First Look at the Fears Brunswick 40 ‘Odyssey Edition’
A Brunswick with a Purpose
Fears has introduced the Brunswick 40 ‘Odyssey Edition’—a special 100-piece limited edition watch that celebrates a modern-day adventure while giving back to a life-saving cause. Inspired by the technical development of the one-off EXPERIMENTAL 01, this Odyssey Edition takes the refined, cushion-cased Brunswick and infuses it with a even more sporty and purposeful design.
While the EXPERIMENTAL 01 was engineered for one man—ultra-endurance athlete Angus Collins—and his solo, unsupported attempt to row around mainland Great Britain, the Odyssey Edition allows collectors and enthusiasts to take part in that journey in a meaningful way. A portion of each sale is donated to James’ Place, a charity supporting men in suicidal crisis, and each watch carries visual and material cues lifted directly from the purpose-built EXPERIMENTAL 01. It’s both a collectible timepiece and a conversation starter, steeped in story and social impact.
Wrist Size: 6.75in / 17cm
A Familiar Form with Newfound Depth
At a glance, the Odyssey Edition is unmistakably a Brunswick. The 40mm cushion-shaped stainless steel case—with its mix of polished and brushed surfaces—remains intact. But here, the dial takes center stage. Borrowed directly from the EXPERIMENTAL 01, the two-part “Challenger White” dial uses a matte lacquer and subtly pebbled, anti-glare texture that not only nods to technical performance but adds character and dimensionality under changing light.
Fears is the official timekeeping partner of the Great British Odyssey world record attempt.
The applied numerals and hands are a standout—diamond polished and finished in Fears’ signature blue via PVD coating. They’re hand-riveted and filled with X1-grade Super-LumiNova®, emitting a cool blue glow in low light. The attention to detail here walks the line between rugged functionality and refined aesthetics, all while maintaining legibility and coherence. This isn’t a tool watch dressed up for town; it’s a classic Fears, dressed down for an honest cause.
Built to Perform, Worn to Remember
Inside, the Odyssey Edition is powered by the same top-grade La Joux-Perret G101 movement found in the EXPERIMENTAL 01. With a 68-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph beat rate, and Côtes de Genève finishing with rhodium plating and blued screws, it’s a high-performing Swiss calibre with British touches—namely, a custom rotor engraved with the Bristol Flower, a quiet nod to the brand’s heritage.
Water resistance is rated to 150 meters (15 ATM), making it more than capable for real-world wear. The domed sapphire crystal features ARdur® anti-reflective coating inside and out for maximum legibility, even in direct sun—a practical echo of the glare-reducing features on Angus’s EXPERIMENTAL 01.
Two Straps, One Mission
Fears has thoughtfully included two strap options with the Odyssey Edition. The first is a custom Delugs FKM rubber strap in dark blue, featuring waterproof lining and a new Fears x Delugs deployant clasp with leaf-spring mechanics. The second strap is more symbolic—a textile MN™ strap by Erika’s Originals, identical to the one worn by Angus during his row. This duality of options lets wearers choose between rugged utility and refined comfort, though both speak to the watch’s origin story.
Commemorative Details
On the caseback, a finely engraved map of mainland Britain traces the route Angus will row—a powerful reminder of the challenge that inspired this watch. Each of the 100 individually numbered casebacks is signed by both Angus Collins and Fears’ Managing Director Nicholas Bowman-Scargill. It’s a quiet but significant gesture of personal connection—a fusion of explorer, watchmaker, and wearer.
A Watch with Purpose
While Fears has developed a reputation for elegant, classically proportioned watches, the Odyssey Edition shows what happens when that elegance is challenged by function and mission. This isn’t a stylistic deviation—it’s an evolution, one that stays grounded in Fears’ design language while pushing into new territory both technically and emotionally.
The Fears Brunswick 40 ‘Odyssey Edition’ is available at collectivehorology.com. Thanks as always for supporting independent watchmaking and this noble cause.