Farer Lissom

Farer, an independent British watch company established in 2015, has consistently distinguished itself through a vibrant design language that marries British sensibilities with Swiss watchmaking precision. The brand's ethos revolves around a passion for detail, quality, and a distinctive use of color, often drawing inspiration from historical exploration and adventure. This approach has allowed Farer to carve a unique niche in a competitive market, offering timepieces that are both mechanically sound and visually striking. Their direct-to-consumer model further enables them to provide high-quality watches at accessible price points, fostering a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciate both the aesthetic and the craftsmanship.



The introduction of the Lissom Collection marks a new chapter for Farer, as it ventures into the realm of the modern dress watch. The collection's name, "Lissom," meaning slim or graceful, aptly describes the core characteristic of these timepieces. Farer's interpretation of a dress watch, however, eschews an overly traditional or staid aesthetic. Instead, the Lissom Collection presents a series of five core models, plus limited editions, that offer a contemporary take on a classic genre, emphasizing sophisticated color palettes and a refined, slender profile designed for exceptional comfort and understated presence.



Central to the Lissom Collection's identity is its remarkably slim case, measuring a mere 7.95mm in thickness. This svelte profile is a deliberate design choice, aiming to create a watch that sits unobtrusively on the wrist, easily slipping under a cuff while maintaining a distinct character. The 38mm diameter is a versatile size, suitable for a wide range of wrists and occasions, reinforcing its role as a contemporary dress watch that can transition effortlessly from formal settings to more casual environments. This commitment to a slender and wearable design is a defining feature of the Lissom line.



The design philosophy for the Lissom dials is encapsulated in the principle of "less is more." Each dial is an exercise in balancing refined simplicity with unexpected bursts of color. The layout is characterized by sharp, radially mounted applied numerals and angular, tapered hands, contributing to a clean and highly legible display. The dials possess a fine satin texture, providing a subtle depth and a sophisticated backdrop for the bold, organic colors that define each model. This careful interplay of texture, color, and form results in dials that are both visually engaging and easy to read at a glance.



A significant aspect contributing to the legibility and visual appeal, particularly in low-light conditions, is the application of Grade X2 Super-LumiNova. This advanced luminous material is utilized for the numerals and the infill of the hands. Grade X2 Super-LumiNova is noted for being the newest and brightest iteration, reportedly lasting over 80% longer than standard grades. The numerals themselves are described as Lumicast, a composite of Super-LumiNova and ceramic, which allows for fine, three-dimensional moulded shapes. This attention to detail ensures that the watches are not only striking in daylight but also highly functional in dimmer environments.



The case of the Lissom Collection is a testament to Farer's dedication to high-quality construction and finishing. Crafted from 316L marine-grade stainless steel, the 38mm case features a lug-to-lug measurement of 42.8mm and a pin-to-pin distance of 40.2mm, dimensions that contribute to its comfortable and balanced presence on the wrist. The angled lugs are specifically designed to allow the case to hug the wrist, enhancing wearability to the point where one might almost forget its presence. A subtle yet effective detail is the engraved keyline on the case sides, which visually breaks up the shallow profile, making the already thin watch appear even more slender.



Farer emphasizes that the Lissom case is finished to the highest possible industry standard – Grade A. This top-tier finishing involves an impeccably polished bezel and lug tops. This level of polish is typically associated with watches made from precious metals, as it creates dynamic light play and a luxurious sheen. In contrast, the case sides feature a satin brushed finish. This juxtaposition of polished and brushed surfaces serves to accentuate the flawless polishing on the bezel and lugs, adding a sophisticated visual texture to the overall design and showcasing meticulous attention to detail in its execution.



Protecting the intricately designed dial is a flat sapphire crystal, renowned for its scratch resistance. This crystal is treated with two layers of anti-reflective coating on both its upper and underside surfaces. This dual AR coating is crucial for minimizing glare and maximizing clarity, ensuring that the dial remains easily legible from various angles and under different lighting conditions. The choice of sapphire crystal underscores Farer's commitment to using premium materials that enhance both the durability and the user experience of their timepieces.



Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire crystal display caseback, offering an unobstructed view of the Swiss Made La Joux-Perret D100 hand-wound movement. This calibre is based on the esteemed Peseux 7001, a movement celebrated for its slimness and reliability. The D100 variant used in the Lissom Collection is just 2.5mm thick, a critical factor in achieving the watch's slender 7.95mm overall case height. It operates at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), contains 18 jewels, and provides an enhanced power reserve of approximately 50 hours when fully wound.



Farer has opted for the highest grade available of the D100, the "soigné" version, which is distinguished by its blued screws and elaborate finishing. Each movement is adjusted in four positions, a mark of its precision. The decoration is extensive, featuring not only the aforementioned blued screws but also diamond-polished chamfers and classic Côtes de Genève striping on the bridgework. These decorative elements, visible through the caseback, add a layer of horological artistry that complements the external sophistication of the watch, highlighting the mechanical heart beating within.



