Back in 2023 Farer launched their Moonphase collection to surprise success as it quickly became one of their most popular models despite the brand being known for practical sports and tool watches rather than the dressier end of the horological spectrum. A follow up was therefore inevitable and in 2024 they introduced a stone dial edition. Now they’re introducing two firsts to the collection with the new Stratton and Burbidge Eastern Arabic Editions.
Starting with the Stratton, it’s the first golden version of the Moonphase, featuring a steel case with gold PVD coating. It’s actually based on the Lethbridge model of the standard, time only Cushion Case collection. But now featuring the adaptations that makes the Moonphase stand out such as the grain twist texture seen along the watch’s flanks.
While the golden case is a new introduction to the Moonphase, the dial steals some of the limelight because it’s made from Eisenkiesel. It’s a naturally occurring form of quartz with a particularly high iron content that gives it a distinctive reddish-vein appearance like marble. It means that no two versions of the Stratton are identical, each featuring a unique display. In order to maintain legibility the stone dial is paired with lumicast markings, made from a combination of Super-LumiNova and ceramic.
The central focus of the design is the moonphase complication sitting just below 12 o’clock. The moonphase disc is produced in Switzerland where artisans paint the moon onto the piece by hand. They also use lume to ensure that it glows in low light conditions and as Farer note, the gold coloured lume used on the Stratton model is very unusual.
In addition to the Stratton is the Burbidge Eastern Arabic Edition. The Burbidge was one of the original launch models for the Moonphase in steel with a distinctive arctic blue and candy pink colour scheme. Now, as the name indicates, it has had its western Arabic numerals replaced with Eastern Arabic numerals, making it more suited to Middle Eastern markets. With eyes turning towards the UAE for Dubai Watch Week and Timezones this November, its launch couldn’t be more auspiciously timed.
Both versions house the Sellita SW288-1 M a Elaboré Grade movement with 45-hour power reserve. Elaboré means that it has been finished to a higher standard, which you can witness for yourself through the exhibition caseback, including the bespoke Farer finishing on the plate. As for pricing the Stratton is £1,825 with its PVD coating, while the Burbidge Eastern Arabic Edition is £1,695.
Price and Specs:
£1,695 - Burbidge Eastern Arabic Edition, limited to 100 pieces
More details at Farer.
Not mentioned on the pricing is the 20% “tariff” up charge to ship to the U.S. That took me out of the purchase…