In the ever-expanding landscape of independent watchmaking, the British brand Farer has carved out a distinct niche by mastering two crucial elements: evocative case silhouettes and an absolute fearlessness when it comes to colour. While the industry is finally waking up to the charm of sub-40mm timepieces, Farer is leaning in hard with their latest release.
Enter the Farer Belzoni, a stunning hand-wound 35mm cushion case watch that proves great things truly do come in small, vividly coloured packages. Priced at a highly compelling £1045, it taps into a rich vein of vintage inspiration while offering a thoroughly modern masterclass in dial finishing.
A Cushion Case That Hits The Horological Sweet Spot
For enthusiasts who have been clamouring for a return to classic mid-century proportions, the Belzoni’s dimensions are an absolute dream. The 316L marine-grade stainless steel case measures just 35mm in diameter, with a highly wearable 38mm lug-to-lug distance and a remarkably slender 10mm thickness.
It is an eminently comfortable cushion case that hugs the wrist perfectly, slipping under a tailored cuff with ease while maintaining enough architectural presence to stand out in a crowd.
The finishing on the case is executed with Farer’s signature attention to detail. It is fully polished to catch the light, but features a contrasting brushed bezel chamfer that beautifully frames the face.
Topped with a domed sapphire crystal—complete with an internal anti-reflective coating—the watch offers an inviting, distortion-free window into its greatest aesthetic asset.
The Art Of The Spin: A Dial With Incredible Depth
Farer has never been shy about using colour, but the dial of the Belzoni takes their design language to an entirely new level. The face features a bold, jewel-like teal hue layered over a radial, bark-like texture. Achieving this complex aesthetic is no small feat; it requires a meticulous multi-stage manufacturing process.
First, the unique bark texture is pressed directly into the dial. Then, the dial is literally spun on a machine while multiple coats of paint are applied. The centrifugal force naturally pushes the paint toward the outer edges, creating a hypnotic, organic colour gradient that draws the eye directly back to the centre.
To finish the process, a clear lacquer is applied and polished to a brilliant, glossy mirror finish. This stunning backdrop serves as the perfect canvas for the applied, highly polished numerals and batons. Time is indicated by a sharp, mirror-polished alpha handset, while the sweeping seconds hand features the signature Farer ‘A’ right at the tip, matched perfectly to the teal of the dial. The result is a highly legible, minimalist layout that catches the light beautifully from every angle without ever feeling cluttered.
Historic Inspiration Meets Swiss Mechanics
Every Farer watch is steeped in a bit of history, and this model is named after Sarah Belzoni, the pioneering 19th-century English traveller, writer, and Egyptologist who provided unprecedented insights into the social structure of Egyptian culture. It is a fitting namesake for a watch that feels distinctly adventurous and bold.
Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire exhibition caseback that showcases the mechanical heartbeat inside: a Swiss-made Sellita SW210-1 b Elaboré movement. Farer has opted for a manual-winding calibre here, which not only keeps the case profile thin but also provides that intimate, daily tactile connection that mechanical watch lovers crave.
Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), this 18-jewel movement boasts Top Grade decoration, including blued screws and a bespoke Farer bridge. Complete with a hacking seconds function for precision time-setting, a rounded crown featuring a solid bronze cap insert, and a 45-hour power reserve, the Belzoni delivers serious horological chops wrapped in an undeniably fun package.
Secured to the wrist with a premium leather strap and offering a solid 50M (5 ATM) of water resistance, it is a masterstroke of independent design.
