Farer Racing Chronograph

Introduction

Farer has carved a distinct niche in the microbrand landscape by blending British design sensibility with Swiss mechanical reliability. The Racing Chronograph is perhaps their most exuberant expression yet—a watch that wears its motorsport inspiration on its sleeve, quite literally, with bold dial colors and a tachymeter bezel that begs to be timed. But beneath the playful exterior lies a serious movement and a case that punches well above its price point.

In this review, we’ll dissect the Farer Racing Chronograph from every angle: the movement architecture, case finishing, wrist feel, and real-world accuracy. Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking for a fun weekend piece or a newcomer seeking an entry into mechanical chronographs, this watch deserves a close look.

Brand History

Farer was founded in London in 2015 by a team of watch enthusiasts with a mission to create distinctive, well-made timepieces that celebrate British design heritage. The brand quickly gained a following for its colorful dials, thoughtful details, and use of reliable Swiss movements. The Racing Chronograph is a direct nod to the golden era of motorsport, blending vintage cues with contemporary execution.

Movement

At the heart of the Farer Racing Chronograph beats the Sellita SW510 M b, an automatic chronograph caliber derived from the ETA/Valjoux 7750 architecture. This cam-actuated movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, providing a smooth sweep of the central chronograph seconds hand. It offers a 48-hour power reserve, a quickset date, and a 12-hour totalizer. While not COSC-certified, the movement is known for its reliability and ease of service. Farer adds a touch of refinement with perlage decoration on the mainplate, blued screws, and a custom rotor engraved with the brand’s logo—a tasteful upgrade over the standard industrial finish.

Case and Dial

The 40mm stainless steel case is a masterclass in proportions. With a thickness of 14.5mm and a lug-to-lug of 48mm, it wears comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The case features a mix of brushed and polished surfaces, with a domed sapphire crystal that adds a vintage feel. The screw-down crown and pushers ensure 100 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and light water sports. The dial is where the Racing Chronograph truly shines. Available in blue, green, grey, and orange, each variant features a sunburst finish, applied indices, and a tachymeter scale on the inner bezel. The hands are filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9, providing excellent legibility in low light. The date window at 6 o’clock is discreetly integrated, preserving the dial’s symmetry.

Wrist Feel

On the wrist, the Farer Racing Chronograph is surprisingly comfortable given its 14.5mm thickness. The 40mm diameter and 48mm lug-to-lug keep it from overhanging on average wrists, and the gently curved lugs hug the wrist without creating gaps. The leather strap is supple out of the box, with a quick-release system that makes swapping to a NATO or rubber strap effortless. The weight is balanced—not too heavy, not too light—and the crown and pushers are easy to operate without digging into the hand. The domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage touch while keeping the profile manageable. The only minor quibble is the thickness, which may feel substantial under a dress shirt cuff, but for a chronograph with 100m water resistance, it’s a reasonable trade-off.

Accuracy

In real-world wear, the Sellita SW510 M b inside the Farer Racing Chronograph typically runs within -5 to +15 seconds per day. This is well within the movement’s specification and consistent with other watches using the same caliber. With careful winding and consistent wear, many owners report rates around +5 to +8 seconds per day. It’s not COSC-certified, but for a daily driver, the accuracy is more than adequate.

Occasions and Wrist Presence

The Farer Racing Chronograph is a versatile piece that works well for sporty occasions, daily wear, and travel. Its bold dial colors ensure it stands out, but the 40mm case keeps it from being overly flashy. I’d rate its wrist presence a 4 out of 5—it commands attention without being obnoxious, and the vintage racing aesthetic is a conversation starter.

Reference Variants

Farer offers the Racing Chronograph in several dial and strap combinations. The blue dial (FAR001) with orange accents is the most classic, while the green dial (FAR002) with yellow accents evokes British racing green. The grey dial (FAR003) with red accents is more subdued, and the orange dial (FAR004) with white accents is the boldest option, available on a matching rubber strap. Each variant is limited to a specific production run, adding a touch of exclusivity.

Comparisons

In the same price bracket, the Farer Racing Chronograph competes with the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph, the Sinn 103 St, and the TAG Heuer Autavia. The Hamilton offers a similar vintage aesthetic with an H-31 movement (based on the Valjoux 7753), while the Sinn is more tool-oriented with a tegimented case. The TAG Heuer Autavia is a heritage piece but costs nearly double. For the money, the Farer delivers the most personality and a well-finished movement.

Investment Value

With an MSRP of $1,495, the Farer Racing Chronograph offers excellent value for a Swiss automatic chronograph. On the pre-owned market, examples sell for between $1,000 and $1,300, indicating stable value retention. It is not an investment piece, but it holds its value reasonably well. No major auction history exists, as Farer is still a young brand.

Service and Maintenance

Farer recommends a service interval of 5 years, with an approximate cost of $500. The movement can be serviced by any competent watchmaker familiar with Sellita calibers, or through Farer’s own service program. The use of a common movement ensures parts availability and reasonable service costs.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Vibrant, unique dial options; reliable Sellita SW510 movement; comfortable 40mm case with 100m water resistance; quick-release strap system for easy swapping.
Cons: Thick at 14.5mm, may not fit under tight cuffs; not COSC-certified; leather strap can feel stiff initially; limited brand recognition outside enthusiast circles.

Final Verdict

The Farer Racing Chronograph is a triumph of microbrand watchmaking: it delivers a distinctive, motorsport-inspired design with a proven Swiss movement, all at a price that undercuts many Swiss competitors. While the thickness and lack of COSC certification may deter purists, the overall package—comfort, finishing, and sheer personality—makes it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a mechanical chronograph that stands out from the crowd.