An Unintentional Micro Tournament Rematch When I Got Home
I realize I have mentioned it several times, but at last month's Windup in NYC, I attended with every intention of coming home with a Fears Watch, but after seeing the new Farer Chrono Classic in Salmon, or affectionately known as the Meredith, I knew I had to have it. From Farer:
"Named after Leonard Meredith, who took gold in the Cycling Team Pursuit, at the 1908 Olympics in London. Meredith competed in three Olympics and held seven world titles in his 22-year professional career."
Farer made three versions of this Chrono Classic, one in Salmon, one burgundy, and one in blue. The salmon with the blue indices is the one that stood out. With a Dubois Dépraz movement, limited to 42 pieces, and at a reasonable price, I could not be happier with my initial reaction.
Apologies for the dim lighting, but wanted to get a few quick unprepped shots to share. The funny thing was, I wore the Baltic Bi-Comapx 002 today (explains the dust), which I also picked up at the show, so I thought it was a good opportunity to show both finalists in this year's Micro Tournament. They are each awesome watches but clearly play at two different price points. This is reflected in, well everything. I like them both, but the Meredith, simply feels more special to engage with and look at. There is no sense of immediately having to change the strap and ignoring the details like with the Baltic.
I may do a full review once I have had it more than a hot minute. Props to @ChronoGuy for also picking one up and anyone else on WC.
Watch enthusiast who insists on the next watch being the last.
That's a gorgeous piece (the Baltic is pretty damn nice too).
That's a gorgeous piece (the Baltic is pretty damn nice too).
Thanks the pics don’t do it justice, will need to set up some lights!
Okay, as the proud owner of a timepiece from each of the micro tournament finalists, who is the winner in your book???
Okay, as the proud owner of a timepiece from each of the micro tournament finalists, who is the winner in your book???
Farer. Better lineup, better attention to detail, and they experiment in ways few are doing.
That said, for the money, the Baltic is great. It’s the Fiero of watches. I absolutely looks so cool, but you don’t want to look at the engine and is best viewed from 10 feet away. Also, it may randomly catch fire.
<Sorry fellow Baltic owners, but you know what I’m talking about>
Edit: this was 100% in jest and has everything to do with the Seagull movement than the rest of the watch. Again, at $500-$600 one should not expect VC level of finishing. Even the movement is intentional as when I was talking to the team, their goal was to keep it under 40mm and thin, which they could not do with most chronos and they stood behind their watch should the movment fail. They deserved their run in the tourny.
Nice set of watches… must have been a fun show to walk away with both. Between the two, I think I like the Farer more with its slightly more distinctive registers… plus solid 6 o’clock date window placement. 👌
Nice set of watches… must have been a fun show to walk away with both. Between the two, I think I like the Farer more with its slightly more distinctive registers… plus solid 6 o’clock date window placement. 👌
In all seriousness, the Baltic is a beautiful watch, especially for the money. Have to tip my hat to what they are doing there. I was worried I would not be able to get the Farer as it sold out quickly, but luckily happen to get up early to get it.
Fantastic watches both - thanks again for tipping me off to the Meredith! Glad I was able to add one to the collection. The dial is even better in the metal.
Fantastic watches both - thanks again for tipping me off to the Meredith! Glad I was able to add one to the collection. The dial is even better in the metal.
So darn good. I will be wearing this weekend while traveling. The blue strap really does make the indices pop.
Farer. Better lineup, better attention to detail, and they experiment in ways few are doing.
That said, for the money, the Baltic is great. It’s the Fiero of watches. I absolutely looks so cool, but you don’t want to look at the engine and is best viewed from 10 feet away. Also, it may randomly catch fire.
<Sorry fellow Baltic owners, but you know what I’m talking about>
Edit: this was 100% in jest and has everything to do with the Seagull movement than the rest of the watch. Again, at $500-$600 one should not expect VC level of finishing. Even the movement is intentional as when I was talking to the team, their goal was to keep it under 40mm and thin, which they could not do with most chronos and they stood behind their watch should the movment fail. They deserved their run in the tourny.
Given the near $2000 price difference (near 4x the cost of the Baltic) I'd hope the Farer was a clear winner! 😂
Given the near $2000 price difference (near 4x the cost of the Baltic) I'd hope the Farer was a clear winner! 😂
That is the tough part about comparing two. Both are arguably the best in their price range.
That is the tough part about comparing two. Both are arguably the best in their price range.
There is a part of me that really wants to like Farer, but I just can't.
The one exception is the Bernina... I think it looks amazing.
There is a part of me that really wants to like Farer, but I just can't.
The one exception is the Bernina... I think it looks amazing.
The Bernina was my first Farer and it is as you say. As cliche as it sounds, they do really look and feel so much better in person. Other brands, you see a price and sum of it’s parts and assume a feel and the majority of the time it is right, but Farer is one of the exceptions in it’s price range. Now, don’t get me wrong, this was probably the most I have spent on a micro brand (usually buy used), but with so few of these, I did not want to be waiting years before one comes up.
There is a part of me that really wants to like Farer, but I just can't.
The one exception is the Bernina... I think it looks amazing.
Yes! The Bernina is awesome.
I had a custom strap made for mine...I wanted a matching blue with red rally strap and red stitching...I think it came out really well...
The Cobb was my first Farer several years ago when I first read about them...love the Heuer Skipper-like vibe to it...
I swapped out the blue strap for a yellow racing strap as it really picked out the yellow chronograph hand.
Both good watches but I agree the Farer looks special and the dial is great. I like your last shot. Even with the flare on the crystal, it shows the watch well.
Meh. Good thing about using Sea-Gull movements, you can just swap a new one if the old one borked itself.
That said, your Farer is... chef's kiss. Just perfect.
Farer has quickly become one of my favorite brands. I currently have a Durham and Cayley, but I could easily have more if I didn't have this thing in my head which stops me from getting too many watches from one brand.
Both good watches but I agree the Farer looks special and the dial is great. I like your last shot. Even with the flare on the crystal, it shows the watch well.
Thank you. I have to eventually set up a spot to actually take controlled lighting shots and and shrink the aperture. These were just camera, desk, dim room, open aperture.
Farer has quickly become one of my favorite brands. I currently have a Durham and Cayley, but I could easily have more if I didn't have this thing in my head which stops me from getting too many watches from one brand.
Those are both awesome watches.
Thank you. I have to eventually set up a spot to actually take controlled lighting shots and and shrink the aperture. These were just camera, desk, dim room, open aperture.
Yes, I’m thinking of that too. So far my shots are very ad hoc.
Yes, I’m thinking of that too. So far my shots are very ad hoc.
I’m just too lazy despite how easy it is to set up a small soft box.