British microbrand Farer has resurfaced their beloved Aqua Compressor collection with three compelling new iterations that mark a significant technical evolution for the line.
After eight years of Sellita-powered reliability since the collection’s 2017 debut, Farer has upgraded to the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement – the same Swiss caliber that has already proven successful in the brand’s three-hand offerings.
This movement transition represents more than mere specification improvement; it signals Farer’s commitment to elevating their horological credentials while maintaining the accessible pricing that has defined their market position.
The core architecture remains beautifully unchanged, featuring Farer’s distinctive cushion-style compressor case crafted from Grade 2 titanium. At just 62 grams total weight, these watches deliver serious diving capability without the wrist fatigue associated with traditional steel dive watches. The 41mm diameter, 45mm lug-to-lug, and 12.5mm thickness create ideal proportions for diverse wrist sizes while maintaining the substantial presence expected from a serious diving instrument.
The true compressor functionality provides 300-meter water resistance through an ingenious pressure-activated sealing system where increasing water pressure actually enhances gasket compression, creating tighter seals as depth increases. Dual screw-down titanium crowns each feature double gaskets, maintaining 100-meter water resistance even when unscrewed.
The innovative two-crown system allows the upper crown to handle standard timekeeping functions while the lower crown rotates the internal unidirectional bezel – a hallmark of authentic compressor design that eliminates external bezel vulnerability.
The La Joux-Perret G101 movement represents a substantial upgrade, offering 68-hour power reserve and “soignée” grade finishing with four-position accuracy adjustment. Farer’s attention to detail shines through the graphite PVD coating and custom golden wave rotor design visible through the exhibition caseback, creating visual cohesion with the maritime theme while showcasing serious horological craftsmanship.
Three Distinct Personalities
The Endeavour maintains the collection’s classic appeal through its black grained dial punctuated by a bright green-tipped seconds hand and pale blue luminous material on the hour and minute hands. This familiar design receives Grade X2 Super-LumiNova upgrade for enhanced nighttime visibility while preserving the sober elegance that has made it a collection favorite.
The Endeavour Ocean Blue pushes creative boundaries with its dark blue PVD-coated titanium case paired with matching rubber strap. The white luminous dial creates dramatic contrast against deep navy hands and markers, while a subtle wave pattern printed beneath the luminous material adds sophisticated textural complexity that rewards close examination.
Most adventurous is the Hecla Hunter Green, featuring a prominent waffle-textured dial in verdant green. This variant showcases mixed indexing with Arabic numerals at cardinal positions and rectangular batons elsewhere, all crafted from Farer’s proprietary Lumicast material – a Super-LumiNova and ceramic blend that creates three-dimensional applied indices capable of impressive luminous performance.
Beyond aesthetic appeal, each Aqua Compressor purchase contributes to marine conservation through Farer’s partnership with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, with £53,500 already raised from previous generations. This commitment transforms each purchase into active ocean protection support.
Pricing remains remarkably accessible at $1,295 for Endeavour and Hecla models, with the Ocean Blue commanding $1,350 for its specialized PVD coating. Pre-orders are available for late July shipping, making these Swiss-powered compressor watches available without the typical premium associated with such sophisticated complications and materials.
