Introducing the Fears Garrick Salmon for Collective
A Celebration of Friendship: Fears, Garrick and Collective Combine Forces on a Five-Piece Limited Edition
In the world of fine watchmaking, the intersection of artistry, craftsmanship, and passion often gives rise to collaborations that transcend commercial endeavors, producing timepieces that tell stories and embody the spirit of their creators. The latest chapter in such a partnership comes from two celebrated British watchmakers: Fears Watch Company and Garrick, who have come together once again to present a highly limited edition watch. The result is the Fears Garrick Salmon, a five-piece limited edition created exclusively for US independent retailer Collective Horology.
The Beginning of a Friendship: Fears and Garrick
The collaboration between Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, Managing Director of Fears Watch Company, and David Brailsford, co-founder of Garrick, began in 2022 with the introduction of the original Fears Garrick watch. Their joint vision was to fuse Fears' historic design language with Garrick’s expertise in English watchmaking. The success of that first timepiece set the stage for a deepening partnership, one that would combine the unique qualities of both brands and reflect their shared commitment to craftsmanship.
Brailsford explains, "Making watches is my deepest passion, but getting to do this project with three friends is really what makes this special to me." The partnership has always been more than just a business arrangement—it's a celebration of friendship and a shared dedication to the watchmaking craft. Bowman-Scargill echoes this sentiment, saying, “Our shared values of craftsmanship and British watchmaking heritage make this partnership truly special.”
In 2024, this collaboration takes a significant step forward with the release of a new, extremely limited model: the Fears Garrick Salmon.
A Salmon Dial Like No Other
One of the standout features of this special edition is the salmon-colored dial, which serves as a homage to classic watch aesthetics while offering a quintessentially Fears twist. The frosted texture of the dial fades subtly, creating a visual depth that evolves as it catches the light in different conditions. Under a loupe, the intricacies of the dial reveal themselves even further, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that both Fears and Garrick are known for.
The salmon tone is complemented by Fears' signature openworked hands and applied Arabic numerals executed in the brand's unique Edwin typeface. This font, named after Fears’ founder, is a distillation of historic Fears typefaces, created exclusively for the company and imbuing the dial with a sense of timeless elegance.
Expert Craftsmanship in Every Detail
Housed in a 42mm steel case, the watch may appear smaller on the wrist due to its curvaceous and meticulously polished profile, crafted in Garrick's Norfolk workshop. The steel case is a masterclass in finishing, with flowing lines that give it a distinctive character, making it an ideal canvas for the horological artistry within.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Fears Garrick Salmon is designed to be both functional and finely tuned. The dial features a power-reserve indicator at 2 o'clock and a small seconds display opposite it, providing essential information at a glance. At the base of the dial, a carefully positioned aperture reveals the balance wheel oscillating, a dynamic visual treat that reflects the craftsmanship behind the movement.
The movement driving the Fears Garrick Salmon is the Garrick UTG04, a hand-wound marvel finished to the highest standards of English watchmaking. Its technical prowess is highlighted by the use of six screwed chatons and a free-sprung balance, a precision-engineered system that maintains consistent timekeeping by regulating the hairspring’s length. This advanced mechanism, coupled with the beat adjuster, allows the watchmaker to fine-tune the anchor symmetry, ensuring exceptional accuracy and reducing positional variance.
Even the positioning of the balance’s timing screws is carefully considered, reducing air turbulence and enhancing precision—a detail that exemplifies the obsessive craftsmanship of the Garrick workshop.
A Symbol of Friendship and Craft
The Fears Garrick Salmon isn’t just a limited edition; it’s a symbol of friendship between two leaders of British watchmaking, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill and David Brailsford. Both brands have dedicated themselves to preserving and evolving the art of watchmaking, and their collaborative projects are testaments to the power of shared passion and mutual respect. This particular timepiece also celebrates the partnership with Collective Horology, a watch retailer whose personal love for both brands helped bring this special edition to life.
Commenting on the significance of this launch, Bowman-Scargill explains, “Together, we’ve crafted a five-piece limited edition that reflects the strength of our collaboration and our dedication to creating exceptional, one-of-a-kind timepieces.” Collective’s co-founder, Asher Rapkin, shares his personal enthusiasm for the watch: “I immediately fell in love with the Fears Garrick when it was first shown to me at a cocktail bar in New York City. I was so enamored that I immediately bought one for myself. The watch brings together everything I personally love about Fears’ design language and Garrick’s unique approach to English watchmaking.”
The Fears Garrick Salmon: A Limited Opportunity
The Fears Garrick Salmon is priced at $25,500 USD and is limited to just five examples, making it a truly exclusive collector’s piece. Orders are open today through Collective Horology, with deliveries beginning in Q4 2025 and continuing until all five pieces are produced. Given the high level of craftsmanship, the limited availability, and the special nature of this collaboration, these timepieces are expected to become prized additions to the collections of discerning enthusiasts.
The Fears Garrick Salmon is available for pre-order now at collectivehorology.com. As always, feel free to get in touch with your thoughts and questions. And thank you for supporting independent watchmaking.