Just a quick post this evening. I have just listened to the latest interview of Nicholas Bowman- Scargiil by Worn & Wound. Well worth a listen https://wornandwound.com/podcasts/the-worn-wound-podcast-ep-114-bringing-back-fears-with-nicholas-bowman-scargill/
In this interview Nicholas gives an insight into the co-operation between the British brands.
Having not run into NicholasBowman-Scargill for a month or so this latest watch from Fears took me a little by surprise, then I was not able to write this entry immediately as I was travelling. Fortunately, I was then able to organise a quick coffee with Nicholas to see the watch in the metal.
As you can see the watch is a very nice modern watch with some “vintage” style influences which like the dial finish and the font used for the numbers. And hurrah ! There is no faux patina, which personally I am not a fan of. The vintage impression quickly disappears when you put the watch on, as the first thing I noticed was the flat crystal, instantly giving a more modern feel. Then there is the 38mm case size, it is the size for just about anyone. Finally, the most significant difference from the past, though not of modern Fears, being the Ronda quartz movement, which is very much in keeping with the Fears philosophy at their re-launch of a high quality time piece at an affordable price.
This limited edition addition to the Redcliff family is to celebrate the 1,000th day since the company was re-established. The Fears Redcliff “Streamline”, directly influenced by their archive and is linked to a previous milestone – the centenary in 1946.
The style of the new watch is inspired by a popular model from the 1946 Fears centenary range called the “Streamline”. The new Redcliff “Streamline” features a galvanised dial similar to its name sake with an antique silver colour called ‘Forties Silver’. The surface of the German made dial is vertically grained with gilt printed numerals and black surrounds, just like the original.
Each Redcliff “Streamline” watch is hand built in the UK using a slim, elegant case that’s made in Switzerland before being finished in the UK. The slim case’s sides are brushed with a polished bezel sitting on top securing a flat sapphire glass featuring anti-reflective.
Commenting on the launch of the new Redcliff “Streamline”, (4th) Managing Director Nicholas Bowman-Scargill says, “It’s incredible to think it’s been 1,000 days since I welcomed people onto the Fears stand at SalonQP in 2016. Though Fears is one of Britain’s oldest watch companies, having been founded in 1846, I believe it’s important to mark this milestone in the company’s re-establishment. From the beginning with a single Redcliff watch it’s been an incredible two and a half years steering the re-establishment of Fears and growing the company to where it is today. I’m pleased to mark this occasion in our 173-year history with the launch of the Redcliff “Streamline” which is directly influenced by our Archive and is linked to a previous milestone – the centenary in 1946.”
The Redcliff “Streamline” is limited to 100 pieces and will retail for £483, the same amount of the originals’ £11.2s.6d – simply adjusted for 73 years of inflation.
From now on I will be keeping closer tabs on Nicholas, he has hinted there is more to come from Fears in the not to distant future – watch this space.
Well first of all for those of you that care I apologise for not posting for over a month. Unfortunately real life has been in the way, nothing serious just “admin”.
However whilst I have been away the world of British watches has not stood still, there is an increasing stream of interesting content to read, watch or listen to. In particular watch podcasts are appearing with increasing regularity.
One person that has already been the subject of a very listenable Time4apint podcast is Nicholas Bowman-Scargill of Fears. The latest Fears newsletter flagged another interview this time by the gentlemen of the Wrist Time podcast.
https://player.fm/series/wrist-time/nicholas-bowman-scargill-of-fears-watch-company
This is really worth a listen, Nicholas’s passion and enthusiasm really comes through, also that of interviewers. Be careful though, his sentiments are contagious, so you might finish the podcast with a strong need to buy one of his Brunswick watches.
Some of you might have seen this teaser shot I posted on Instagram a little while ago. Well now the facts are public, there is a second Brunswick version, the Midas. This watch has been officially launched at today’s Watchmakers Club event in London. Unfortunately for practical reasons I was unable to attend so I am really looking forward to hear what the reaction has been.
The prototype Nicholas Bowman-Scargill showed me look really nice, the cushion shaped case makes a perfect “gold watch”.
I am really looking forward to see what this young brand comes up with next – a chronograph maybe ?
Fears Brunswick Midas – Teaser
Fears Brunswick Midas
Caseback of Fears Brunswick Midas
|
CASE |
Phosphor Bronze plated with multiple layers of yellow & rose gold, 38mm x 38mm cushion-shaped, plated and finished in the UK |
|
LUG WIDTH |
20mm |
|
MOVEMENT |
Top-grade ETA 7001, manual winding, 17 jewel, 21,600vph (3Hz) and 40 hr power reserve. Movement bridges ‘stippled’ and gold plated in the UK |
|
GLASS |
Sapphire Crystals to front (with anti-reflective) and back |
|
DIAL |
Cold resin enamel with skeleton Fears hands, plated in yellow & rose gold, made in the UK |
|
FUNCTIONS |
Time with subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock |
|
WARRENTY |
2 Year guarantee from date of purchase |
|
STRAP |
Fears Bristol Leather Strap – crafted from premium calf leather made in Bristol |
|
SERIAL NUMBER |
Individually numbered, sequentially |
|
MODEL NUMBER |
BS23801 |
|
RETAIL PRICE |
£3,950 inc. VAT |
I have several quartz watches including my first British watch a Garrard my Mother bought me for my 21st, now sadly in need of repair. I have always regarded them subconsciously inferior to watch with mechanical movements.
My Garrard – Damaged
I think part of my prejudice steps from the idea that a mechanical mechanism will last forever and that quartz movements are somehow less robust. But as my Garrard demonstrates they just keep going, as long as you change the battery. So this objection would seem a little invalid. So I am starting to look at the great variety of watches out there.
One brand instrumental in me changing my ideas was I think the recently re-launched Fears. When the re-founder Nicholas Bowman-Scargill explained to me he had chosen a quartz movement as the best way of representing the heritage of the brand I surprised myself at accepting his point of view.
With this new “insight” I am now able to open my mind to consider many more British brands more positively. One of which being Omologato who marketing an interesting collection of retro/motoring styled chronographs. Their latest model popped up in my inbox this week and it is so “British” I had to post it her. The watch is the Hesketh.
Omologato Hesketh
The watch features a 44.5 mm case housing a Miyota OS20 movement., for the less than extortionate price of £ 289.
If you missed seeing the new Fears watch at this years Salon QP here is a video that shows it off nicely.
In my opinion better watched without the commentary.