I love Farer watches and when they released their 1st range of automatic chronographs I instantly wanted one, particularly the colour combo on this Farer Eldridge Chronograph. I resisted for a while as I felt £1,700 was a bit steep for a microbrand but it nagged away and reassured by the ever improving reputation of the brand I eventually picked this up used, including the bracelet that is sold separately for £125.

This is arguably the most interesting design in the range with a gorgeous chocolate dial. Makes a change from black or blue without being outlandish. The dial has an almost metallic finish and ranges from copper to dark brown depending on the light. Mint green hands and numerals with light and dark blue touches contrast with Farer’s signature panache. It’s not going to be to everyone’s taste though.

The 39mm case, 45mm lug to lug and 12.5mm depth means it is lovely size for almost anyone and wears very nicely. Unlike some other Farer watches there is also an interesting case design with brushed and polished surfaces, along with a sandblasted midcase. The contrast gives it visual appeal from all angles. The finishing is good and it looks and feels special, which it should for this money. The ETA 2894-2 movement looks good with its bespoke rotor and it keeps time within stated tolerances. The downside is how it feels to wind; it is a bit stiff which combined with the nice looking but tricky to handle barrel crown (maybe if your fingers are daintier than mine it’s fine) makes it at best fiddly to wind and uncomfortable at worst. Probably not a problem if you wear it everyday but I doubt many Farer owners wear the same watch everyday. Final gripe: no micro adjustment on the bracelet clasp which has made it pretty much unwearable for me, unforgivable for £125. So the Farer Eldridge Chronograph is a very good watch that will add interest to any collection but it is also not perfect.