Tag Archives: 39.5mm

New Redcliff from Fears

Anyone who has previously read this blog or seen my instagram feed will be aware that I have a soft spot for Fears. Nicholas Bowman-Scargill continues to tell everyone I was the first “journalist” he spoke to back in 2016.The first watches Nicholas shared with me before his launch at Salon QP was his quartz powered Redcliff collection.

The Redcliff No. 1

Eight years later I met up with Nicholas again to see the new Redcliff collection and I am mightly impressed, Fears now have the mythical steel “one-watch” in the collection. With the reassurance of 15 ATM water resistance.

The case size is the now “classic” 39.5mm supplied with both a beautiful bespoke steel bracelet and a woven textile strap. With a case height of only 9.98mm and micro-adjustable strap mean this Redcliff is very comfortable.

The New Redcliff with Cherry Red dial

You will see comparing the two images above that the new watch is a clear evolution of the original that has become even more “elegantly understated”

The hand-finished dials are available in four distinct colours they describe as :

  • Pewter Grey – a warm, mid grey that complements the tone of the 316L stainless steel case. Sharp black printing contrasted against a soothing cyan for the minute numerals and seconds hand. The baton appliques and hands are plated in Black Gold.
  • Raven Black – Taking its inspiration from the glossy black feathers of a raven bird this dial features a sophisticated black with a sunburst pattern etched on to the dials surface that catches the light beautifully. White and silver printing contrast the darkness of the dial with hands and baton appliques all plated in precious Rhodium.
  • Cherry Red – a bright red that perfectly captures the tones of fresh red cherries. White printing, a pure white seconds hand and coral pink printed accents complement the dials finish with baton appliques and hands plated in precious Rhodium.
  • Mallard Green – Exclusive to the Boutique in Bristol the deep shade of green is reminiscent of the colour of a Drake duck. White and silver printing that contrast brightly against the dial, paired with hands and baton appliques all plated in precious Rhodium.

La Joux-Perret movement

Given the various issues of supply and order numbers Fears like many smaller brands are moving away from movements from ETA and Sellita. Powering the new Redcliff 39.5 Date is a customised La Joux-Perret G100 movement made entirely in Switzerland. The movement features automatic winding, quick-set date and a generous power reserve of 60 hours, while each watch is regulated to 0/+5 seconds per day, within C.O.S.C. accuracy limits.

Component Origin

Despite being in the vanguard of the rise of British watches, Fears are very open about the origin of their British built watches constituent parts.The case , bracelet, strap and glass are from leading suppliers in Hong Kong who also work with several leading Swiss brands who are not quiet so open. The movement and hands are from Switzerland and dials from Germany

Summary

Fears have added another slogan to their marketing handbook to describe this range “Everyday Elegance” which is there way of describing a “one-watch”. This is an impressive watch at a very reasonable price. However, it also lands in a busy market segment. The first Swiss watch that comes to my mind being the Omega Acqua-Terra with a RRP of £5900. The new Redcliff is available from Fears or their authorised retailers for £3150.

Farer – discovered, finally

I have been very slow in picking up this British watch brand. My only possible excuse is that when they launched in 2015 it was with a range of quartz watches. When I started this blog I ignored, unfairly, these companies. I have now realised that watches with quartz movements are a perfectly legitimate route to getting a brand to market.

Farer Banarto -with Ronda movement

Farer Banarto -with Ronda movement

The Barnato model, above, is a great example from the quartz range, priced at a reasonable £420

THE original collection of “net-retro styled” watches is named after  British explorers, inspiring individuals who perfectly define the true spirit of Farer: daring, courageous and filled with ambition beyond the ordinary. From Amy Johnson – Britain’s most famous female aviatrix – to Everest climber, George Mallory and Tutankhamun archaeologist Howard Carter.

The 316L steel cases come in a fashionable 39.5mm size. With quick release straps on 20mm lugs.  The movements either being Ronda 512, in the GMT models, or 600D in the watches with the sub-dial.

All Farer watches are designed in London and manufactured  by  their Swiss manufacturing partners, Roventa-Henex,.

With the arrival of their Automatics at the end of last year, they have taken inspiration from the famous vessels that carried Britain’s most brilliant explorers around the globe. The first three Automatics are named Beagle, Endurance and Hopewell.

The automatics use the proven ETA 2824-2 movements and are very similar in style to the original quartz range.

Everything I have read so far about these watches is very complimentary. I am looking forward to getting a closer look.

 

 

Smaller Better ?

This is not a purely “`British watch brand” question, but it is one I have thought about and discussed a fare deal of late. Is there a move back towards smaller watch sizes ? Personally I have never been a fan of 45mm plus cases and feel some where between 36 ( for example older model Rolex Explorer) and 40mm is the perfect size. The newly relaunched British brand came to market with a great 38 mm range.

Here is a piece from Monochrome Watches discussing the relative merits of a smaller Omega Planet Ocean.

Enjoy https://monochrome-watches.com/smaller-is-better-case-study-with-the-39-5mm-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-600m/