Prepare to be captivated by Farer's latest addition to their Moonphase line-up, the Stratton and Burbidge Eastern Arabic Edition watches! These timepieces are a true celebration of Farer's unique approach to watchmaking, with a focus on the moonphase as the star of the show.
The moonphase complication, a traditional element in watchmaking, has been given a modern twist by Farer. With a large aperture and a hand-painted disc, the moonphase takes center stage, offering instant readability even in low-light conditions. The moon, crafted with X1 Super-LumiNova, shines brightly against a painted night sky, creating a captivating display.
But here's where it gets controversial... Farer has chosen to house this intricate mechanism within a hand-wound Sellita SW288-1 M a movement, showcasing their commitment to precision and craftsmanship. This movement, beating at 4 Hz, provides an impressive 45-hour power reserve when fully wound.
Farer, founded in 2015, has established itself as a distinctive force in modern British watchmaking. Their philosophy blends UK design with Swiss precision, resulting in timepieces that stand out for their color, proportion, and storytelling rather than nostalgia. Each collection pays homage to explorers and scientists, linking watchmaking to discovery and curiosity.
And this is the part most people miss... Farer's Moonphase Collection, introduced in 2023, has quickly become a best-seller, and for good reason. With the addition of the Stratton and Burbidge Eastern Arabic Edition, Farer continues to push the boundaries of traditional complications.
The case architecture of these watches is a work of art in itself. Farer's 38.5mm cushion case, crafted from 316L steel, offers a compact yet spacious feel on the wrist. The curved sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflective coating, protects the dial, while a sapphire exhibition back reveals the intricate hand-wound movement. The rounded crown, capped in solid bronze, adds a touch of elegance and is a recurring brand signature.
Finishing details on these watches are subtle yet nuanced. The polished bezel is framed by a brushed chamfer, creating a visual separation between the crystal and case. The flanks feature a polished grain-twist pattern, while the mid-case is scalloped for a seamless strap fit. Inside, the Sellita movement boasts an Incabloc shock protection for added durability.
The Stratton and Burbidge Eastern Arabic Edition watches both emphasize the moonphase as the focal point. The large aperture and X1 Super-LumiNova moon create an instantly recognizable display, even in dim lighting. Applied Lumicast numerals and a polished lance handset keep the dial clean and uncluttered. The date, framed and color-matched, maintains symmetry, while the seconds hand features a polished tip shaped like Farer's iconic "A" motif.
Where these models differ is in their visual appeal. The Stratton pairs a warm gold PVD-finished cushion case with an Eisenkiesel dial, a unique variety of quartz with golden-brown iron veining. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, appealing to collectors who appreciate subtle variations. The moonphase disc matches the case tone, using a gold-colored Super-LumiNova developed by Farer and Tritec specifically for this reference.
The Burbidge Eastern Arabic Edition takes a different path with an arctic-blue sunburst dial and Eastern Arabic numerals. The pink-toned moon, inspired by the "Pink Moon" phenomenon, adds a modern twist to this classical complication. The watch comes on a textured blue calf-skin leather strap, matching the dial's color palette.
Both models honor figures in science and exploration, a nod to Farer's naming convention. The Stratton references Frederick Stratton, a mathematician-astronomer, while the Burbidge pays tribute to Margaret Burbidge, a pioneer in stellar nucleosynthesis. These choices keep the conversation focused on observation, discovery, and the intersection of science, navigation, and timekeeping.
As a wristwear experience, these Farer watches embody the brand's essence. The accessible dimensions, tactile case textures, and clear dial design make for a comfortable and visually appealing timepiece. The large moonphase aperture not only enhances legibility but also adds an element of interest, even when the watch is not in direct light.
For those seeking strong contrast, the Burbidge offers a crisp white-on-blue layout. Collectors who appreciate material character and warmth will find the Stratton's stone dial and gold-colored luminous elements captivating. Farer has once again proven its ability to make complications feel approachable and contemporary.
If you're in the market for a traditional complication with a modern twist, the Stratton and Burbidge Eastern Arabic Edition watches are worth considering. Farer has successfully evolved its most successful idea, offering a unique blend of precision, craftsmanship, and artistic expression.
These Farer Moonphase models are available now at Farer boutiques, with the Burbidge Eastern Arabic Edition limited to just 100 pieces. Prices start at US$1,895 for the Burbidge and US$2,075 for the Stratton.
What do you think of Farer's approach to watchmaking? Do you prefer the traditional or the modern interpretation of complications? Let us know in the comments!
