Farer returns to its popular dive watch collection with the introduction of the Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III. This new release refines a design that has been a cornerstone of their catalog for eight years, introducing a trio of watches that build upon the legacy of their predecessors while incorporating significant technical and aesthetic upgrades. The series includes two new models, the Endeavour Ocean Blue and the Hecla Hunter Green, alongside a thoughtfully updated version of the classic Endeavour. This collection is a clear statement of Farer's commitment to creating highly capable tool watches that do not sacrifice personality or visual appeal.
The history of
Farer is one of a modern brand deeply inspired by the past. Launched in 2015, the company quickly established a design language that blended vintage cues with a contemporary and playful sensibility. Their watches often feature bold color combinations, intricate dial textures, and a general sense of adventure. This approach has resonated with a growing segment of the watch-collecting community who are looking for timepieces with character, watches that tell a story beyond just the time. The Aqua Compressor line has always been a perfect embodiment of this philosophy, taking the historical super-compressor dive watch case design and infusing it with Farer's unique DNA. This third iteration of the Titanium Series continues that tradition, pushing the boundaries of what a modern dive watch can be.
Courtesy of Farer
At the core of the new Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III is a significant mechanical upgrade. All three models are now powered by the Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101 automatic calibre. This movement is a substantial step up, offering a hefty 68-hour power reserve, a feature that is becoming increasingly sought after by watch enthusiasts. This extended power reserve means the watch can be taken off for a long weekend and will still be running when it's picked up again on Monday morning. The G101 is not just a workhorse; Farer has opted for the highest "soignée" grade, which means each movement is meticulously adjusted for accuracy in four different positions, ensuring a high level of performance.
Visually, the La Joux-Perret G101 in these Aqua Compressors is a sight to behold, a detail that Farer has wisely chosen not to hide. Visible through a sapphire exhibition case back, the movement has been treated with a striking graphite grey PVD coating. This dark, modern finish provides a dramatic backdrop for the Côtes de Genève finishing on the bridges and the custom rotor, which is adorned with golden waves. This level of decoration and finishing on a movement in a tool watch at this price point is a testament to Farer's commitment to offering value and a premium experience. It's a detail that will be appreciated by those who enjoy the mechanical artistry of a watch as much as its external design.
The case of the Aqua Compressor is a masterclass in functional design and material science. Crafted from Grade 2 titanium, it is exceptionally lightweight, tipping the scales at a mere 62 grams. This makes the watch incredibly comfortable on the wrist, a significant advantage for a timepiece designed for active use. Titanium's high corrosion resistance also makes it an ideal material for a dive watch, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of a saltwater environment. The case dimensions are also thoughtfully considered, with a 41mm diameter, a 45mm lug-to-lug, and a thickness of just 12.5mm. These proportions allow for a substantial and legible dial without the watch feeling overly bulky or cumbersome.
The case finishing is a subtle blend of brushed and polished surfaces. The top of the cushion-shaped case features a satin sunray brushing that plays with the light, while the sides are polished, adding a touch of refinement to the overall design. This combination of finishes gives the watch a dynamic quality, looking just as at home on dry land as it does submerged in water. The case is topped by a 2.2mm double-domed sapphire crystal, which has multiple internal layers of anti-reflective coating to minimize glare and maximize legibility. This crystal seamlessly integrates into the curves of the case, creating a smooth and cohesive profile.
Courtesy of Farer
A key feature of the Aqua Compressor, and one that gives it its name, is its water resistance system. Like the vintage super-compressor watches of the 1960s, it utilizes the principle of compression to achieve its 300-meter depth rating. As the watch descends deeper and water pressure increases, the gaskets around the case back and crowns are compressed, creating an even tighter seal. This ingenious design is a nod to a golden age of dive watch innovation, updated with modern materials and manufacturing techniques. The watch features two screw-down titanium crowns, another hallmark of the compressor style. The top crown is used for setting the time, while the bottom crown operates the internal unidirectional rotating bezel.
The internal bezel is a defining characteristic of compressor-style dive watches, offering a clean and protected alternative to the more common external rotating bezel. The bezel on the Aqua Compressor is highly legible, with engraved minute markers infilled with pure white Grade X2 Super-LumiNova. This ensures that the bezel can be easily read in low-light conditions, a critical feature for a dive watch. The action of the bezel, controlled by the dedicated crown, is smooth and precise, allowing for accurate timing of dives or any other event. The crosshatched bronze caps on the crowns, embossed with the Farer 'A' logo, are another signature detail that adds a touch of warmth and vintage charm to the otherwise modern and technical design.
The new Aqua Compressor series introduces a significant upgrade in the luminescence department. All three models now feature the latest Grade X2 Super-LumiNova, which provides a brighter and longer-lasting glow than previous formulations. This enhancement further solidifies the Aqua Compressor's credentials as a serious dive watch, where legibility in dark or murky conditions is paramount. The generous application of this high-performance lume on the hands, markers, and bezel ensures that the time can be read at a glance, no matter the lighting.
The Endeavour Ocean Blue is a bold and captivating addition to the Aqua Compressor lineup. Building on the popularity of the previous Ocean White model, this new version features a 41mm titanium case with a bespoke navy blue PVD coating. This durable and scratch-resistant finish gives the watch a unique and dynamic character, with the color shifting from a deep, inky blue to a brighter, more vibrant shade depending on how the light hits it. This is a watch that is sure to draw attention and spark conversation.
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The dial of the Endeavour Ocean Blue is just as impressive as its case. It is a full-lumed dial, meaning the entire surface glows in the dark. This creates an incredible spectacle in low light and provides a high-contrast backdrop for the deep navy blue hands and markers. Beneath the luminescent surface, a subtle wave pattern is printed, adding a layer of texture and visual interest to the dial. This combination of a fully lumed dial, a uniquely colored case, and thoughtful details makes the Endeavour Ocean Blue a truly special piece.
