Farer Takes Flight Again with the New Pilot Series

Farer has never been a brand content to colour inside the lines. Which is why today they still remain as one of my personal favourites and most exciting brands in the watch scene. 

While many modern watches lean heavily on either military heritage, monochrome practicality and defined (and slightly mainstream colour schemes) the British brand has consistently injected personality into its pieces.

With the launch of the new Pilot Series II collection, Farer has refined this aviation-inspired formula of a type 1 Flieger, and the Hewlett may well be the standout of the range. 

Named after pioneering aviator Hilda Beatrice Hewlett, the first British woman to earn a pilot's licence, this latest release combines genuine tool-watch credentials with the vibrant design language that has become synonymous with Farer.

At the heart of the Hewlett is a completely redesigned 40mm Grade 2 titanium case and with measurements of just 10.9mm thick with a compact 43mm lug-to-lug distance, it has an impressive size giving wrist comfort while remaining faithful to the idea of what I believe a pilot's watch should be. Part of the reason for this added comfort is the switch from stainless steel to titanium. Usually, I’m not too fused about titanium but in this case, it feels like a nice upgrade, making the watch considerably lighter than its closest competition whilst giving it a more tool orientated look in case colour. 

But as a showstopper - it is the dial that truly makes the Hewlett come alive. Farer describes it as an ink-blue dial, and I think they are on the money here, it’s dark blue enough to almost pass for black at times but in the sunlight the blue breaks through. 

The textured surface is intersected by a deeply engraved crosshair design, (which I love) creating layers of visual depth that reward closer inspection. Applied Lumicast hour markers, moulded from ceramic and Grade X2 Super-LumiNova, sit proudly above the dial, while an oversized fully lumed minute track dominates the outer edge. It is a design that prioritises legibility without sacrificing character—a balance that many pilot watches struggle to achieve.

And of course, the details are classic Farer. Yellow lume-filled lozenge hands add contrast against the blue backdrop, while the brand's signature red "A" counterweight on the seconds hand provides a subtle splash of colour. Even the oversized conical crown feels thoughtfully executed, featuring a bronze-capped insert embossed with the Farer logo. It gives a nod to the past whilst feeling modern and in keeping with the rest of the watch…. So far top marks from me!  

But let’s talk machinery - underneath the dial sits a Swiss-made Sellita SW300-1 Elaboré automatic movement. Running at 4Hz and offering a healthy 56-hour power reserve, it is a proven calibre known for reliability and ease of servicing. Farer has also retained one of the defining features of its Pilot collection: a soft-iron Faraday cage that provides anti-magnetic protection up to 500 Gauss, far exceeding standard anti-magnetic requirements. In a world filled with modern technology and importantly magnets, it is properly useful! 

But if blue doesn’t float your boat (or perhaps fly the seaplane) then the Hewlett is joined by three other references within the new Pilot Series II collection. Each sharing the same titanium architecture and movement while offering distinctly different personalities. 

The Curtis delivers a brighter, more contemporary interpretation of the pilot-watch theme, while the Barnwell (which happens to be more in line with a type 2) introduces a warmer colour palette that feels slightly more vintage-inspired. Finally, completing the lineup is the limited-edition Curtis Eastern Arabic, which incorporates Eastern Arabic numerals into the design and offers a unique cultural twist on the collection.

What makes the collection particularly appealing is that Farer hasn't simply released multiple dial colours. Each model has its own identity, allowing us watch nerds to choose between different expressions of the same core design philosophy. Whether you're drawn to the cooler, instrument-like appearance of the Hewlett or prefer one of its siblings, every model delivers the same blend of lightweight comfort, anti-magnetic protection and highly legible design. 

At £1,350, the Hewlett sits in a fiercely competitive segment of the market. Yet, like many of Farer's strongest releases, it succeeds by offering something genuinely distinctive. The combination of titanium construction, thoughtful engineering, impressive lume performance and characterful British design gives it an identity all of its own.

In a market crowded with heritage reissues and predictable pilot watches, the Hewlett proves that functionality and personality don't have to be mutually exclusive. It's a pilot's watch for enthusiasts who appreciate practicality and a nice tool watch but aren't willing to sacrifice a little colour and individuality along the way.