The strap accompanying the Lissom watches is crafted from suede leather, providing a soft and comfortable feel on the wrist. It is equipped with a 316L stainless steel buckle, matching the case material. The lug width is a standard 20mm, allowing for versatility should owners wish to explore alternative strap options. The push/pull stainless steel crown is a notable design feature, incorporating a solid bronze cap insert embossed with the signature Farer 'A' logo, a subtle yet distinctive brand identifier that adds a touch of warmth and character to the predominantly steel construction. The watches also offer a practical water resistance of 50 meters (5 ATM), making them suitable for everyday wear and capable of withstanding splashes or brief immersion in water.



The Lissom Collection draws inspiration for its individual models from the world of botany, with each of the five core watches named after a renowned British botanist. This thematic connection is reflected in the organic color palettes chosen for each dial. The Farer Lissom Forrest, for example, features a textured teal dial paired with a contrasting sand-colored sub-dial. This model embodies a classic Farer color combination of teal and orange, with the bold orange appearing on the seconds hand. Finely crafted white Lumicast numerals made from Grade X2 Super-LumiNova provide excellent contrast against the grained teal backdrop. The light peach sub-seconds dial includes a teal minute track, and peach accents are also found in the minute tracks flanking the numerals. The outer minute track is sunken, adding a subtle sense of depth.



The Forrest model pays homage to George Forrest (1873–1932), a Scottish botanist. His early career saw him working under Professor Bayley Balfour (another Lissom namesake) at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. However, George Forrest is most celebrated for his pioneering explorations of the remote southwestern Yunnan province in China. Over seven expeditions, he collected tens of thousands of plant specimens, many of which remain in botanical gardens globally. His discoveries were so significant that over thirty plant genera, and even three mammal species, bear the specific epithet "forrestii" in his honor.



The Farer Lissom Balfour presents a study in understated contrast with its jasmine white textured dial. The standout features are the vivid electric blue applied numerals and matching tapered hands. While the numerals themselves are not lumed on this particular model, the blue hands are filled with Grade X2 Super-LumiNova for low-light visibility. The polished blue surfaces of the hands and numerals exhibit a dynamic quality, shifting in hue with changing light. A sunken sub-seconds dial at six o’clock is rendered in a warm grey, complementing the white main dial. Dual minute tracks in the same grey tone, accented with blue highlights, frame the numerals.



Isaac Bayley Balfour (1853-1922), the watch's namesake, was a distinguished professor of botany at the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Oxford. Following in his botanist father's footsteps, Balfour undertook scientific expeditions to remote Indian Ocean islands and founded the influential "Annals of Botany" journal. His most significant contribution was the extensive redevelopment and enhancement of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh during his tenure as Regius Keeper. Notably, he also persuaded the War Office to use sphagnum moss bandages in military hospitals during World War I, a measure credited with saving countless lives due to their high absorbency and antiseptic properties.



The Farer Lissom Lindley embraces a regal theme with its rich purple textured dial. This distinctive color offers a departure from more conventional monochrome options without appearing overly flamboyant. Legibility is maintained through the use of crisp white hands and numerals, both employing Grade X2 Super-LumiNova, with the numerals being finely 3D moulded Lumicast shapes. A sunken powder blue sub-seconds dial provides a striking contrast to the purple, featuring a light pink seconds hand. This pink detailing is echoed in the dual minute tracks that frame the numerals, and like other models in the collection, the outer minute track is sunken to enhance the dial's dimensionality. The provided information repeats the description of the watch for Lindley and does not contain biographical details for a botanist named Lindley, focusing instead on the watch's design attributes, particularly the historical association of purple with royalty and the careful balance of its vibrant color scheme with clear legibility.



Next in the collection is the Farer Lissom Arber, which makes a bold statement with its rich raspberry red textured dial. This vibrant hue is complemented by a recessed purple sub-seconds dial and purple minute track detailing. A light peach seconds hand offers a subtle, warm accent against the more dominant colors. Providing sharp contrast to this colorful backdrop are pure white applied Lumicast numerals and tapered hands, both utilizing Grade X2 Super-LumiNova for excellent visibility. The Arber's striking color combination results in a watch that is both memorable and distinctive on the wrist.



The Arber is named after Agnes Arber (1879–1960), a pioneering British plant morphologist, anatomist, and historian and philosopher of botany. She dedicated her entire career to the field, publishing her influential first book, "Herbals, their origin and evolution," in 1912. This work examined the development of herbalist texts between 1470 and 1670. Throughout her career, Arber authored numerous other significant books and articles, eventually focusing on the philosophy of botany. Her contributions were recognized with several prestigious honors: in 1946, she became the first female botanist (and only the third woman overall) to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, and she was also the first woman to receive the Gold Medal of the Linnean Society of London.



