Mercer Wayfarer II

Mercer is a relatively young watch brand based out of New Jersey, USA. The Wayfarer II is the second iteration of their GMT model. This review provides the details in brief, a review video, and pictures of the unpacking with some commentary.

The details:

• Mercer Wayfarer II
• Diameter: 40mm
• Height: 11.5mm
• Movement: Quartz Ronda 515.24h GMT
• Battery Life: up to 45 months
• Jewels: 1
• Lume: Superluminova BG-W9
• Frequency: 32,768 Hz
• Water Resistance: 100m/300ft
• Strap: Black sailcloth (supposed to ship with dial-matching color)
• Cost: $349

The review video: [https://youtu.be/yFUrsB47Xlg]

The unpacking:

The boxes are fairly standard in terms of design and size, the exterior box is grey and the interior box is a mid-tone blue with a white interior/cushion.

I decided to try the grey dial, but the navy and black dials also look good. The only thing I did not like about the boxing/shipping was the plastic medallion that came attached to the strap. Such things are common, but unnecessary. They bounce around inside the box and remind me too much of watches purchased at a department store.

The caseback is well-designed. I particularly like the compass/navigation motif and the white and grey contrast. The caseback is as unique as the dial. I am also a fan of the Mercer logo (12o’clock). The crown sports an ‘M’.

The quartz Ronda 515.24h movement is a nice, steady, popular GMT movement and good for someone on the go. The watch size is in the medium range at 40mm in diamater, 11.5mm height, and 50g weight. The Wayfarer II has a Sapphire crystal, but if you are looking at other Mercer models then make sure to look at the specs. Many of their popular models have a Mineral crystal, which generally keeps the prices lower. The Wayfarer II can also handle moisture.

What attracted to me to this watch was the face. The dial, hands, and lume are excellent. The scooped rim and lighter grey hour section add contrast and depth to the dial. The design makes it appear as if there is plenty of room under the crystal. I also was looking for a GMT with internal 24 hour markers on the dial. There are plenty of design options for 24 hour markers, but this is a simple and functional layout.

If I was going to go for an automatic GMT, I’d go for a Farer Endurance (https://farer.com/products/endurance), which has a clean dial and great use of color. But, if you’re looking for a lower price point GMT, then the Wayfarer is a good choice.

You might have noticed that the strap shipped with the watch was black Sailcloth, but I quickly replaced it with an orange strap from Christopher Ward that matches the orange hands. The major negative with Mercer so far is the strap. My watch was shipped with one of the Wayfarer I straps instead of a dial-matching strap. The strap I received is size XS, does not fit (I have average sized wrists), and is very uncomfortable. At the time I ordered the watch the advertising was for dial-matched colors and “upgraded.” Based on my communication with Scott, the founder, this meant matching colors and standard length.

Despite my liking the Wayfarer II dial, and the fact that I will likely hang onto the watch for the time-being, I am not sure that I will purchase a Mercer watch in the future. The strap issue has me concerned with the production pipeline and the Customer Service aspect has been lacking thus far. I was told in January 2018 that I would get a new strap. It is now March. Every week or two I send an email reminder. About every three emails gets a response. I was told a few weeks ago that a strap would be shipped out that week. Two weeks have passed since then and I still do not have a strap.

If you do spring for a Mercer watch at some point, be sure to sign up for their newsletter and wait for the email with the 10% coupon for your first purchase.