Another notable feature is the highly domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, which gives the watch all the feel of a mid-century piece without all the Polywatch time and effort. Crystals can be difficult to get right on these type of “period” pieces and the Farer’s crystal is as good as any I’ve seen at replicating the feel you get from a domed acrylic. The crystal’s effect gives you that sort of best of both worlds feeling combining the looks of acrylic with the trustworthy durability of sapphire. I must say that although the inside of the crystal is anti-reflective, the Oxley’s crystal (and, to be fair, pretty much every domed sapphire crystal) reflects quite a bit. This is no big deal for me (though I know it is for more than a few people) and par for the course but it does make the watch a little bit more challenging to photograph, which is probably really only an issue if you’re me or another rabid Instagram fiend. Rounding out the case design is an exhibition caseback which allows for easy viewing of what is an exceptional motor for this price range.
For the Oxley and the other two GMT automatics, Farer opted for a decorated top grade ETA 2893-2 and this inclusion is one of the factors that really drives this watch’s impressive value proposition. The ETA 2893-2, it should be said, is a relatively expensive movement. Watches which are powered by this movement are also typically expensive and by expensive I mean at least double the cost of the Farer. The Swiss made ETA 2893-2 is a close relative of the time and date only 2892-2, but with the obvious addition of a GMT complication. The two movements share the 21 jewels, 42-hour power reserve, and 28,800 bph rate and the top grade version differentiates itself in being adjusted in five positions and capable of chronometer level time keeping. My Oxley has kept basically perfect time as you’d expect from such a carefully regulated caliber.
Setting the 2893-2 is actually kind of fun. In particular, the GMT hand sets independently and leaps in one-hour intervals to compliment the other hour hand’s position relative to its hour markers. For watch people like us, this makes for good times. I found myself doing this quite a bit. Travelers, international business types, and those who simply enjoy an extra complication would all find the second time zone feature to be a useful addition. The “top grade” version of the 2893-2, which is used in the Oxley, is also pretty well decorated with both Perle and Colimaçonne finishing and topped off with a custom Farer signed rotor.
Farer’s keen eye for style has also led them to produce their own extremely high-quality straps to suit their range of watches. Indeed, as you’re selecting your Farer on their website, you get to choose from no less than nine straps made from either British Barenia bridle leather or perforated Italian leather. There is also a Milanese style mesh for the bracelet lovers out there. Farer’s entire range is built with interchangeability in mind and all of their watches have 20mm lugs, so any Farer works with any strap. As if this whole strap process wasn’t simple enough already, Farer have also chosen to equip their leather straps with a quick release mechanism at the lugs, making strap changes almost instant and forgoing the need for any tools other than our own grubby little mitts.
Initially, I received the Oxley on a black Barenia bridle leather strap which is supple, comfortable, wears well, and appears durable. However, the very simple black leather with black stitching is a bit plain and, in my opinion, doesn’t do anything to complement the densely styled watch it rides around on. I also personally just don’t like the quick release mechanism as a concept.
During the course of the review, Farer also sent along their excellent Milanese mesh bracelet with a Farer signed buckle. Quite frankly, despite it also having the somewhat unnecessary quick release system, I unabashedly love the mesh. It suits the style and period of the watch design really well, is very comfortable over a range of temperatures, and allows for a more water/sweat friendly use of the watch (the Oxley is rated to an unnecessary but awesome 100m). For those with differing tastes, Farer allows the buyer to select the strap of their preference, which should ensure that everyone ends up happy. Even if Farer themselves do not produce a strap which is to your liking, the near universal (like, Farer Universal) 20mm size allows for a plethora of options.
The comprehensive strap range and tool-free interchangeability again demonstrate the brand’s understanding of their primarily watch nerd audience. Farer seem to know we’re a fickle, almost impossible to please bunch who will compulsively change their straps along with their moods, sometimes several times a day. This attention to and consideration for the end user is part of what separates Farer from the rest of the ever multiplying micro brand flock.
Simply put, I really enjoyed wearing the Farer Oxley GMT. It’s a beautiful, unique, and interesting watch. When you consider the long list of features Farer have included, which stacks up to many of the big brands significantly more expensive efforts, the Oxley is really quite fairly priced. Farer’s Oxley represents the best attempt I have seen at a watch which is modern as well as aware of its ancestry. As I mentioned previously, there is none of the all too common corny homage business happening here. The combination of dense yet understated British design with a top grade Swiss heart at a reasonable price separates the Oxley from many of its micro brand contemporaries who struggle with recreating the same thing again and again. With the Oxley, and indeed their entire line of watches, Farer have dared to be different and have, in the process, picked up a dedicated following which I think will only grow. A Swiss made, mid-level GMT automatic watch, the Farer Oxley is priced at $1,425. farer.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Farer
>Model: Oxley GMT Automatic
>Price: $1,425
>Size: 39.5mm wide, not including the crown.
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Oh yes.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: The one who travels and loves the feel of vintage, but appreciates the reliability and durability of a modern piece.
>Best characteristic of watch: The dial and its perfect use of color.
>Worst characteristic of watch: For me, the quick release strap mechanism feels like a gimmick but, let’s be honest, it’s not like it hurts anybody.
