Farer World Timer Roché II Hands-On

I’ve never been a world timer guy. For as long as I can remember, something about the typical world timer design and functionality didn’t appeal to me. Also, many of these designs looked so hoity-toity in my eyes, and as a sports watch kind of guy, that stuff just doesn’t stick. But after seeing some of the latest from Farer, I began to wonder if I could be a world timer guy and maybe even ditch my longstanding obsession with more “conventional” GMT watches.

Not long ago, I got to spend some time with the new Farer World Timer Roché II, a piece that made me rethink what I associate with world timer watches while presenting a cool design not typically seen in this “genre” of watches. So, let’s dive into Farer’s latest update to their World Timer series, something we covered earlier this year. Farer has a knack for taking classic watch complications and injecting them with a healthy dose of color and flair, and the Roché II is no exception.

First Impressions: Case & Build Quality

The Roché II sports a 39mm stainless steel case that’s 11mm thick and 45mm lug to lug. Now, this is pretty much the sweet spot for those of you who are sticklers for wrist presence without looking like you’ve strapped a hockey puck to your arm. It’s substantial enough to feel solid on the wrist but slim enough to slide under a long sleeve. The finish is what you’d expect from Farer: a mix of polished and brushed surfaces that catch the light just right.

One of the big selling points here is the water resistance, which is rated at 100 meters. That’s more than enough for daily wear and even some light swimming. I always hate whenever brands cheap out on water resistance because it’s a “pilot” or “dress” watch. It was nice to see Farer bump this spec up to something I think many folks will find more than ample.

Dial Details: A Midnight Symphony

Now, let’s talk about that dial. The Roché II features a midnight blue dial with a Clous de Paris guilloché pattern that adds an extra layer of texture and depth. It’s a feast for the eyes. The white Super-LumiNova markers and hands ensure you can read the time even in low light conditions. Speaking of hands, the new alpha-shaped ones are sleek and modern, offering a nice update from the previous design. You also get these chunky and raised fully-luminous markers and numerals, which add an interesting depth to the dial.

One of the coolest features of the Roché II is the rotating inner bezel, which allows you to keep track of time across 24 cities. Farer has made some updates here too: Chicago has replaced Mexico City, Beijing has replaced Hong Kong, and Bienne (where the watch is produced) has replaced Paris. This might seem like a small change, but these little details show Farer’s commitment to keeping things fresh and relevant. Oh, and that entire rotating ring is friggin’ lumed. What a party trick.

The Heart of the Matter: Movement and Functionality

Under the hood, the Roché II is powered by a customized Sellita SW330-1 Elaboré movement. This automatic caliber is a solid option, known for its reliability and precision. What makes this one special is the tailored 24-hour rotating disc, which replaces the traditional GMT hand. It’s a clever twist on the world timer complication, and it works beautifully.

The movement ticks at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and features 25 jewels. Thanks to a modified mainspring, the power reserve has been bumped up to 50 hours. That’s a nice upgrade, giving you more flexibility if you decide to rotate your watches throughout the week.

Comfort and Versatility

Farer has equipped the Roché II with a high-quality St. Venere leather strap that’s both durable and comfortable. The quick-release mechanism is a godsend for those of us who like to switch things up without wrestling with spring bars. I know—I suck at using a springbar tool and often scratch the case backs on my watches. If leather isn’t your thing, you can opt for the stainless steel bracelet for an additional $170. Like the rest of the watch, I’m sure the bracelet is well-made and probably adds a bit of heft, making the watch feel even more substantial.

On the wrist, the Roché II is a joy to wear. It’s the right size for most wrists, and the curved lugs ensure it sits comfortably. Whether you’re dressed up for a night out or keeping it casual on the weekend, this watch has the versatility to match any outfit. One thing I’ll add here is another note about the strap. This is not hyperbole, but I have to say that this is by far the favorite leather strap I’ve ever tried on a watch. Not long after wearing it for a bit, I hopped on Farer’s site to see if they sell these aftermarket straps by themselves, and they do. It’s nice and slim, feels broken in, and contours to the wrist beautifully. I may actually pick up a couple off their site, and as someone who is not usually into leather straps, I think that’s a big deal for me.

The Bottom Line: Pricing and Value

At $1,695 for the leather strap version and $1,865 if you add the stainless steel bracelet, the Roché II is priced competitively, but it’s not necessarily an affordable watch. But, in a market where world timers can easily cost several times more, Farer offers a compelling value proposition. You’re getting a well-crafted, Swiss-made watch with a unique design and a reliable movement, all without totally breaking the bank. On top of that, Farer has really established a very unique design language by this point and if you like it, that’s a huge plus for the entire package.

While I’m not sure if this watch would push me to buy a world timer, I can still admit that it is thoroughly impressive. This watch hits all the right notes. It’s got style, substance, and a little bit of that Farer magic that makes it stand out from the crowd. The thoughtful updates enhance the overall experience, making it a worthy successor to the original Roché.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting into the world of watches, the Roché II offers something special. It’s a watch built to be worn, admired, and enjoyed. And, it’s a watch that’s a testament to Farer’s ability to blend classic watchmaking with modern design sensibilities. “Damn, this hobby is fun” is the first thought that crossed my mind when I strapped this watch on. The same might happen to you.

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