Farer's latest release, a trio of Racing Chronographs, perfectly encapsulates the brand's renowned mastery of color. These timepieces, dubbed Libre, Gara, and Volante, are a vibrant homage to the iconic racing liveries that defined the late 1960s and early 1970s. This era, revered by many motorsport enthusiasts, was characterized by its mechanical purity and the daring spirit of its drivers. The watches not only evoke this golden age with their striking aesthetics but also offer the precision and craftsmanship expected from modern horology, making them an irresistible blend of past and present.
Introducing Farer's New Racing Chronographs: A Deep Dive into Design and Mechanics
Unveiled by Farer, a London-based watch brand celebrated for its innovative use of color, these three new Racing Chronographs—Libre, Gara, and Volante—are set to captivate watch enthusiasts. Each model in the series is a tribute to the dynamic and colorful motorsport teams of the late 1960s and early 1970s, an epoch many consider the pinnacle of racing. These chronographs are equipped with a Sellita SW510M b hand-wound movement, celebrated for its precision and reliability, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 63-hour power reserve and 23 jewels. The movement, visible through a sapphire case back, features custom Farer decorations, blued screws, and diamond-polished chamfers, signifying meticulous attention to detail. All three watches share a robust 38.5mm stainless steel case, distinguished by its unique concave ski-slope lugs and a harmonious blend of brushed and mirror-polished finishes. Each also boasts a bidirectional bezel with a ceramic insert and BGW9 Super-LumiNova, allowing for tracking of a second time zone in low light conditions.
The Libre model, inspired by Formula Libre and classic "big eye" chronographs, features a white textured dial with a prominent red and burgundy 30-minute counter. Burgundy accents on the bezel, hands, and minute track complement the dial's primary color, while vibrant blue on the central chronograph hand adds a dynamic touch. The large "12" on the dial further enhances its distinctive character. The Gara, meaning "race" or "competition" in Italian, is a nod to the timeless British Racing Green liveries. It showcases a silver sunburst dial contrasted with green sub-dials and bezel, accented with burnt-orange details on the minute track and a yellow central chronograph hand. The Volante, Italian for "steering wheel," draws inspiration from Farer's successful Cobb Monopusher GMT. It presents a sky-blue sunburst dial with cream engine-turned sub-dials, navy-blue hands, and orange highlights on the central chronograph hand, encapsulating a retro feel with a contemporary color scheme.
All models are limited to 100 pieces per variant and are available for pre-order at €2,150 / US$2,095 / £1,875, with shipping commencing on July 14th. This offering represents an excellent value for a watch that combines vintage aesthetics with modern horological advancements, making them appealing to both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts looking for a distinctive daily wear.
The introduction of the new Farer Racing Chronographs is more than just a product launch; it's a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing design boundaries while honoring horological heritage. These watches, with their meticulous attention to detail and spirited colorways, serve as a reminder that a timepiece can be both a precision instrument and a canvas for artistic expression. They resonate with anyone who appreciates the blend of historical narrative and contemporary craftsmanship, encouraging us to look for depth and character in every piece we wear.