Ben is co-founder of FARER, a fast-growing, British-designed, Swiss-made watch company. Farer means to travel, to explore. As in Wayfarer, Seafarer, Farfarer. The designs are inspired by the halcyon era of watchmaking, when bold colours and contrasting textures were combined with the best craftsmanship. We design every detail in our London studio, before working with our Swiss engineering partners to handcraft every watch. Since launching in Autumn 2015 the brand has sent watches to over 40 countries, with 50 per cent of sales on the farer.com platform coming from the US.
WHAT DOES BRITISH LUXURY MEAN TO YOU?
Unique design, brilliant craftsmanship, rich storytelling.
WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR FARER?
To transform an established market through brave product design combined with a smart digital ‘direct-to-consumer’ experience.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Still working on that one.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
I used to think success was a defined point in time once I had achieved that certain something. But as you get older you realise it’s not tied to any moment in time, life continues on – success is all in the doing.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
I’m surrounded by watches, but have very little time. I know it’s a cliché, but for me it’s true… To have time to myself, is a real extravagance.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?
The opportunity to build your own future.
LEAST?
The dark days when you question everything.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST REGRET?
I try hard not to have them, keep moving on.
IS THERE ANOTHER BUSINESS OR A FOUNDER THAT PARTICULARLY INSPIRES YOU?
The most exciting thing the inspires me right now is the drive of the start-up community/can-do businesses growing hugely across London and the UK - vibrant, multi-cultural and bold. Proving how well crafted products combined with brilliant customer experience can deliver clear differentiation in the market.
WHAT IS YOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE?
I stole it from Woody Allen “80 percent of life is showing up”. It’s amazing what happens if you just put yourself out there.
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
I’m lucky enough to work with the people I admire.
WHICH WORDS OR PHRASES DO YOU MOST OVERUSE?
I say ‘like’ far too much and it, like, really annoys me.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?
Trying to work out how I can get more sleep.
WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Simple honesty.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE STARTING UP THEIR OWN BUSINESS NOW?
Get going, then get better… Get to proof of concept as quick as you can, then iterate, iterate, iterate.
GREATEST LUXURY UNDER £10?
My one coffee a day.
www.farer.com
