Fears

About Fears

There are few places outside of Switzerland that have historic brands associated with watchmaking. With names dating back to the 17th century making timepieces for royalty, there are modern icons such as George Daniels and Roger Smith that have kept British watchmaking relevant. Fears is one of those brands keeping British watchmaking alive. With the original foundation of the Fears brand dating back to 1846, Edwin Fear’s great-great-great grandson resurrected the brand in 2016.

Fears History

Edwin Fears started his watchmaking workshop in 1846, and was able to expand his business to operate two workshops. After Edwin’s death, his son Amos Daniel Fear took over the business in 1877. The name was first changed from Edwin Fears to Fears Limited, and then simply Fears. Throughout the early 20th century, the Fears brand continued to grow, expanding into exporting watches to 95 different countries by the end of the 1930’s. The Fears brand even survived The Second World War, with their Bristol headquarters being destroyed during the bombings. They opened a new headquarters in 1946, just in time to celebrate the brand’s centennial. The brand continued until 1976, when they decided to close their doors.

In 2016, Edwin’s great-great-great grandson relaunched the brand after working as an apprentice for Rolex. Nicholas Bowman-Scargill unveiled the brand at the Salon QP show with the first new model, the Redcliff.

Fears Collections

Since 2016, Fears has been a successful brand, and has expanded their product catalog to include four different collections.

Redcliff

The Redcliff collection was the brand’s first release. Named after Redcliff Street in Bristol, where the brand was originally founded by Edwin, the Redcliff collection is a 39.5mm stainless steel all-arounder with a slim case and a 3-link stainless steel bracelet. With a variety of dial colors, the Redcliff collection could serve as someone’s only watch, or a fun addition to an already varied collection depending on the dial.

Brunswick

The Brunswick is a cushioned cased dress watch with hand wound movement. Within the collection there are three sizes, 38mm, 40mm, and 40.5mm. There are also multiple configurations including a jump hour model, along with models with central seconds and sub-seconds configurations.

Arnos

The Arnos collection is the brand’s newest model. A rectangular dress watch with a hobnail dial, with a round inner dial displaying the time. Drawing inspiration from rectangular models from the brand’s past, this modern model features a curved case with an automatic winding movement. With both a tan leather strap and a blue rubber strap that matches the dial, this model balances modern and vintage cues.

Haute

The Haute collection contains the brand’s high-end models. The Garrick is made in collaboration with Garrick Watch Co., featuring a handmade movement with a regulator display and large exposed balance. These models are limited in production to five pieces per year. The other models within this collection are Brunswick models made in gold with a red dial, and in platinum with a two-tone black dial.

How Much Do Fears Watches Cost?

Fears mostly produces affordable luxury watches, using movements sourced from Swiss suppliers and assembled in England. They also produce high-end models that feature handmade movements and precious metal cases. Prices are dictated by case material, mechanical complications, and the amount of finishing involved in the case and movement. Below is a review of different models, their specific features, and their prices.

Best Selling Fears Watches

Despite being a newly resurrected brand, Fears has grown in popularity, with certain models being frequently picked up by collectors.

Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour Raven Black

The Brunswick is has become the brands more recognizable model. Adding the jump-hour complication adds a level of novelty that combined with the cushion case design, and a brand story connected to historic British watchmaking, makes for a very unique watch that is seldom seen elsewhere. The jump hour complication is achieved in collaboration with another British brand, Christopher Ward, utilizing their JJ01 module on top of a Sellita SW200. A watch that will work in dressy and casual settings, this versatile timepiece has a unique design and horological interest that makes for a compelling offering to many collectors.

Redcliffe 39.5 Date Pewter Grey

The Redcliffe 39.5 Date serves as the brand's versatile all-arounder. With a relatively compact case that will wear well on a wide range of wrist sizes, and a design that can be dressed up or down, it is easy to see why so many are drawn to the Redcliffe collection. The metallic grey dial presents a conservative appearance, but the light blue dial accents and seconds hand add color and fun to this otherwise restrained timepiece. With ample water resistance (rated to 150 meters) and stainless steel bracelet, the Redcliffe 39.5 Date could be someone’s only watch, or reliable daily in a rotation of other watches.

