Farer Updates their Split-Seconds Flyback Chronograph Lineup with Two New Dial Variants

Farer has updated their split-second flyback chronograph with two new models in sporty panda and reverse panda variants. The quartz chronograph, previously available in solid white and blue versions, uses an uncommon movement that enables split-second timing and flyback functionality through the use of three pushers, two of which are exactly where you’d expect them to be, with a third near 10:00. The Fairford (with a traditional panda dial) and the Elvington (the reverse panda) are available now. Let’s dig in. 

Farer Fairford & Elvington Chronographs 

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial: Panda (Fairford), Reverse Panda, (Elvington)
• Dimensions: 39.5mm
• Crystal: Sapphire     
• Water Resistance: 5 ATM
• Crown: Push/pull              
• Movement: ETA 251.294 FK PowerDrive Precision 
• Strap/bracelet: Leather strap
• Price: $625
• Reference Number: n/a
• Expected Release: Available now
  

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Let’s get right into the movement, as it’s perhaps the watch’s most unique feature, and one not often seen in watches we cover here on Worn & Wound. The ETA 251.294 FK PowerDrive Precision movement operates the chronograph functions and can increase hand movement speed to over 200 Hz, allowing for timing to 1/10th of a second. In addition to being a high-frequency movement, this caliber also allows for split-seconds timing. When the chronograph is actuated, the seconds hand begins moving from 12:00, with another seconds hand directly underneath it. Pressing the split-seconds pusher separates the hands, stopping the first while the other keeps going, making it possible to record an intermediate time (such as the completion of a lap in a race) without stopping the chronograph entirely. 

The flyback function allows even more functionality, also tuned to racing, as pushing the flyback pusher immediately resets the chronograph and starts the timing from zero again. On a mechanical watch, this is considered a high complication and carries with it an exorbitant starting price. Farer has implemented this functionality in a quartz watch, using an unusual movement, for well under $1,000.  

The new dials we see here from Farer are as well-executed as we’re used to seeing from the brand, but in more traditional arrangements that are a bit of a departure from their bold use of primary colors. That said, Farer’s color choices on the hands on the new Fairford and Elvington are right in line with the brand’s aesthetic, with a bright orange chrono seconds hand, and either pale or electric blue subdial hands, depending on the dial variant. Everything, as always, is very well matched, and the design of each watch comes together into a package with major influences from the 70s and 80s, but with a Farer twist.

The Elvington, with its reverse panda dial, takes most of its cues from the 70s, a true golden era for sports chronographs. The black background has a matte finish, and the white subdials have a subtle radial pattern providing just the right amount of texture. The Fairford is more of an 80s throwback, with a white background and black subdials. The panda dial of the Fairford is complemented by a DLC coated case, which seems perfectly suited to an 80s inspired chronograph, and provides just the right level of contrast to the dial.  

These are fun, racing-inspired watches that look great, and offer a unique feature set at an affordable price point that you would never find in a mechanical watch. While purists might bristle at the battery-powered timekeeping, this is a watch that should have genuine chronograph lovers pretty excited, as there’s an undeniable pleasure in seeing those seconds hands split apart, and sending them back to zero at the push of a button, to start all over again. Farer