Exploring New Horizons: The Farer Thorne World Timer Watch

There is an undeniable romance attached to the concept of the World Timer. In an age where our smartphones automatically adjust to local time zones the moment the plane touches the tarmac, the mechanical act of tracking the sun across the globe on one’s wrist feels like a deliberate nod to the golden age of travel.

It recalls a time when crossing time zones was an event, not just a prelude to jet lag. British watch brand Farer has been championing this spirit of adventure since its inception, consistently delivering timepieces that blend vintage charm with modern robustness. Their latest release, the Farer Thorne World Timer Watch, is a masterclass in this philosophy, offering a bold new aesthetic that demands attention.

The first thing that strikes you about the Thorne is the colour. Moving away from the traditional blues and whites often associated with nautical or aviation timepieces, Farer has opted for a rich, sophisticated burgundy palette.

The main dial is a work of art in itself, featuring an elegant guilloché pattern that provides a textured, almost hypnotic backdrop. This isn’t just a flat print; the pattern is coated in a polished, clear lacquer that amplifies the depth of both the colour and the intricate design, catching the light in a way that keeps the wearer glancing at their wrist for reasons other than checking the time.

Priced at £1,525, the Thorne offers a level of finishing that one might expect from a watch double the cost. The attention to detail is evident in the markers. The white numbers and batons aren’t merely painted on; they are made from Lumicast—solid blocks of ceramic blended with Super-LumiNova.

This innovative use of materials ensures that the dial offers excellent clarity under any lighting conditions, popping against the dark red background with a three-dimensional quality. The handset complements this perfectly, with polished alpha-shaped hour and minute hands inset with lume, while the second hand features the signature Farer ‘A’ tip in a striking burnt orange.

Functionality is, of course, paramount for a travel watch. The complication that gives this collection its name is ingeniously designed for ease of use. It comprises two distinct elements: a rotating 24-hour disc in the centre of the dial and a bidirectional rotating bezel printed with the names of 24 cities.

The central disc rotates once every 24 hours, much like a GMT hand. By using the crown at 10 o’clock to align the city bezel with the 24-hour disc, the wearer can read the time in 24 different time zones simultaneously. It is a feature that transforms the watch into a global instrument, shrinking the world down to a 39mm stainless steel case.

Speaking of the case, the dimensions are hitting the sweet spot for modern enthusiasts. At 39mm wide and just 11mm thick, it slides effortlessly under a cuff, yet the 45mm lug-to-lug length ensures it has enough presence on the wrist. Crafted from 316L marine-grade stainless steel, it is robust enough for any journey, boasting a water resistance of 100 meters.

Inside beats a Swiss-made Sellita SW331-2 Elaboré movement, a reliable engine featuring top-grade decoration and a bespoke Farer rotor colour-matched to the 24-hour disc. With a power reserve of approximately 56 hours, it is ready to go whenever you are.

The name ‘Thorne’ adds a final layer of historical weight to the piece. It honors Robert Thorne, one of the first English explorers of North America. A Bristol merchant operating under a license from King Henry VII in the early 16th century, Thorne was a pioneer of trade and exploration, eventually serving as the Mayor of Bristol.

It is a fitting tribute for a watch designed to explore new avenues and establish connections across the globe. With over 40 manufacturing processes going into the creation of its unique dial, the Thorne is a vibrant, horologically sound companion for the modern explorer.

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