The Cool and Compact Farer 36mm Three Hand Collection

It would be hard to categorise Farer as still part of the newcomers from the micro-brand scene. Established in 2015, the brand has made a name for itself and built a rather coherent collection comprising most of the “simple” complications – GMT, chrono, world time – with distinctive designs. A British brand, Farer is dedicated to originality combined with relatively classic codes and (mostly) Swiss mechanical movements – and fair prices. The latest collection is here to prove it again, and it’s not only a cool selection of designs but also a size that we enjoy. Meet the new Farer 36mm Three Hand Collection.

What Farer is doing here is pretty simple: take four of its most successful designs from the classic Three Hand Collection and shrink the cases to produce a cool compact vibe. All four new models are based on existing watches that were previously available in 39mm cases – and still are. The base is simple, elegantly shaped and sleek. We’re talking about a classic “dressy” watch design with a 1960s vibe, fluid lines, a slim bezel and a box-shaped sapphire crystal on top.

Everything is identical to the larger versions but now more compact. To answer the requests of the community, Farer is now proposing some of the models in its Three Hand collection in a reduced case, moving from 39.5mm to 36mm. All proportions have been shrunk, whether marginally – for the height, minus 0.4mm – or substantially – for the L2L, minus 4mm. The construction and specs don’t change, as the watches still retain a sapphire crystal on top and a screwed caseback with a see-through window guaranteeing a comfortable 50m water-resistance. A signature element of the brand, the rounded crown still retains its solid bronze cap.

When I said above that everything was identical was a bit of a shortcut… Indeed, the dials are relatively new. The layout and style have been previously used in the larger collection, not necessarily the colours. As such, you’ll find the Resolute in a white or peach colour (the latter being specific to the 36mm watch), characterised by its 12 large Arabic numerals fashioned from solid Super-LumiNova, capped by either a black or blue element (so only the periphery of the numerals glows in the dark).

The second design found in this Farer 36mm Three Hand Collection is based on the Discovery style, which appears in a bold and eye-catching red colour. The dial has a two-tone effect with a brushed centre and is combined with a mix of baton markers and Arabic numerals, all filled with SLN. Last but not least, the fourth model is based on the Erebus design, which is the most elegant of the lot. Here, it is presented in a new dark blue colour with applied markers and openworked syringe hands – all non-luminous and with a polished surface.

Inside the case, and following the evolution found on the larger models, the Farer 36mm Three Hand Collection relies on a solid and powerful engine, the weekend-proof calibre G101 by La Joux-Perret. Beating at 4Hz, it provides a long power reserve of 68 hours. A no-date movement, it also features a stop-seconds mechanism.

As always with Farer, these new 36mm watches are available with a wide selection of straps – in leather or rubber – or a steel bracelet. The collection is now available from the brand with prices starting from EUR 1,040, GBP 890 or USD 990. Not bad considering the movement, and still with the fresh, cool looks of the brand. More details at www.farer.com.