailcloth straps, but the particular detail that gets my tip of the hat is the inclusion of a three-link bracelet with tooless micro-adjustment. That’s not bad for a US$1,250 watch that comes with a bracelet and fabric strap. It is exemplary of Farer’s sense of what customers are looking for in their watches. The clasp system allows the wearer to extend the bracelet up to 4.2mm as desired, ensuring you’re able to get your ideal fit. Brands that create watches many times the price could learn a thing or two from Farer on this point.
Beneath a solid caseback ticks the automatic Sellita SW221, driving the hours, minutes, seconds, and pointer date indications with 41 hours of power reserve. By no means is it a super glamorous calibre, but it is a tried-and-true variant of the SW200/ETA 28XX architecture, and allows Farer to keep the price down.
Farer’s new Field Collection is a rather democratic release on many fronts. Its retail price, for a Swiss mechanical watch, is approachable. Its size of 38mm in diameter and lug-to-lug span of 45mm means wrists of all sizes are likely to find the fit of the watch agreeable. Finally, the interchangeable straps include a bracelet with on-the-fly micro-adjustment that ensures fine sizing for all wrists. Whether a newcomer looking for their first watch, or a veteran seeking a quality beater, I imagine many would be very happy with this second-generation collection.
Farer Field Collection pricing and availability
The new Farer Field Collection comprises of the Lomond II, Exmoor II, and Pembroke II, and is now available for purchase. Price: US$1,250
| Brand | Farer |
| Model | Field Collection II |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 11.7mm (T) x 45mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 150 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Blue, olive green, sand |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Sailcloth fabric strap, pin buckle Three-link steel bracelet, micro-adjustable folding clasp |
| Movement | Sellita SW221, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, pointer date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$1,250 |