Farer has one of the most rapidly evolving watch collections of any brand. Many of their watches are only available for a handful of years before being superseded by the next generation of designs. but that doesn’t mean there’s no going back to a fan favourite. It’s time for the return of one of Farer’s most popular collections, the Aqua Compressor, replacing the models launched in 2024.
There are three watches in the new series, the Endeavour, Endeavour Ocean Blue and Hecla Hunter Green. In classic Farer fashion they each have distinct design elements that make them stand out from their sister watches rather than simply being different colourways of the same design. However, what unifies them are their seriously upgraded specs. They’ve transitioned from the Sellita SW200-1 movement with its 38-hour power reserve to the La Joux-Perret G101 with its 68-hour power reserve and high-end finishing including a bespoke grey PVD coating unique to Farer, visible through the exhibition caseback.
The other key update is the lume, which has been upgraded to the latest X2 grade of Swiss Super-LumiNova across the board. Offering a brighter, more intense luminescence compared to the old X1. It’s particularly noticeable on the Endeavour Ocean Blue because the ‘Ocean’ part of its name denotes that it’s a full lume model (based on the celebrated Ocean White edition) with the entire dial lighting up in blue, like an ocean, in low light conditions.
While the movement and lume are the universal upgrades across all three watches, they also have their individual changes and nuances that make them new and fresh. The aforementioned Endeavour Ocean Blue for example introduces a new blue PVD coating for the 42mm titanium case. Meanwhile the standard Endeavour in black has a fresh grained finish, adding some welcome texture to the dial while remaining faithful to the original, core Farer Aqua Compressor design. Hecla Hunter Green has a rich green colour with a stamped grid pattern that unavoidably reminds you of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore.
These are the kinds of tweaks and updates you can expect whenever Farer revamp one of their collections. There’s enough change to make the watches feel new and special while retaining the DNA of the Farer Aqua Compressor line. For example, it keeps its dual crown design with internal rotating bezel that are signature elements of the compressor design. As well as its solid 300m water resistance rating courtesy of its super compressor gaskets – a technique of making your watch water resistant by allowing the build-up of water pressure do the work for you by compressing the watch and making the seals even tighter.
For price, the Farer Aqua Compressor Endeavour and Hecla Hunter Green are £1,175 while the Endeavour Ocean Blue is £1,225 due to the additional PVD coating. A £50 difference is pretty negligible though considering that some brands would make pay through the nose for even the hint of an upgrade or extra feature. I must admit that Farer is giving me an identity crisis because between the Endeavour and recent Lissom Solander I’m realising my favourite models are the black ones, which makes me ask the question, am I boring?
Price and Specs:
More details at Farer.
I am a big fan of Farer watches (admittedly, this is based on personal preferences and reviews, rather than actual ownership as I haven’t yet got around to buying one!) – this is partly due to these being snapped up quickly. The whole Farer range is impressive and very stylish.
This new upgraded range of the Aqua Compressor is wonderful and the Endeavour (black dial) is exactly what I have been looking for to meet the field watch requirement, but also looking good with casual dress in other arena (denims and Barbour jacket).
I need to justify (to myself) to buy one before this new range sells out, because I have overspent on watches recently. Definitely one I want though.