Every time I try to cull my sprawling assemblage of timepieces—sell, flip, consolidate—in the hopes of achieving that mythical perfect three, five…twelve-watch collection, I am stymied by something like the Farer AquaMatic. In some respects, it’s a watch that defies categorisation. Sure, it’s a diver. But it’s also like having a little bit summer on your wrist. To simply call it “fun,” is reductive. And maybe even dismissive of all it offers and achieves. But it certainly is that, too.

Like candy, the Farer AquaMatics are hedonic little offerings that challenge you to stop at just one.

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These days, to say that Farer does great things with colour is almost banal. But just look at the Nazaré, featured here (or any of the five other colourways) with its spearmint dial and strawberry bezel. Fresh? Fresh.

But even with the creative use of tone and hue, the Nazaré dial practically pops with clarity. The bold white dot and dash hour markers stand tall and in stark contrast with the embossed dial. As if that weren’t enough, Farer has surrounded the indices in a deep blue and then framed them with an applied white minute track in the chapter ring. The handset has been treated the same way with a shortened broad arrow hour hand and an elongated baton minute hand for easy legibility. The second hand, for its part, picks up the strawberry in its custom arrow tip.  

In addition, all elements have been flooded in Super-LumiNova—including the numerals, indices, and pip in the bezel insert.

The most interesting element, however, has to be the mirrored rehaut. At an angle, it actually works like an infinity pool, reflecting the minute track and hour plots as the though the dial continued on endlessly.

Bordering the dial is a 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel with a berry-coloured, aluminum insert and a count down index in increments of five. The watch also has a flat, anti-scratch sapphire crystal that is seated seamlessly against the bezel. It has been treated on both sides with a hardened anti-reflective coating.

The AquaMatic’s case is fashioned from a solid block of marine grade 316L stainless steel. The increased levels of chromium and molybdenum used in the metal promise a heightened resistance to corrosion. It measures 38.5mm in diameter with a lug to lug of 45mm. At only 11.9mm in thickness, the watch is quite compact for a 200m diver and sits nicely on the wrist. Of course, it also features a screw-down crown and solid case-back.

Powering the AquaMatic is the Swiss-made Sellita SW220-1. It’s an automatic movement, featuring an Incabloc Novodiac shock absorber. It vibrates at 28 800bph for a smooth second-hand sweep and offers a 41-hour power reserve.

The AquaMatic comes with three enticing strap options. The stainless steel jubilee is equipped with a signed butterfly clasp, but there is also a fitted rubber strap with a steel buckle, and a nylon NATO that matches the dial colour to a tee. Each uses quick-release pin systems so you can switch them around easily.

I am particularly fond of the fitted rubber which, on the Nazaré, reflects the strawberry colouring of the bezel, commanding a great deal of wrist presence. However, the manner in which it is constructed also really hugs the wrist. It is supple and tough, with a nicely textured weave.  

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Specs

Case	316L Stainless Steel 38.5mm Diameter 11.9mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screwed Case Back & Screw Down Crown 120-Click Unidirectional Bezel /w Aluminum Insert 200m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Flat Sapphire Crystal /w AR Applied Indices Day/Date @ 3 Super-LumiNova
Movement	Swiss Made Sellita SW220-1 26 Jewels 28 800bph 41-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel Bracelet with Butterfly Clasp Textured Rubber Nylon NATO

Farer AquaMatic Nazaré

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Of Interest

The Nazaré AquaMatic draws its name from the popular Portuguese coastal town. Renowned for its world-class surfing, Nazaré attracts tourists from around the world. It is best known for its colossal waves, particularly during the winter months. The unique underwater canyon off the coast amplifies the swell, leading to the formation of gigantic waves that can reach heights of over 100 feet (30 meters). These monstrous waves provide an incredible challenge for experienced big wave surfers seeking to push the limits of their sport. The main surfing spot in Nazaré is Praia do Norte, which stretches along the coast and is known for its consistently large waves. It offers a variety of breaks and wave types, ranging from powerful beach breaks to point breaks. The beach itself is sandy and easily accessible, providing a great vantage point for spectators to witness the impressive surf action.

Like the watch, Nazaré has a charming, laid-back appeal. But if you catch a glimpse of the traditional fishing boats pulled up on the beach, you’ll know where Farer went for their vibrant colour inspiration.  

Quibbles

I think a fully brushed case back might suit the watch better, and the bezel knurling is a little slick. Otherwise, this is a great little diver.

Final Thoughts

Farer is a watch brand known for its distinctive designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The AquaMatic is no exception. With bold colour combinations and intricate dials, the AquaMatic is a watch that stands out from the crowd. It is at once stylish and functional, offering superior legibility, excellent water resistance, and a healthy application of lume. At just over the $1000 mark for Swiss-made construction, a workhorse movement, and three straps—including fitted rubber and a bracelet—you can add value proposition to the list of attributes, as well. While it may not be your everyday driver, it will be your go-to when you want to make a splash.

The Farer AquaMatic retails for $1050USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.

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About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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