Fears, a brand steeped in a rich horological history spanning 180 years, is marking a dual celebration: its founding anniversary and a decade since its resurgence under the guidance of Nicholas Bowman-Scargill. This momentous occasion is highlighted by the debut of the Brunswick 39 Perpetual Calendar, a timepiece that masterfully blends historical design elements with advanced watchmaking. The Brunswick collection, already a cornerstone of Fears' understated elegance, receives a transformative upgrade with a refined case and the brand's inaugural perpetual calendar mechanism, featuring an intricate Dubois Dépraz module.
Introducing the Fears Brunswick 39 Perpetual Calendar: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
The newly unveiled Fears Brunswick 39 Perpetual Calendar, launched in August 2026, represents a significant evolution for the British marque. This model stands out with its meticulously redesigned cushion-shaped case, now measuring 39mm in width and 37mm in length (excluding lugs), offering a sleeker profile of just 9.4mm in thickness. The case, crafted from 316L stainless steel, features a sophisticated circular-brushed finish complemented by polished bevels and a concave bezel, a departure from previous convex designs. The iconic onion crown, a hallmark of the Brunswick series, is subtly re-proportioned for this new iteration. With a water resistance of 50 meters, the watch combines durability with refined aesthetics.
The dial of the Brunswick 39 is a testament to meticulous design and legibility, even with its complex array of functions. It boasts a serene frosted Silver Mink base, providing a perfect backdrop for the perpetual calendar's indicators. Sub-dials at 12 o'clock display the months and leap year, while the date and day indicators are positioned at 3 and 9 o'clock, respectively. A novel addition to Fears watches is the moonphase complication at 6 o'clock, featuring a silver moon. All sub-dials are adorned with a concentric texture, and the minute track follows a classic railroad style. The quad-beveled, diamond-polished, black-gold-plated indexes, alongside the signature pipette hands, ensure optimal readability. The absence of a central seconds hand further enhances the dial's clean aesthetic. A unique detail is the use of the custom-designed 'Bristol' typeface for the numerals, adding a touch of local heritage, and a vibrant cyan blue '31' serves as a playful Easter egg.
Powering this sophisticated timepiece is a Sellita SW300 automatic movement, augmented by a Dubois Dépraz 55115 perpetual calendar module. This movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 47-hour power reserve. Through the sapphire case back, enthusiasts can admire the hand-finished bridges and plates, which feature frosted surfaces, hand-polished anglage, and a dark rhodium finish. A custom 18K gold rotor, adorned with the 'Bristol Flower', adds a final flourish to the mechanical artistry. The perpetual calendar mechanism is engineered for precision, requiring no adjustments until the year 2100, provided it is kept wound, with a complimentary watch winder included to aid in its maintenance.
On the wrist, the Brunswick 39 impresses with its slender and sharp appearance. The updated case dimensions and refined finishing contribute to a comfortable wear, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 45.5mm fitting gracefully on various wrist sizes. While the slightly reduced size of the onion crown might be a point of discussion for some traditionalists, it aligns with the watch's overall understated elegance.
The Fears Brunswick 39 Perpetual Calendar is now available for purchase from the Fears Boutique in Bristol, through the official Fears website, and at selected retailers globally. Priced at £26,950 (including VAT), this watch joins the brand's permanent collection, marking a significant milestone in Fears' journey of revival and innovation.
The introduction of the Brunswick 39 Perpetual Calendar by Fears is a profound statement in the world of independent watchmaking. It beautifully demonstrates how a brand can honor its extensive legacy while embracing modern design principles and complex mechanical innovations. This release not only solidifies Fears' position as a producer of refined and elegant timepieces but also sets a new benchmark for accessible high complications within the luxury segment. The thoughtful design, impeccable finishing, and practical inclusion of a watch winder speak to a deep understanding of what discerning collectors truly value. It reminds us that true craftsmanship transcends mere aesthetics, offering a seamless blend of art, engineering, and historical resonance.
