Fears Brunswick 38 Collection: A Testament to Fears' Long Legacy
Launched in 2017, the Fears Brunswick 38 collection marked a significant milestone for Fears, marking its first mechanical watch from its modern era, and still its best-selling piece.
The Legacy of Fears: From the Past to the Present
The Brunswick 38 is more than just a collection of watches; it's a narrative that intertwines with the history of Fears. Established in 1846, Fears holds the distinction of being Britain's oldest watchmaker. Once a dominant name in the watch industry, Fears was renowned for shipping exquisite timepieces globally from its Bristol manufacture. However, like many traditional watchmakers, it fell victim to the quartz crisis, leading to its closure in the 1970s.
The resurgence of this historic brand came in 2016, thanks to Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, the great-great-great-grandson of the original founder, Edwin Fear. Nicholas, a skilled watchmaker himself, left his position at Rolex to revive his ancestral legacy upon discovering its rich history.
The Birth of the Brunswick 38
The Brunswick collection, launched in 2017, heralded the first mechanical watch of Fears' modern era. This collection draws inspiration from a 1924 Fears watch. Notably, Fears was ahead of its time, producing cushion-cased watches over a decade before Panerai, the brand now synonymous with such cases.
Initially, the Brunswick collection featured the classic Brunswick White, echoing the aesthetic of its 1924 predecessor. Over the years, the collection has expanded to offer a variety of dial colors and finishes, including white, salmon, and champagne. Additionally, precious metal versions in gold and platinum have been introduced.
Beyond the Brunswick 38
The Brunswick collection has grown beyond the 38mm case size to include the Brunswick 40 series and several special editions, such as the Fears x Christopher Ward Brunswick Jump Hour. These unique editions will be explored in separate reviews.
Technical Specifications of the Brunswick 38
The Brunswick 38 collection boasts the following specifications:
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Case Diameter: 38mm
- Case Thickness: 11.8mm
- Lug-to-Lug Distance: 43mm
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Movement: Hand-wound ETA 7001, adorned with blued screws and Côtes de Genève
The watches are available with either leather straps that complement each dial or a five-link stainless steel bracelet that transforms the watch's character. The champagne dial on a stainless steel bracelet, for instance, exudes a chic elegance.
The Artistry of the Dials
Fears' meticulous attention to detail is vividly showcased in the dials of the Brunswick 38 collection. Each dial is uniquely finished to enhance its individual character:
Brunswick White: Features a richly lacquered white dial, offering a pristine and classic look.
Salmon: Boasts a vertically brushed copper dial with hand-applied, diamond-polished anthracite-coated numerals in Fears' proprietary typeface. The vertical brushing creates a dramatic interplay with light, making it the most popular variant and likely the brand's best-selling watch.
Champagne: The dial is finished in 18ct yellow gold and micro-blasted to achieve a frosted effect, creating a luxurious and captivating appearance.
Each dial is thoughtfully designed and crafted to maximize its visual impact, reflecting Fears' dedication to quality and detail.
A Symbol of Fears' Heritage and Bright Future
The story of the Brunswick is intrinsically linked to the story of Fears, embodying both its historical roots and modern revival. The Brunswick 38 collection exemplifies Fears' commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
The Fears Brunswick 38 collection is available at collectivehorology.com. As always, feel free to get in touch with your thoughts and questions. And thank you for supporting independent watchmaking.