Farer Maze Watch

Good things are on the way. The world has reason for optimism for many reasons right now: effective vaccines, economic recovery, long-overdue reunions with family and friends, and a welcome return to travel are all on the horizon. Remember travel? And to keep on schedule across all the time zones you hope to visit soon, a GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) wristwatch might be the most convenient, at-a-glance solution ever invented.

The Rolex GMT Master was born in 1955, when Pam Am airlines sought to have a specialized watch created to aid pilots keeping track of time in two different zones, as they hopped from New York to London (or anywhere else on their itinerary). Their vibrant red and blue 24-hour bezels, signifying day and night, are an icon in horological history, and their influence has spawned a wide variety of modern reinterpretations.

London’s Calling

UK watch brand Farer, known for their bold designs and bright colorways, currently has no less than seven dedicated GMT models in their lineup, and three in this series, including the Crooms, Charlton, and this model, the Maze. The story behind the names? Maze Hill, Crooms Hill, and Charlton Way are the three roads that surround Greenwich Park in London, home to the Royal Observatory, the origin of Greenwich Mean Time, aka GMT.

Perhaps a bit more reserved in appearance than some other of their other releases, but still sporting that playful signature Farer pop of color, the Maze Watch is a supremely legible 4-hand GMT. And as an ideal travel watch, thoughtful details abound. With a 40.5mm case, 20mm lug width, and a 44mm lug-to-lug measurement, the case of the Maze features what you might call a ‘Goldilocks’ size, suitable for a wide range of wrists.

It also displays an attractive variety of finishes, with circular brushing on the case top, and horizontal side brushing. It’s all set off by multiple polished beveled edges, and the overall effect plays with light beautifully. The dial is protected by a lovely anti-reflective boxed sapphire crystal, lending a classic vintage look. Now onto that dial, the signature feature of Farer’s entire lineup: This one features a white ‘swimming pool tile’ finish, with a date window at 6 lending to the overall symmetry.

Quality Design & Components

Highly legible, this dial also sports plus-sized raised polished steel indices, filled with bright blue Swiss Superluminova, making for superb low-light visibility. Highly contrasting black steel hour and minute hands, a silver seconds hand with sky blue tip, and a vibrant red GMT hand make for easy time-telling, even in the dimly lit cabin of a 747 on an overnight transatlantic flight.

Keeping time simultaneously in two different time zones is the automatic 25-jewel Swiss Sellita SW330-1 movement, with top grade decoration, a Farer skeleton ‘A’ rotor, Incabloc anti-shock protection, hacking, and a handy quickset date. Fully wound power reserve is 42 hours, and the movement, visible through the sapphire caseback, is backed with a 5-year warranty. A bidirectional, 24 click/24 hour black & white bezel with aluminum insert fulfills the proper day/night functionality, while updating the classic GMT look.

Fantastic Value for Money

If your destination includes a dip in the ocean (or just the hotel pool), you’re covered with 200 meters of water resistance, aided by the unique bronze-inlaid screwdown crown. With that level of protection, plus the functionality of two time zones, the Maze makes a compelling one-watch contender.

A solid value too, priced at £1,250.00 on a quick-release black leather strap. The stainless bracelet with concealed butterfly clasp is an additional £125.00. Since 2015, Farer has, for many reasons, quickly become a leading name in GMT watches, and their practicality, paired with their trademark optimistic hues, just might make one the perfect travel companion for your next adventure.