The Hecla Hunter Green offers a different, yet equally compelling, take on the Aqua Compressor formula. Its dial is a rich hunter green, stamped with a deep grid pattern that adds a sense of depth and texture. The indices are a standout feature, crafted from Lumicast, a material that blends ceramic with Grade X2 Super-LumiNova. This results in pure white batons and numerals that have a three-dimensional quality and an intense glow. The white handset, also filled with X2 Super-LumiNova, provides excellent contrast against the green dial, ensuring superb legibility.
The Hecla Hunter Green is a confident and stylish dive watch that perfectly balances rugged functionality with a refined aesthetic. The combination of the deep green dial, the crisp white markers, and the brushed titanium case creates a look that is both outdoorsy and sophisticated. It is a watch that would be equally at home on a hiking trail, exploring a coral reef, or navigating the urban jungle. The name "Hecla" is a nod to HMS Hecla, a Royal Navy bomb vessel that was later converted for Arctic exploration, a fitting tribute for a watch that is built for adventure.
The classic Endeavour model, a staple of the Aqua Compressor collection, has been thoughtfully updated for this new series. The rich black dial now features an understated grained surface, adding a subtle texture that elevates the watch's aesthetic without compromising its a-tool-watch-cred. This new dial treatment gives the Endeavour a more premium and sophisticated feel, while still retaining its purposeful and no-nonsense character.
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During the day, the polished steel of the hands and applied markers gleam against the textured black dial, creating a sharp and legible display. As with the other models in the series, the hands and markers are generously filled with the new Grade X2 Super-LumiNova, ensuring that the Endeavour is just as easy to read in the dark as it is in bright sunlight. The name "Endeavour" is taken from Captain Cook's famous research vessel, a name that evokes a spirit of discovery and exploration that is perfectly aligned with the character of this watch.
Farer's commitment to marine conservation is an integral part of the Aqua Compressor story. The brand has an ongoing charitable partnership with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), a Scottish organization dedicated to the protection of marine life. A portion of the profits from the sale of each Aqua Compressor watch is donated to the trust to support their research and conservation efforts. To date, Farer has raised an impressive £53,500 for the HWDT, and with the launch of this new series, they are on track to reach their goal of donating £75,000. This partnership adds another layer of meaning to the ownership of a Farer Aqua Compressor, allowing wearers to contribute to a worthy cause while enjoying a beautifully crafted timepiece.
The straps offered with the Aqua Compressor series are as well-considered as the watches themselves. Each watch comes with a choice of straps, including a high-quality rubber strap that is perfect for diving and other water-based activities. The rubber strap is soft and pliable, yet durable and resistant to the elements. Farer also offers a range of other strap options, including NATO-style straps and leather straps, allowing owners to customize the look and feel of their watch to suit their personal style and the occasion. The 20mm lug width is a standard size, making it easy to find a wide variety of aftermarket straps as well.
The presentation of the Farer Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III is also worth noting. The watches are delivered in a beautifully crafted presentation box, complete with a detailed user manual and a warranty card. This attention to detail in the packaging enhances the overall ownership experience, making the unboxing of a new Farer watch a special event. It is clear that Farer is a brand that cares about every aspect of the customer journey, from the initial discovery of their watches to the long-term enjoyment of owning one.
Courtesy of Farer
In a market that is saturated with dive watches, the Farer Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III manages to stand out from the crowd. It does so not by being the most extreme or over-engineered dive watch available, but by offering a compelling and well-rounded package of thoughtful design, quality materials, and a touch of personality. These are watches that are built to be used and enjoyed, both in and out of the water. They are a testament to Farer's ability to create timepieces that are both functionally capable and aesthetically pleasing, a combination that is not always easy to achieve.
The Farer Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III watches are available for purchase directly from the Farer website. The Endeavour Ocean Blue, with its unique blue PVD case and fully lumed dial, is priced at $1,350. The Hecla Hunter Green, with its striking green grid-patterned dial and Lumicast indices, and the classic Endeavour, with its new grained black dial, are both priced at $1,295. Given the level of specification, including the grade 2 titanium case, the "soignée" grade La Joux-Perret G101 movement, and the high-quality finishing, these prices represent a remarkable value proposition in the current watch market. For those seeking a dive watch that combines technical competence with a unique and engaging design, the Farer Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III is a collection that deserves serious consideration.
Case: Grade 2 Titanium; 41mm diameter, 12.5mm thick, 45mm lug-to-lug, 48mm pin-to-pin; Satin sunray brushed top with polished sides; 2.2mm double-domed sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating, flat sapphire exhibition case back; Water resistant to 300m; Dual screw-down titanium crowns with bronze caps.
Movement: Swiss Made La Joux-Perret G101; Automatic; 68-hour power reserve; 24 jewels; 28,800 bph (4Hz); Soignée grade adjusted in 4 positions; Custom graphite grey coating and rotor with golden waves.
Dial: Unidirectional internal rotating bezel with Grade X2 Super-LumiNova markers. Endeavour Ocean Blue: Full lume dial with wave pattern. Hecla Hunter Green: Hunter green with grid pattern and white Lumicast indices. Endeavour: Grained black surface with polished steel markers. All feature Grade X2 Super-LumiNova.
Strap: 20mm lug width.
Price: Endeavour Ocean Blue: $1,350; Hecla Hunter Green & Endeavour: $1,295.
Notes: The case utilizes a compression system for water resistance, becoming more sealed with increased water pressure. Features an upgraded "soignée" grade La Joux-Perret G101 movement. A portion of profits is donated to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.