Fears Watches Review: The Bristol Revival

In 2016, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill did something crazy. He quit his job at Rolex to restart his family's watch company, Fears, which had closed in the 1970s. He had no factory. No stock. Just a name and a logo. Based in Bristol, Fears is now one of the most respected names in British independent watchmaking.

The Model: "Elegantly Understated"

Fears watches are not "Sporty." They don't look like Submariners. They look like watches from the 1930s. Cushion cases, onion crowns, Sector dials. The Brunswick is their icon. A 38mm cushion case that fits perfectly under a cuff.

The Manufacturing: English Made?

Fears is honest.

Movements: Swiss (ETA/La Joux-Perret). Nicholas admits you can't make a reliable mass-market movement in the UK yet.
Cases/Dials/Hands: Often British. The Platinum Brunswick case is made in Norwich. The hands are made in the UK. The straps are made in Bristol.

The "Owners Club"

Buying a Fears is buying into Nicholas. He personally replies to emails. Owners meet up for drinks. It is a club. The watch comes in a box that smells of "Fears Fragrance" (a custom scent). It is pure theatre.

The Verdict

A steel Brunswick costs £3,000+. For an ETA movement, that is steep. But the finishing is Rolex-level. The hands are diamond-polished. The dials are exquisite. You are paying for the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder of the founder, and that is a good thing in watchmaking.

Pros:

Beautiful, distinct design language.
Incredible customer service (founder-led).
"British" character (even if Swiss engine).

Cons:

Pricey for the movement spec.
Vintage styling isn't for everyone.