Introduction
In an era where the watch industry is split between heritage giants and hype-driven drops, Farer has carved out a lane that feels refreshingly unpretentious. The British microbrand, founded in 2015, doesn't chase vintage reissues or celebrity endorsements. Instead, it builds watches that speak to a generation that values authenticity, color, and mechanical integrity over status signaling. The Hecla is their GMT offering—a travel watch that refuses to be boring.
Named after a volcano in Iceland, the Hecla is a study in controlled chaos. It’s not trying to be a Rolex Explorer II or a Tudor Black Bay GMT. It’s something else entirely: a watch that looks like it was designed by someone who actually wears watches, not by a committee. The dials are bold, the case is compact, and the price is accessible enough that you don’t need a trust fund to join the club. But does it deliver on the wrist? Let’s dig in.
This review covers the Farer Hecla in its most iconic iteration—the blue dial with orange GMT hand—but we’ll also touch on the other dial variants. We’ll look at the movement, the build, the wearability, and whether this is a watch that can hold its own in a collection dominated by Swiss heavyweights.
Brand History: Farer and the Hecla
Farer was founded in 2015 by a team of watch enthusiasts based in London. The name comes from the Old English word for 'traveler,' and the brand’s ethos is built around exploration and design. Unlike many microbrands that simply source generic cases and dials, Farer invests heavily in custom design—every case, hand, and dial is unique to them. The Hecla, launched in 2019, was their first GMT model and quickly became a flagship. It’s named after Hekla, an active volcano in Iceland, and the dial colors reflect the volcanic landscapes: blue for the sky, green for the moss, cream for the ash. The Hecla is now in its fourth iteration, each with a distinct colorway.
Movement: Sellita SW330-1
Inside the Hecla beats the Sellita SW330-1, a Swiss automatic GMT movement. It’s a caller GMT, meaning the 24-hour hand is independently adjustable, while the main hour hand is linked to the date. This is the standard for most GMTs under $2,000, and it works perfectly for travelers who need to track a second time zone. The movement runs at 28,800 vph, has a 42-hour power reserve, and 25 jewels. It’s not COSC-certified, but in practice, it runs within -5 to +10 seconds per day. The rotor is custom-decorated with Farer’s logo, but the finishing is industrial—no Geneva stripes or perlage. That’s fine at this price point; the focus is on reliability, not decoration.
Case and Build
The Hecla’s case is 39.5mm in diameter, 11.5mm thick, and 46mm lug-to-lug. It’s made of 316L stainless steel with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The bezel is fixed and features a 24-hour scale, which is used in conjunction with the GMT hand. The crown is signed and screws down, contributing to the 100m water resistance. The sapphire crystal is domed and has an anti-reflective coating on the underside. The caseback is solid, engraved with the Hekla volcano motif. Overall, the build quality is excellent for the price—tight tolerances, no sharp edges, and a satisfying heft.
Dial and Lume
The dial is where the Hecla shines. The blue version has a sunburst finish that shifts from deep navy to electric blue depending on the light. The applied indices are polished and filled with Super-LumiNova X1, which glows a bright blue-green. The hands are sword-shaped, with the hour and minute hands also lumed. The GMT hand is a bright orange arrow that pops against the blue dial. The date window is at 3 o’clock with a white disc and black text. The lume is decent but not exceptional—it lasts a few hours and is legible in the dark. The overall dial layout is clean and balanced, with the Farer logo at 12 and 'Automatic' at 6.
Wrist Feel and Wearability
On the wrist, the Hecla is a revelation for anyone tired of 42mm+ dive watches. At 39.5mm diameter and 11.5mm thick, it slips under a shirt cuff with zero protest. The 46mm lug-to-lug means it wears compact even on larger wrists—think 6.5 to 7.5 inches sweet spot. The weight is balanced, not top-heavy, thanks to the steel case and the relatively light leather strap. The curved lugs hug the wrist, and the signed crown is easy to grip without digging in.
The leather strap that comes standard is soft from day one, with a quick-release spring bar system that makes swapping to a NATO or a bracelet effortless. The buckle is a simple pin buckle, which keeps the vintage vibe intact. If you prefer a more secure feel, Farer offers a steel bracelet option, but the leather is the way to go for a dressier look. Overall, the Hecla feels like a watch that was designed for actual travel—light, comfortable, and unobtrusive.
Accuracy and Real-World Performance
In real-world testing, the Sellita SW330-1 inside the Hecla runs within -5 to +10 seconds per day out of the box. With careful regulation, many owners report +2 to +5 spd. It’s not COSC-certified, but for the price, the accuracy is more than acceptable. The movement is robust and handles daily wear without issue. Expect to lose or gain a minute per week depending on your activity level and winding habits.
Occasions and Versatility
The Hecla is a versatile watch that works for daily wear, travel, and even dressier occasions. The 100m water resistance means it can handle swimming and snorkeling, though it’s not a dedicated dive watch. The GMT function is perfect for tracking a second time zone, whether you’re on a business trip or just keeping in touch with a friend abroad. The colorful dial makes it a conversation starter, but the compact size keeps it from being too flashy. It’s equally at home with a suit and a t-shirt.
Wrist Presence: 3.5/5
The Hecla doesn’t scream for attention, but the dial color and orange GMT hand catch the eye in low light. It’s a conversation starter for those who notice, but subtle enough for the office. The 39.5mm case is a sweet spot for most wrists, and the domed crystal adds a vintage touch. It’s not a watch that will turn heads from across the room, but up close, it’s a stunner.
Reference Variants
The Hecla is available in four main dial colors: blue (Hecla), green (Hecla II), cream (Hecla III), and black (Hecla IV). Each comes with a matching leather strap and a different colored GMT hand. The blue is the most popular, but the green and cream have their own fan bases. All variants share the same case, movement, and specs. Farer also occasionally releases limited editions, so keep an eye on their website.
Similar Watches and Alternatives
If you’re considering the Hecla, you might also look at the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT (triple the price, but a true traveler GMT), the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT (similar price, more tool-watch aesthetic), or the Mido Ocean Star GMT (Swiss, dive-style, slightly cheaper). For budget options, the Seiko SSK001 and Orient Kamasu GMT offer caller GMT functions at a fraction of the price, but with less refined finishing.
Investment Value
The Hecla is not an investment piece—it’s a wearer’s watch. MSRP is $1,295, and pre-owned prices range from $900 to $1,200. The trend is stable; Farer watches hold their value reasonably well for a microbrand, but don’t expect appreciation. If you buy one, buy it because you love the design, not because you expect to flip it for a profit. Auction history is negligible—Farer watches rarely appear at auction, and when they do, they sell near retail.
Service and Maintenance
Farer recommends a service every 5 years. The Sellita SW330-1 is a common movement, so any competent watchmaker can service it. Cost is around $400 for a full service, though independent watchmakers may charge less. Farer offers a service program in the UK, but it’s not required to use authorized service. The movement is robust and parts are readily available.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Stunning dial colors and design, compact and comfortable case size, reliable Sellita movement, great value for a GMT, quick-release strap system.
Cons: Caller GMT (not true traveler GMT), leather strap feels a bit stiff initially, no bracelet option included in base price, lume could be brighter, not COSC-certified.
Final Verdict
The Farer Hecla is a triumph of microbrand watchmaking. It delivers a distinctive, colorful GMT experience at a price that undercuts the Swiss establishment without sacrificing quality. If you’re a young collector looking for a travel watch that stands out from the sea of black dials, the Hecla is an easy recommendation. It’s not an investment, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun to wear.