Brunswick 38 Polar White

The distinctive cushion case design has made the Brunswick model a real stand out for the brand. In 38mm with a manually wound movement, this Polar White model makes an ideal yet unique dress watch. The compact case diameter and thin profile make it ideal for more formal situations, but the unique case makes a statement on the wrist. The polar white color would be one of the more traditional options, but other dial variations with bold colors are available as well.

Fears Movements

Fears utilizes manually wound and automatic winding mechanical movements from a variety of sources. Depending on the model, movements could be sourced from Selitta or La Joux-Perret. The Brunswick Jump Hour utilizes a module sourced from Christopher Ward, and the Garrick model uses a hand-made caliber manufactured by the Garrick Watch Company.

Fears Watch Colors

Fears uses a wide variety of colors in their watch designs. All of their models are available with traditional dial colors such as black, grey, white, and dark blue. However, they also offer vibrant dials featuring pink, light blue, champagne gold, salmon pink, orange, red, and green colors. Whether you are looking for a versatile watch or something that makes a statement, there are a number of Fears timepieces available to suit a wide variety of tastes.

Fears Watch Materials

Fears utilizes materials often seen in luxury watches. Front and back crystals are made of synthetic sapphire. Cases are mostly made of stainless steel, with special models being made using 18k gold or platinum cases. The Garrick model uses 904L steel, a steel compound known for having a unique luster and ability to achieve a high polish. Straps are made of high grade leather, with pin buckles that match the case material. Some models also have optional stainless steel bracelets.

Fears Watch Types

Most of the Fears collection would be considered in the dress category, or versatile all-around category. The Redcliffe collection would be the brand's sportiest offering, but it is intended to work in a wide variety of situations, as opposed to being a dedicated sport or tool watch. The Brunswick, Arnos, and Garrick models are more formal in appearance, albeit contemporary, making them appropriate with both dress and casual attire.

Fears Partnerships & Brand Ambassadors

Fears has partnered with The Great British Oddysee, a world record attempt by Angus Collins to complete a solo rowing trip, unsupported, around the British mainland. Special prototype watches have been developed for the venture, and this endeavor is also serving as a fundraiser for James’ Place, a charity focused on assisting men in mental health crises, helping them find hope for the future.

Buying Fears Watches

Fears watches are available directly through the brand’s website, and through authorized retailers. Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized dealer for Fears watches, and we would be happy to assist you in purchasing your next Fears timepiece, whether it is online, over the phone, or at our showroom in Naples, Florida.

Caring for Your Fears Watch

Exquisite Timepieces, as an authorized Fears retailer, is able to assist in the care and servicing procedures for your Fears watch and ensure it remains in top condition. Should a problem arise with your Fears watch, Exquisite Timepieces will ensure it is properly repaired, either by our in-house repair team or by returning the watch to Fears for any necessary repairs.

Fears FAQ

Where are Fears watches made?

Fears watches are assembled in Great Britain.

Who is the founder of Fears?

Fears was originally founded by Edwin Fears in 1846. The modern iteration of the brand was started by his great-great-great grandson Nicholas Bowman-Scargill in 2016.

Is Fears a luxury watch brand?

Yes, Fears is a luxury watch brand, with many of their pieces being considered entry level luxury, and extended into true luxury with the Garrick and precious metal models.

Who makes Fears watches?

Fears watches are assembled by the brand in Great Britain, with parts sourced from various suppliers all over the globe.

Find your new Fears watch with Exquisite Timepieces

Whether it is your first purchase or adding to an existing collection, Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized retailer for Fears, both in our store in Naples, Florida and online.

As an authorized dealer, all our new Fears timepieces come with their full manufacturer warranties and will be shipped free of charge and fully insured. Should you have any questions, please reach out and contact us, and an Exquisite Timepieces representative will be happy to assist you.