Farer has cultivated a distinct identity within the world of independent watchmaking, known for their vibrant designs, robust build quality, and a deep well of inspiration drawn from British exploration and adventure. Their Cushion Case collection, with its immediately recognisable form factor, has been a staple. Now, in a significant first for the brand, Farer introduces a new variant that brings a touch of radiant warmth to this beloved silhouette: the Farer Lethbridge Gold Watch.
Named in honour of Grace Marguerite, Lady Hay Drummond-Hay (née Lethbridge), a pioneering British explorer and journalist who became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by air in a Zeppelin in 1929, the Lethbridge Gold embodies a spirit of daring elegance and global adventure.
The most striking feature is undoubtedly the case, crafted from 316L marine-grade stainless steel and finished with a radiant yellow gold PVD coating. This marks the first time Farer has applied this coating technique to one of their watch cases, and the result is superb. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is an ideal method, providing the rich lustre and aesthetic appeal of solid gold but with the added hardness and durability imparted by a base coating of titanium nitride.
This ensures the case is not only beautiful but also well-protected against corrosion and tarnishing, maintaining its golden glow over time. The case itself, measuring a comfortable 38.5mm in diameter, 43.8mm lug-to-lug, and a svelte 10.5mm in depth, sits perfectly on the wrist, offering a versatile size that blends classic proportions with modern wearability. The finish is predominantly polished, with a subtle brushed chamfer on the bezel adding a touch of detail. The watch is rated for 50M / 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for everyday wear.
The dial is a masterclass in texture and layering, presented in a champagne metallic colour that beautifully complements the golden case. It features the Cushion Case collection’s signature sector dial look, defined by a satin-finished raised outer ring. Upon this ring are mounted polished Arabic numerals and baton markers, all finished in yellow gold PVD, mirroring the case and the slim dauphine hour and minute hands.
Contrasting against these warm tones is the sunken silver ring of the sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock, which adds a further layer of detail with its crisp engine-turned finish. The interplay of brushed, polished, and satin finishes, combined with the varying heights of each dial element, creates an incredibly sophisticated visual depth. This careful composition ensures the Lethbridge Gold seamlessly blends both classic and contemporary styles, drawing attention through subtle textures rather than overt complexity.
Powering the Lethbridge Gold Watch is the Swiss Made Sellita SW216-1 Elaboré Grade movement. This is a manual winding calibre, a choice often appreciated by watch enthusiasts for the more direct connection it provides between the wearer and the timepiece. Visible through the sapphire exhibition case back, the movement features 24 jewels, beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), and offers a power reserve of approximately 45 hours when fully wound. It displays hours, minutes, and small seconds at 6 o’clock, and includes a hacking seconds hand for precision time setting.
The watch is paired with a classic leather strap, secured by a 316L stainless steel buckle fastening. The rounded stainless steel crown features a solid bronze cap insert with an embossed Farer ‘A’, a signature detail.
This beautifully executed manual-wind cushion case watch, offering distinctive design, a captivating golden finish, and solid Swiss mechanics, is available for £1045. The Farer Lethbridge Gold is a compelling piece that celebrates pioneering spirit and timeless design, making it a standout addition to any collection.
