The name of British watch brand Farer is a reference to explorers who travel across the globe in search of adventures, wayfarers making their way across the face of the planet. As such, the complication most synonymous with the brand is the humble GMT, widely regarded as the ultimate travel companion due to its ability to display multiple time zones simultaneously. For spring, Farer have released a new limited edition GMT called the Banzare GMT featuring their first textured dial with lacquer finish.
Jumping straight to the dial, it has a 3D ridged texture stamped into the metal, which is then coloured plum purple before a clear lacquer is applied. The lacquer gives it a glossy appearance that elevates it to a rich mulberry colour with a shiny metallic finish. The texture itself reminds me of the Glashütte Original Sixties Chronograph, and the colour is funky enough to match the German brand’s retro vibes. On top of that are the applied hour markers and sword hands (all coated with lume) as well as the GMT 24-hour scale in blue around the centre of the display. The 24-hour hand itself is orange.
Dark purple-red, blue and orange… where have I seen that colour combination before? Ah yes, Westham United. And Aston Villa. And Burnley F.C. If you’re a fan of sub-par English football teams (yes, I said it) then the Banzare GMT is a great way to show team spirit.
On a more serious note, the Banzare is not actually inspired by those teams, it draws its inspiration from the British Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE). A scientific excursion to the Antarctic in 1929-1931, mapping the coastline.
The case is taken from the existing Farer GMT collection, shared with models like the Meredith. It has exactly the same dimensions at 39.5mm in diameter and is made from stainless steel with brushed lugs and polished flanks. It also has a relatively large crown with knurled grip, almost giving the piece a pilot’s watch vibe, which feels appropriate for the travel theme of the piece.
The movement housed inside is also a staple of Farer’s previous GMTs, the Sellita SW330-2 ‘Top Grade’. It has a 56-hour power reserve and an accuracy of +/-4 seconds per day, putting it among the highest spec Sellita movements. You can view it through the Banzare GMT’s sapphire exhibition caseback.
It’s supplied on a matching mulberry leather strap with quick release system for £1,265, although you can also purchase an additional steel bracelet for £150 which would put it up to a total of £1,415. That’s slightly higher than other GMTs in Farer’s collections, which feels proportionate given the extra level of detailing on the dial. It’s also a limited edition of just 150 watches, amping up the exclusivity. Ultimately, I think it’s a solid addition to the Farer GMT range and opens a wealth of possibilities for textured dials like this in future.
Price and Specs:
More details at Farer.
