This High-Performance Daily Dive Watch Is Low-Key and High-Vis

Farer introduces the next generation of the Aqua Compressor Titanium with some remarkable updates inside and out.

Published 24 hours ago

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After dropping a perfect daily dress watch just over a month ago, Farer is making a strong case for “Best Young Watch Brand” by adding a sleek, affordable daily dive watch to the conversation.

Now in its third generation, the Aqua Compressor Titanium looks better than ever with a rounded, elliptical case, a simple, highly legible dial and two great strap options.

a blue Farer dive watch — The navy blue Endeavor Ocean Blue reference has a PVD-coated titanium case.

The super compressor case design, which is defined by a spring-loaded case back that tightens to strengthen the water-tight seal as external pressure increases with depth, features an internal rotating dive ring.

Now in its third generation, this Aqua Compressor update comprises three watches. For my money, the new Endeavor Ocean Blue steals the show with a navy monotone aesthetic that never needs to leave the wrist.

a Farer dive watch on a man's wrist — The only carryover is the Endeavor with a grainy black dial and brushed titanium case.

What really separates the Endeavor Ocean Blue from its two compatriots is a trick that only comes out deep below the ocean’s surface, isolated from civilization on a moonless evening or while stumbling your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

A bright idea

The Endeavor Ocean Blue’s brilliant white dial and internal dive ring are coated with Grade X2 Super-LumiNova, meaning that the hands, applied hour markers, minutes track, and 60-minute ring appear crystal-clear silhouetted in the dark.

The internal dive ring is operated by turning the bottom crown at four o’clock. A small technical note: these are often called “internal bezels,” but this is a misnomer because they are technically more akin to a chapter ring than a bezel.

Both screw-down crowns are navy blue PVD-coated titanium, the same as the case, and capped with solid bronze Farer coins.

The applied hour markers and bezel zero symbol add depth to the otherwise flat dial. However, a subtle wave pattern on the dial is noticeable when the light hits just right.

a white dial dive watch on a man's wrist — The internal bezel is operated by turning the bottom crown at four o’clock.

The most visually striking aspect of the new Aqua Compressor, when viewed in the light anyway, is the customized La Joux-Perret caliber G101 automatic movement seen through the exhibition case back.

In a rare move for the revered Swiss movement manufacturer, the movement has been PVD-coated in a grey graphite finish with a burnt-orange wave symbol applied to the balance wheel.

the back of a Farer watch — The customized La Joux-Perret caliber G101 automatic movement is visible through an exhibition case back.

This absolute beast of a movement is a significant upgrade upon the previous generation of Aqua Compressors. It has a 68-hour power reserve and a high-beat 28,800 frequency.

The old salt and the land lubber

Rounding out the new Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III are another new design, the Hecla Hunter Green, and an updated version of the original Endeavor. Both have brushed titanium cases with matching crowns capped with a bronze logo coin.

a green Farer dive watch — The Hecla Hunter Green has a grid-textured dial and matching green dive ring.

The Hecla Hunter Green has all the same impressive dive watch specs, but more of a field watch appearance because of the green grid-textured dial and the addition of numeral hour markers at three, six and nine.

In practice, the new Aqua Compressor is just as functional for adventures on land as at sea, so this was a clever design choice by Farer.

Last but not least, there is the reliable old Endeavor. The Series III version has a grainy black dial and titanium hands with Grade X2 Super-LumiNova inserts.

a black Farer dive watch — Farer offers a matching titanium three-link bracelet, sold separately.

The new Endeavor comes on a black rubber strap, but it looks far more impressive on the brushed titanium three-link bracelet that Farer offers separately.

Offered at an extremely generous price of $1,350, Farer is making a big splash in the affordable high-performance dive watch market with the Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III.

It is well suited for wherever your adventures may take you, and it looks good enough to stay on your wrist every day.

Availability and pricing

The Farer Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III is now available for pre-order from Farer with an expected ship date of July 23.

The Endeavor Ocean Blue, with the fully lumed dial, is $1,350, while the other two references are $1,295.

Farer offers a matching brushed titanium three-link bracelet for an additional $265.

Farer Aqua Compressor Titanium Series III

Specs

Case Size	41mm
Movement	La Joux-Perret caliber G101 automatic
Water Resistance	300m

$1,350 at Farer

About the Author: Brad Lanphear is an associate editor at Gear Patrol covering watches and style. Before joining the publication, he previously wrote for Heddels and Men’s Health. Now, he’s on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of Japanese denim.