Fears Watches

Fears Watches

Fears is one of those rare brands that wears its British heritage with quiet pride — not as nostalgia, but as a blueprint for doing things properly.

Re-established in 2016 after a 40-year dormancy, Fears builds classically styled, beautifully proportioned wristwatches that channel old-world charm with modern precision.

No gimmicks. No overdesign. Just pure, refined watchmaking, done the English way.

A Little History

Founded in 1846 by Edwin Fear in Bristol, Fears Watch Company was one of Britain’s longest-running watch firms — active for over 130 years until closing in the 1970s.

In 2016, the brand was revived by Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, the great-great-great-grandson of the founder, and a former Rolex-trained watchmaker. Rather than

chasing trends, he brought the brand back with a clear vision: restrained elegance, British assembly, and traditional proportions.

Today, every Fears watch is designed in the UK, assembled in England, and powered by reliable Swiss or German movements, with a focus on bespoke

details and heirloom quality.

What Collectors Love

Fears watches appeal to those who love discretion, quality, and clean design. They’re not flashy. They’re not overcomplicated. But they’re just right.

Notable models include:

  • Brunswick — Fears’ flagship cushion-case model: small seconds, perfectly curved lugs, and a choice of dial finishes. Available in steel, gold, and now platinum.

  • Brunswick Salmon — collector favorite with hand-applied numerals and a stunning copper-toned dial inspired by archival pocket watches.

  • Brunswick Blue or White Enamel — hand-finished dials with a depth and glow rare under $5K.

  • Archival 1930 — rectangular dress piece with art deco cues, a nod to Fears’ early wristwatch era.

  • Redcliff — earlier quartz-powered daily wear models, now discontinued but still found pre-owned.

Dial printing is done in England, leather straps are made in Bristol, and everything from lug shape to hand length is measured to golden-ratio precision.

These are designed watches, not catalog pieces.

Why Fears Deserves a Spot

Because it represents the best of modern British watchmaking: honest, restrained, and deeply respectful of craft.

You’re not buying marketing. You’re buying taste — in the form of a perfectly sized, flawlessly finished, low-production watch that doesn’t shout for attention. The dials are crisp.

The typography is studied. And the brand's ethos? Timeless, not trendy.

If you’ve ever wished Nomos made a watch in England — this is it.

What’s Out There Now

Fears produces a tight, evolving lineup, with occasional bespoke or limited editions:

  • Brunswick — 38mm cushion-case, hand-wound or automatic, in steel, gold, or platinum

  • Archival 1930 — slim rectangular case, automatic or manual, limited run

  • Brunswick Pt — platinum case with a sterling silver dial — true high-end British watchmaking

  • Limited Editions — collaborations and one-offs, often featuring rare dial materials or hand-engraving

Expect pricing from £3,000–£30,000, depending on model and material. Pre-owned pieces — especially salmon dials or early Redcliff models — are increasingly sought after.

Fed’s Take

Fears is one of those brands that doesn’t need to explain itself — you just get it when you see it in the metal.

The Brunswick is near-perfect. Great proportions, beautiful hand finishing, and a design language that’s all class, no noise. And Nicholas? One of the most thoughtful

brand leaders in the game.

If you’re building a collection around independent brands with real soul and wearable elegance, Fears is absolutely worth a slot.

Check Out Our Fears Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Fears watches — especially Brunswick Salmon, Archival 1930, and limited edition dial variants.

If you have a Fears watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

To be the first to know when new Fears watches are available subscribe for insider access here.