The Farer Curtis: A Modern Pilot Watch Done Differently

1 May

Farer has never really done subtle, and that is precisely why the brand continues to stand out in an increasingly crowded field of enthusiast led watchmaking. The new Curtis, part of the freshly launched Pilot Series II collection, takes the classic flieger formula and gives it the sort of colourful, textured and contemporary twist that has become a Farer calling card over the past decade.

At first glance, the Curtis feels unmistakably aviation inspired. The oversized conical crown, highly legible dial layout and stripped back three hand format all nod toward traditional pilot watches. But this is not some vintage cosplay piece trying desperately to look like it flew over Europe in the 1940s. Instead, Farer has created something far more modern and wearable, blending utility with a surprisingly refined sense of design.

The standout feature is undoubtedly the dial. Finished in a rich blue tone with segmented concentric texturing, it delivers far more visual depth than most tool watches at this price point. Applied Lumicast numerals and markers filled with Grade X2 Super LumiNova keep things highly legible, while creamy yellow accents on the minute track and seconds hand add just enough personality without tipping into gimmick territory. It feels distinctly Farer.

The new titanium case is another major talking point. Measuring 40mm wide, 43mm lug to lug and just 10.9mm thick, the Curtis wears compact for a pilot watch, something many collectors will appreciate given the oversized tendencies of the category. The Grade 2 titanium construction keeps the weight impressively low, while the navy blue PVD coating gives the case a stealthy, almost tactical edge. Water resistance is rated to 100 metres too, making this far more versatile than the average aviation themed piece.

Under the hood sits the Sellita SW300 1 Elaboré automatic movement, delivering a healthy 56 hour power reserve and operating at 4Hz. More importantly for everyday wear, the Curtis also features anti magnetic protection up to 500 Gauss thanks to an internal soft iron Faraday cage. That level of magnetic resistance is significantly above standard ISO requirements and adds genuine practicality to the package.

Farer has also continued its tradition of naming watches after notable explorers and aviators. The Curtis is named after Eleanor Lettice Curtis, one of the pioneering female pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary during the Second World War. It is a fitting tribute for a watch that blends classic aviation cues with forward thinking execution.

Priced at £1,350, the Curtis feels aggressively competitive considering the titanium construction, Elaboré grade Swiss movement and thoughtful design work on offer. In a market flooded with vintage inspired pilot watches that often blur into one another, this manages to feel genuinely distinctive while still remaining highly wearable.

For collectors wanting a pilot watch with proper personality rather than another monochrome military homage, the Curtis may well be one of Farer’s strongest releases yet.