It seems like yesterday when, nearly two years ago, I met an excited Nicholas Bowman Scargill to hear how he was reviving Fears, a Bristol watch brand founded in 1846 by his great great great grandfather. The last year has seen the introduction of an attractive range of quartz-powered watches, but this month marks the significant introduction of the company's first mechanical watch since its revival. Much of it is British-made, indicating a future direction of travel for this family business.
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| The Fears Brunswick - Fears first mechanical watch since its revival and available from early 2018 |
The Fears Brunswick (named after the Bristol square which was the address of the first Fears export business) has a vintage feel, homage to early Fears cushion-cased watches (pictured second below), but, at the same time, has a simplicity that makes it look very contemporary.
The case shape is refreshingly different to the modern rather clone-like watch shape and this, for me, makes it a desirable and attractive timepiece. In the flesh, the watch is even more attractive than it appears in photos.
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| The Fears Brunswick (left) and an early twentieth century Fears wristwatch |
Significant too is that Nicholas Bowman Scargill has made great strides towards producing a watch largely manufactured in the UK. The mechanical movement is, of course, Swiss made, but it has been decorated in the UK and the case, dial and hands have been manufactured here. Within a year or so of its revival, Fears is making watches as it would have done over a century ago. Being hand-built, the Brunswick will be made in short batch runs, the first being available in early 2018.
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| The clear case back allows you to see the Geneva stripe decoration, applied in the UK. The final production model will vary slightly from this sample as there will be further finishing to case back and movement |
At 38mm the case is exactly the right size for a watch straddling vintage and contemporary styles. The beautifully decorated movement is visible through the transparent case back. The white dial is a nod to old Fears pocket watches and the movement is, of course, hand wound. I love that contemplative moment in the morning when I wind my watch before putting it on. If you're used to a quartz or automatic mechanical movement you may find you forget at first, but in due course you'll look forward to that moment when you power up your tiny clockwork motor.
I love this watch and look forward to being able to try one again after its introduction early next year. Price £2850 inc. VAT. For more information, see Fears. [The price was updated September 2019].
For past blog features on Fears, click here.
For past blog features on Fears, click here.