Hands-On With The New Farer Aqua Compressor Hecla Hunter Green
Farer released the initial Aqua Compressor series back in 2017. This made it one of the earliest model lines for the brand, which was founded in 2015. Mysteriously, the model disappeared from the catalog for a brief period, but it has returned in three colorways. Why did it temporarily vanish? Improvements were desired along with a new movement.
London-based Farer has been on an exciting journey since 2015. I remember the initial releases, and while they were fun and colorful, they also all had quartz movements. A lot has changed since then, and the brand lists 16 (!!) model lines on its website. Guess what: all are mechanical! Still, the focus on vivid, exciting colors hasn’t changed, and value for money still plays a strong role in all references. The new Aqua Compressor continues down the same path, but it brings appreciable updates.
An updated favorite and two new models
Before we begin the hands-on review, it’s important to note that three models comprise the updated Aqua Compressor line. Fans of the prior generation shouldn’t worry, though, as the aesthetics haven’t changed much. It’s also nice to know that the announcement of the new pieces comes with a continuation of Farer’s support of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. A black-dial Aqua Compressor Endeavour returns and joins the new Endeavour Ocean Blue with a blue PVD titanium case and luminous white dial. We received the third Aqua Compressor model, known as the Hecla Hunter Green, with its appropriately green-colored dial. The name derives from an 1815 Royal Navy bomb vessel that later went on to become an exploration ship. Let’s move on to the review.
The Farer Aqua Compressor Hecla Hunter Green
Our green model arrived with a bold but comfortable 41mm by 45mm Grade 2 titanium case. It features a 2.2mm-thick double-domed sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment on the top side. A 1.6mm-thick sapphire crystal allows for a view of the movement through the case back.
Two tapering titanium crowns with bronze inserts are fitted to the right side of the 12.5mm-thick case. Note that these dimensions are unchanged from the previous generation. Returning to the functionality, the top screw-down crown controls time setting, date changing, and winding. The bottom crown is also threaded and operates the internal, unidirectional dive bezel. Farer has fitted each with twin gaskets to ensure a 100m depth rating when they are unscrewed. Once they are fully sealed, the crowns and other compressing gaskets ensure a capable 300m water resistance rating.
A new stamped green dial with serious lume
One characteristic I always enjoy about Farer watches is that different models in the same line often feature different dial surfaces. In contrast to the other Aqua Compressor pieces, the Hecla Hunter Green has a stamped grid pattern dial and matching green internal rotating bezel with a luminous scale.
For the applied indexes, Farer continues to use Lumicast, a blend of ceramic and Super-LumiNova. In this case, it’s Super-LumiNova X2. It is incredibly bright and long-lasting in the dark. The hour and minute hands follow the color theme with their white-painted borders and lume-filled sections. At the end of the seconds hand is a luminous version of the brand’s triangular logo, a calling card of many Farer watches.
A new movement inside the Aqua Compressor
There’s currently a battle among movement makers not named ETA. Our take is that Sellita and La Joux-Perret are supplying an increasing number of ébauches to large and small brands. The Aqua Compressor exemplifies this, and the latest version displays a switch from Sellita to La Joux-Perret. Instead of the former Sellita SW200-1 Elaboré, the brand has moved to the La Joux-Perret G101 Soignée. The dab of French language for both movements simply means that they are the top-tier offerings from each. For La Joux-Perret, it means Côtes de Genève finishing and adjustment for accuracy in four positions. In this application, the movement has a gray PVD coating and a custom tungsten rotor with a wave motif. Specification-wise, the big difference is a 68-hour power reserve versus the former Sellita’s 38 hours.
Comfy on the wrist
Farer delivers the Aqua Compressor Hecla Hunter Green with an appropriately green natural rubber strap fitted with two keepers. It has a cloth-like texture and does a nice job of dressing up the watch while maintaining a functional, sporty appearance. Best of all, it’s supremely comfortable on the wrist and fits perfectly against the C-shaped case. A strap with a gap between it and the case wouldn’t look as nicely executed.
Another good choice from Farer is the use of a titanium pin buckle. Too often, brands convince themselves that they’re adding value with some type of folding clasp. More often than not, these more complicated “features” end up being bulky, cheap-looking, or difficult to adjust. A nicely engraved pin buckle is almost always the best answer.
Regarding the fit, the lightness of the titanium and the pliability of the strap make this watch an easy choice as a comfortable daily piece. The 41mm diameter and large dial may make it look large, but the short 45mm lug-to-lug ensures a fit on smaller wrists. Legibility-wise, there’s nothing to fault. I’m also pleased that Farer chose not to interrupt the design with a date window.
Pricing and availability
Today is the official launch date for the new Aqua Compressor watches, which means they’re available for order. The pricing is also very reasonable at €1,375 / US$1,295 / £1,175. Considering the top-line La Joux-Perret ébauche, titanium construction, and compressor design, that feels like a lot of watch for the money. Again, the movement is the big announcement here, but a nice new color is also newsworthy. Let us know your thoughts on the updated Aqua Compressor and if you see it as an affordable diver option.
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