Shoreham Airport: Antimagnetic Pilot Watch Launch

Adventures | 23 Aug

When it came to launching the Farer Pilot watches we had grand plans of heading down to the watch factory in Switzerland in a small plane. A flying visit to Roventa Henex to pick up the first editions, check in on the full production run and maybe find a moment for a spot of lunch.

But no such luck.

The effect of Covid-19 on Farer has so far meant disruption to our supply chain and of course, no travel. So, a new idea was hatched. Taking inspiration from the simplicity of the pilot watches, we agreed that there was no need to over complicate the launch film.
 
 
Through our friend Liam (a brilliant young pilot who flew the glider in the Chronographs launch film) we were put in contact with former Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy Lt Cdr John Beattie. A cool customer based in Yeovilton and the proud owner of a 1952 Chipmunk - a fantastic plane with suitably colourful livery.

The Chipmunk or the ‘Chippie’ as at is sometimes called is a two seat , single-engined aircraft manufactured post war and most typically used for RAF training purposes. The perfect plane to put our new Pilot watches through their paces.
  
 
So on a beautiful day at Shoreham airport (we got lucky with the weather again!) with John in the DeHavilland Canada DHC.1Chipmunk 22 (G-BARS painted in Portuguese Air Force colours as '1377' it was formerly RAF serial WK520) and our trusty cameramen Mike and Mackie in the helicopter we took off and headed for the beaches of Hove and Hastings.

A stunning stretch of English coastline to film such a beautiful plane being pushed to the limits by a brilliant pilot - a fitting launch for our first Pilot Collection.