Rounding out the core collection is the Farer Lissom Solander, which offers a more monochromatic, yet multifaceted, aesthetic. It features a dark grey grained dial with a black minute track printed upon it, further accented by lighter grey highlights. The sub-seconds dial mirrors this color scheme. Punching through these subtle tonal variations are crisp white hands and applied Lumicast numerals, both treated with Grade X2 Super-LumiNova. Farer notes that the Lumicast shapes on the Solander are the finest they have ever produced, highlighting the precision involved in their creation. The bright white elements ensure excellent legibility against the darker dial.



The Solander takes its name from Daniel Solander (1733-1782), a Swedish naturalist who spent a significant portion of his career in England. He began by cataloguing the natural history collections of the British Museum in 1763 and was elected to the Royal Society the following year. Solander famously accompanied James Cook as one of three botanists on Cook's first voyage to the Pacific Ocean. This expedition led to the naming of Australia’s Botany Bay, inspired by their extensive botanical findings. Solander documented numerous plant species from Australia and New Zealand and, upon his return to Britain, became the first Swede to have circumnavigated the globe. He later became Keeper of the Natural History Department at the British Museum. Today, his legacy is commemorated by various plants and geographical locations named in his honor.



Beyond the five core models, Farer has collaborated with Chris Alexander, known professionally as The Dial Artist, to create a special series of "pièces uniques" within the Lissom Collection. These limited editions, dubbed "Flower Power," celebrate the launch of the Lissom range and directly reference the botanical theme by featuring intricate, hand-painted flower motifs on their dials. Each of the five standard Lissom models has a corresponding Dial Artist version, with a unique floral design hand-painted by Alexander, infusing his signature colorful contemporary art style into the Lissom's refined framework. These pieces offer a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a truly one-of-a-kind watch that blends Farer's design with bespoke artistry.



Chris Alexander is a British artist based in Scotland, holding a Master's in Design from Gray’s School of Art. Since establishing The Dial Artist in 2017, he has gained recognition for his intricate, hand-painted custom watch dials. His work involves collaborations with both private clients and various watch brands, where he applies his distinctive contemporary art style to transform watch dials into miniature canvases. The collaboration with Farer on the Lissom "Flower Power" editions showcases this unique talent, with playful and artistic designs that harmonize with the Lissom's inherent style while offering an exclusive appeal, as only one unit of each hand-painted model is available. These special editions are housed in the same slim 38mm steel case with Grade A finishing and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as the standard Lissom watches.



The standard Farer Lissom models are priced at $1,295.00 each. The limited edition Lissom "The Dial Artist" models, featuring the hand-painted floral dials by Chris Alexander, are priced at $1,625.00. Given their "one of one" nature, the availability of The Dial Artist editions is extremely limited. The Lissom Collection, as of May 2025, represents Farer's latest offering in the dress watch category, available directly from the brand's website. This collection successfully reinterprets the dress watch by infusing it with Farer's characteristic use of color and commitment to quality, all while maintaining an exceptionally slim and wearable profile.



Case: 38mm diameter, 7.95mm depth, 42.8mm lug-to-lug, 40.2mm pin-to-pin, 20mm lug width. 316L marine-grade stainless steel. Polished bezel and lugs, brushed case sides with engraved cut-in, Grade A finish. Flat sapphire crystal with dual anti-reflective coating. Push/pull stainless steel crown with solid bronze cap insert (embossed Farer 'A'). Water resistance 50m / 5ATM. Sapphire crystal display caseback.

Movement: Swiss Made La Joux-Perret D100. Manual wind calibre, soigné grade with blued screws. 2.5mm thick, 18 jewels, 3Hz (21,600 vph) beat rate. Approximately 50-hour power reserve. Decorated with diamond-polished chamfers and côtes de genève finishing. Adjusted in four positions.

Dial: Fine satin texture with applied Lumicast numerals (Grade X2 Super-LumiNova) for most models (Balfour has applied electric blue numerals without lume). Tapered gloss-white hour and minute hands (Balfour: electric blue hands), infilled with Grade X2 Super-LumiNova. Recessed sub-seconds dial and outer minute track. Specific color variations per model (Forrest: teal/sand; Balfour: white/grey/blue; Lindley: purple/powder blue/pink; Arber: raspberry/purple/peach; Solander: black/grey/white).

Strap: Suede leather strap with 316L stainless steel buckle. 20mm width.

Price: $1,295.00 for standard Lissom models. $1,625.00 for Lissom - The Dial Artist Limited Editions.

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Notes: The Lissom collection redefines the dress watch with its slim 7.95mm profile and bold use of color, inspired by renowned British botanists. Features high-grade Grade X2 Super-LumiNova and Lumicast numerals for exceptional legibility. Limited "one of one" Dial Artist editions feature hand-painted floral motifs by Chris Alexander.