Farer Introduces a Trio of Classic Racing Inspired Chronographs

Nothing beats the bold and brash hand-painted liveries of motorsports in the 1960s and 1970s, especially compared to the overstimulating and overcorporatized wraps of today’s racecars. No, liveries of old were meant to invoke speed and evoke a sense of romance and adventure—and yes, also to occasionally advertise a sponsor. 

In celebration of those iconic liveries of the golden years of motorsport, British watchmaker Farer has unveiled a new trilogy of colorful chronographs. Each of the new models takes on a colorway seen on racetracks of yesteryear, while maintaining the motorsport-inspired design of their chronograph lineup. The new Racing Chronographs measure in at a slim 38.5mm in diameter and 13.4mm in thickness, making the stainless steel case comfortable on the wrist for long sessions behind the wheel. Each model features three subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, with hours, minutes, small seconds, and 30-minute and 12-hour counters. A bidirectional bezel with a ceramic insert wears a 12-hour scale and along with the hands and indexes, is filled with Super-LumiNova for legibility and visibility. 

Inside, and visible through a flat sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, is a Sellita SW510M b Elaboré grade movement. Decorations include skeleton framework, perlage finishing, blued screws, and a custom engraved bridge with the Farer monogram just below center. A 63-hour power reserve ensures that setting the watch down between race days won’t be an issue. I’ve said it many times before, and I’ll say it again here: microbrands (even larger ones, like Farer) making use of well-known movements is almost always a positive, as it allows for easy servicing and parts availability. It will likely be a boon here as well, though the custom finish adds that extra touch of Farer uniqueness for those who want something that stands out from the crowd. On the case, two pushers control functions, and flank the crown, stamped with a Farer “A”, at 3 o’clock. 

Now for the liveries themselves; the three new models come in distinct shades and designs mimicking popular colorways from midcentury racecar paintjobs. First, the Libre model wears a luxurious burgundy and cream color scheme that calls to mind Formula Libre,  popularized starting in the 1920s, where rules and classifications are largely absent. A “big-eye” chronograph design, the Libre’s minute subdial at 3 o’clock is red, as is the bezel insert, hands, dial print, and matching nylon strap. Indexes are outlined in that same burgundy, with the cream dial allowing everything to pop. Final details include an elegant sky blue seconds hand and minute subdial hand, which provide an extra bit of diversity to the dial. Unlike the next two models, the 12 o’clock marker is a numeral, giving the Libre a bit of a distinct flair compared to the rest of the trio.

The next model, the Gara, takes on a legendary hue: British Racing Green. Perhaps the most iconic of all motorsport colorways, Farer splashes BRG across the bezel insert, subdials, and hour and minute hands on the Gara, in contrast to the cream-white dial. A yellow seconds hand provides pop, and a touch of burnt orange on the minute track reminds the wearer of a tachometer needle. “Gara” is the Italian word for “race” or “competition”, so this model is meant to evoke images of the Italian Grand Prix—though to me, it mostly reminds me of the fast and fun Jaguars and Mini Coopers often seen at Goodwood and other vintage racing events. A matching BRG strap is provided, to pull the look together. 

Lastly, the cool and subtle Volante model brings a sky-blue sunburst dial, and dark blue bezel insert, minute/hour hands, and strap. These shades of blue contrast with the cream subdials and orange seconds hand, white the minute subdial additionally features a slice of yellow, symbolic of high speeds and the Italian origin of “Volare”, or “to fly”. It’s a more complicated colorway than the Libre and Gara models, but the anchoring of the cream subdials brings necessary calm to an otherwise busy watch, aesthetically. 

Whether you’re a fan of motorsports or not, the colorways chosen by Farer for their new Racing Chronographs should please the eye, and the retail price of $2,095 is right on par with expectations for the brand. All-in-all, it’s a handsome new line of timepieces, ready for a summer of Formula 1 viewing. Farer

Images from this post: