I will admit that the world timer has always been a difficult lane of watches for me to get into. More “traditional” GMT-type watches have always taken up more of my attention, and in some ways, a world timer always felt more … high horology. But as I take more time to learn about the functionality, I find it more practical than I initially thought. Farer, one of our favorite British boutique brands, has just announced the return of the Farer World Timer collection. For 2024, these models have been refreshed with changes to the handset, the rotating city ring, and movement. On top of that, the collection is getting a new addition with a stunning emerald green dial—the Foxe World Timer.
Since 2015, Farer has been launching designs within the micro-brand space that are both unique and more accessible. When it comes to World Timers, something about them makes them look unattainable. Maybe it’s the intricate design or the jet-set lifestyle I associate with them, but this crosses my mind whenever I see a World Timer. In the case of these Farer models, they probably aren’t completely out of the realm of possibility for enthusiast buyers at $1,695. That’s not cheap by any means, but I think Farer offers something unique and highly functional in a category of watches that can get very expensive.
The Farer World Timer collection sees the return of the Roché and Markham models alongside the new Foxe version. Each of the three presents unique styling and design touches, like the full Grade X1 Super-LumiNova city ring bezel on the Roché II. Similarly, the Markham II has an excellent guilloché dial as its signature trait. Other updates to the models include a blunter, a modernized handset, and some changes to the cities displayed along the bezel. Chicago is now in place of Mexico City, Beijing was swapped in to replace Hong Kong, and Bienne has replaced Paris.
For the movement, Farer went with the Sellita SW330-1 Elaboré grade. According to Farer, this version has been updated with a new mainspring that increases the power reserve to around 50 hours. It seems to be a fine match for the watch, and I think it’s cool to see how Sellita overhauled the GMT hand functionality for Farer to accommodate this World Timer configuration. Additionally, the watches come with quick-release leather straps, but you can add a steel bracelet to your order for an additional $170. That’s probably the route I’d go for—the Foxe green dial on steel looks so good.
Farer World Timer Specifications
| Case Size | 39mm (Diameter), 11mm (Thickness), 45mm (Lug-to-Lug) |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Movement | Sellita SW330-1 Elaboré |
| Power Reserve | 50 Hours |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Domed Sapphire |
| Strap | Quick-release St. Venere leather strap or Steel bracelet |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Price | $1,695 |
While some of Farer’s designs in the past have been a little too loud for my taste, I think these World Timers strike a nice balance. Many of the brand’s signature design quirks are still there, but I think the collection is more universally appealing. It’s a beautifully done World Timer that excites me about the complication and ability to read out the time in 24 cities simultaneously at a glace. I will try hard to get one to play with and review.
Visit the brand’s official site to learn more about the Farer World Timer collection.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.