Farer Stratton II Review: A Stone-Dial Moonphase for $2,175
Farer's Stratton II is a hand-wound moonphase with a stone dial, a Sellita SW288-1 M and a 38.5 mm case, listed at $2,175. Our read of the specs and the catch.
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Moonphase watches used to mean a four-figure premium and a dial that looked like your grandfather's. Farer, a British brand, keeps going the other way: a small case, a loud idea and a movement that is nicer than the price suggests. Gear Patrol put the Stratton back in the spotlight this week, and Farer's own page now lists it as the Stratton II. This is our read of Farer's page, not a wrist test.
What it is
The Stratton II is a hand-wound moonphase in a 316L steel case, 38.5 mm across and 11.5 mm thick, with a curved sapphire crystal. The dial is black Eisenkiesel stone, a natural material, with applied numerals and markers. The moon itself is a laser-etched, photorealistic disc on a black moonphase wheel.
The movement
Inside is a Swiss Sellita SW288-1 M in Elaboré grade, beating at 28,800 vph with about 45 hours of reserve. Farer finishes it with blued screws, snailing and its own embossed bridge, and the sapphire caseback lets you see all of it. At this price, a decorated, visible movement is the part most rivals skip.
How it wears
At 43.8 mm lug-to-lug with a 20 mm strap, it suits an average wrist and goes under a shirt cuff. Farer sells it on suede in black, brown, grey and tan, plus St. Venere and Granolo leather options, all at the same price. Grey suede reads casual and tan suede reads warm; black suede is the dressier call, closer to the look of the watches in our dress and everyday picks than a field watch. For a cheaper everyday alternative, see how a Timex GMT looks at under $600.
The catch
It is hand-wound, so it stops if you forget it. Water resistance is 50 m, fine for rain and hand washing, not for the pool. And $2,175 is real money for a brand most people have not heard of. If you want a rugged tool watch instead, our G-Shock MR-G platinum leaf piece is a very different, tougher take.
Who it is for
The man who already owns a steel sports watch and wants a second one with personality. Browse more in our affordable luxury watches and the Watches hub. Price checked October 30, 2026.
Shop the look
Our guides for this look: 8 Luxury Dive Watches You Can Actually Wear Every Day · 6 Snoopy Watches From Timex Worth Wearing Right Now
FAQ
How much is the Farer Stratton II?
Farer's US page listed it at $2,175 in every strap option, in stock, when we checked on October 30, 2026. Prices change, so confirm on the page.
Is the Stratton II automatic?
No. It is hand-wound, with a Sellita SW288-1 M and a power reserve of about 45 hours. You wind it with the crown, which many watch fans consider part of the appeal.
Is a 38.5 mm watch too small?
Farer lists a 43.8 mm lug-to-lug and an 11.5 mm thickness, a compact, slim-ish shape that suits most wrists and slides under a cuff. If you like large watches, this will feel modest.
