There is always a risk when a product gets an upgrade (Crystal Pepsi, anyone?), but this is especially a touchy subject in the watch world. We, as collectors and enthusiasts, tend to keep things as they are. Small updates? Sure. Bold colorways? Absolutely. But being told there is a completely new design? Well, now I’m a bit weary.
Luckily for me, I’ve been proven wrong by Farer. They’ve recently relaunched their GMT Bezel collection, boasting – you guessed it – a completely new design. Previous iterations of this model were a core offering of the brand, showcasing the balance between bold design language and a classic case style. Now, we see a new (and dare I say improved?) set of GMT Bezels on the market, whose main feature is the concave “ski-slope” lugs first seen on the Chrono-Contempo Collection.
If variety is the spice of life, then the GMT Bezels are pretty damn spicy. Coming in two size options (40mm and 38mm) and four colorways, this is a series that has a bit of something for everyone. I’ll review each of the four color options briefly, giving you a taste of how distinct – and yet cohesive – each reference feels.
For the 40mm models, one can choose from Maze and Crooms options. Maze has a pearlescent grid patterned dial complemented by shades of glossy black, light blue, and red. Crooms exemplifies Farer’s in-house design language, with a clean overall design and a bold colorway mixed with additional pops of color. With its burgundy dial in a sunburst finish, along with the balance of white, orange, blue, and red accents, it’s a grown-up watch that may not scream “Notice me!” but definitely will get you seen.
As for the 38mm models, there is Maze Blue and Charlton Green. Maze Blue is eye-catching, there is no doubt about it. The orange hands and markers, along with the split finish on the scale in both white and blue, this is a watch with tiny surprises that feel as cohesive as they do bold. As for Charlton Green? It also plays with two-tones, this one cream and Persian green, while accented in sky blues and “cafe au lait” browns. Both Maze Blue and Charlton Green’s dials have a subtle honeycomb pattern for a bit of texture that brings both watches’ designs together.
All watches in the GMT Bezel series feature 316L stainless steel cases, sapphire crystals, and a bidirectional rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale. All references run on a Swiss Made Sellita SW330-2 ‘Top Grade’ movement, promising 56 hours of power when fully wound.
The GMT Bezel collection is available now on Farer’s site for $1,550. Potential buyers can choose between a variety of strap options in leather and rubber, or upgrade to a steel bracelet for an additional $220.