First Look at the All-new Fears Arnos – Watches and Wonders 2025
Reimagining a Beloved Format
Fears has introduced a new model—the Arnos—bringing fresh life to one of the brand’s most celebrated designs. Or perhaps more accurately, reintroduced.
The Arnos takes its design cues from the Fears Archival 1930, a limited edition released to commemorate the brand’s 175th anniversary. While the Archival is no longer in production, it remains a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. With the Arnos, Fears revives that signature case shape, while offering a thoroughly updated execution throughout.
A Design Rooted in History
The Archival 1930, launched in 2021 in an edition of just 175 pieces, was directly inspired by a 1930s-era Fears wristwatch. It was a clear-eyed homage—vintage in spirit, yet refined with modern production techniques. The new Arnos retains the core geometry of that model, but pushes the concept further, incorporating new dial aesthetics, an automatic movement, and greater versatility.
Case Dimensions and Construction
At the heart of the Arnos is its distinctive rectangular case. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the watch measures 22.6mm across, 40mm from lug to lug, and is just 8.4mm thick. The slim profile is one of the Arnos' defining features, lending it an understated elegance that’s rare in contemporary rectangular watches.
Both the case and sapphire crystal feature a gentle curvature, which enhances the watch’s ergonomics on the wrist. Add to that, water resistance is rated to 30 meters, which is appropriate for a dress-oriented timepiece. The watch is delivered with both leather and rubber strap options, offering some flexibility in how it can be worn day-to-day.
Dial Details: Traditional Motifs, Reinterpreted
The most significant updates in the Arnos come through in the dial. Where the Archival 1930 leaned heavily into a vintage aesthetic, the Arnos introduces a sharper and more contemporary presentation.
The outer dial features a CNC-milled hobnail texture, finished with rhodium plating. This intricate pattern adds depth and tactility, contrasting against the smooth center section. The inner dial is finished in a galvanic pewter blue, a rich and somewhat muted tone that shifts subtly with changing light.
Notably, the Arnos is the first regular-production modern Fears wristwatch to use Roman numerals—something previously reserved for the brand’s 19th-century pocket watches. Their inclusion here is both a nod to the past and a thoughtful design decision that reinforces the watch’s identity.
Fears’ distinctive "pipette" hands, diamond-cut and rhodium-plated, round out the dial. These hands are designed to catch the light, ensuring legibility while adding a refined visual touch.
Mechanical Movement with Thoughtful Decoration
Inside the Arnos beats a top-grade Sellita SW1000 automatic movement. Known for its compact size and reliable performance, the SW1000 is a fitting choice for a watch of this size and profile. It offers a 46-hour power reserve and features a Fears Blue decorated rotor—another subtle detail that shows Fears' attention to finishing, even on components not typically visible.
Final Thoughts & Availability
With the Arnos, Fears has managed to walk a fine line—honoring a design that resonated deeply with collectors while updating it for broader appeal and modern wearability. The result is a slim, elegant, and detail-rich watch that brings something distinctive to the contemporary dress watch category.
The all-new Arnos is a at collectivehorology.com. As always, feel free to get in touch with your thoughts and questions. And thank you for supporting independent watchmaking.