Three Ways To Do A Pilot Watch: Farer Series II Stands Out
British microbrand Farer continues to challenge the idea that a single design defines a collection. With the launch of the Pilot Collection Series II, the brand delivers three clearly differentiated interpretations of the classic aviation watch—Curtis, Barnwell, and Hewlett—while maintaining a shared technical foundation.
A Compact, Functional Titanium Platform
All three models are built around the same case architecture, prioritizing wearability without compromising on robustness. The watches feature a 40 mm diameter, 10.90 mm thickness, and a notably compact 43 mm lug-to-lug measurement, making them smaller and more versatile than many traditional pilot’s watches.

The use of Grade 2 titanium enhances both durability and comfort thanks to its lightweight nature. Despite their refined proportions, these watches are designed for everyday resilience. They offer 100 meters of water resistance, making them suitable for daily exposure to water, while their magnetic resistance up to 500 Gauss, ensured by an internal soft iron cage, provides protection against common magnetic fields encountered in modern environments. Powering all three models is the Sellita SW300-1 Elaboré, an automatic movement delivering a 56-hour power reserve, reinforcing the collection’s practical credentials.
Three Designs, Three Personalities
Curtis: Contemporary Texture and Bold Finishing
The Curtis stands out as the most visually experimental model. Its blue PVD-coated titanium case is matched with a dial of the same tone, featuring a segmented concentric guilloché pattern—a rare detail in pilot watches.

Large lumicast numerals and markers ensure legibility remains uncompromised despite the textured surface. The result is a modern reinterpretation of the pilot’s watch, blending traditional readability with contemporary aesthetics. Additionally, Farer offers a limited edition of 100 pieces of the Curtis featuring Eastern Arabic numerals, adding an extra layer of exclusivity and collectability to an already distinctive design.
Barnwell: A Modern Take on Type B Legibility
The Barnwell introduces a layout inspired by the classic Type B Flieger dial, characterized by a prominent minute scale paired with an inner hour track.

Its dial adopts a bronze-toned radial finish, paired with a matching PVD-coated case. Contrasting elements—such as red hands and a sky-blue minute track—add a dynamic, instrument-like feel. This model leans heavily into aviation heritage while incorporating Farer’s signature use of color.
Hewlett: The Classic Interpretation
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the Hewlett offers a cleaner, more familiar aesthetic. It features a dark navy dial with a subtle crosshair layout, surrounded by a fully lumed minute track for optimal visibility in low-light conditions.

Unlike its siblings, the Hewlett is presented in natural titanium, without PVD coating, highlighting the raw grey tone of the metal. Combined with lumicast Arabic numerals, it delivers a straightforward and highly legible pilot’s watch design.
Strong Specifications at a Competitive Price
Across the board, the Pilot Collection Series II delivers a compelling technical package. The combination of a lightweight titanium case, solid water resistance, meaningful anti-magnetic protection, and a higher-grade automatic movement makes these watches particularly versatile.

With a retail price of GBP 1,350, the collection stands out as a strong value proposition, especially considering the level of engineering and the diversity of design offered within the same lineup.
Final Thoughts
Rather than offering simple variations on a single design, Farer approaches the pilot’s watch from multiple angles—modern, heritage-inspired, and classic—within one cohesive release. Each model has its own appeal, but the Curtis—especially in its limited edition with Eastern Arabic numerals—is by far our favorite, thanks to its bold design, unique detailing, and added exclusivity.
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General Specifications:
Brand: Farer
Model: Pilot Collection Series II
Reference: Curtis, Barnwell, Hewlett
Dial: Blue segmented guilloche (Curtis), bronze segmented (Barnwell), ink blue crosshair grained (Hewlett)
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Grade 2 titanium
Case Dimensions: 40 mm Diameter, 11 mm thickness, 43 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Saphire glass
Case Back: Grade 2 titanium
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap: Suede leather strap
Calibre: Sellita SW300-1
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Power Reserve: 56 Hours
Price: GBP 1,350
Limited Edition: Yes, the Curtis Eastern Arabic is limited to 100 pieces
Availability: Now



