In the realm of horology, where heritage and meticulous artistry converge, the Fears Brunswick 38 Champagne Watch (£3350) emerges as a timepiece of quiet distinction. This is not merely a watch; it is a hand-built embodiment of British craftsmanship, a graceful and complex creation that whispers of a bygone era while resonating with contemporary elegance.
Inspired by a gentleman’s cushion case watch from the Fears archives, dating back to 1924, and echoing dial colours from the 1940s and 50s, the Brunswick 38 Champagne is a considered tribute to the enduring allure of classic design, reimagined for the modern connoisseur.
The 38mm cushion-shaped case, the very heart of the Brunswick’s charm, is a study in subtle curves and refined execution. Meticulously machined from 316L stainless steel, to a standard typically reserved for precious metals, its brushed and polished surfaces play with light, showcasing the exceptional skill of the artisans who bring it to life. Each day, the watch is brought to life through the bespoke ‘onion’ crown, signed with the iconic Fears Cypher, its fine grooves catching the light like facets of a jewel.
The wearer is offered a choice of caseback: an open exhibition, revealing the finely decorated movement within, or a closed back, providing a canvas for personal engraving, a touch of bespoke intimacy.
The dial, the namesake of this exquisite timepiece, is a symphony of champagne hues. Layered with real 18ct yellow gold, it captures the rich, effervescent colour of its namesake sparkling wine, its warmth beautifully contrasting with the cool steel of the case. Expertly crafted in Germany, the dial’s surface features a glass bead-blasted finish, imparting a frosted texture with a gentle, captivating sparkle.
This subtle shimmer is further enhanced by the concentric circle finishing of the sunken sub-seconds dial at six o’clock, a detail that speaks to considered design. Hand-applied numerals, milled from brass, diamond-polished, and coated in black gold, mark the hours in Fears’ bespoke ‘Edwin’ typeface, a horological typography inspired by the company’s rich history. Iconic ‘Fears’-shaped hands, skeletonised and finished in a captivating blue through physical vapour deposition, dance across the champagne dial, their colour shifting from near-black to electric blue depending on the light’s embrace.
Beneath the dial beats the heart of the Brunswick 38 Champagne: a Swiss-made, manual-winding ETA 7001 movement. A testament to enduring reliability, this movement, designed in the 1970s, is celebrated for its accuracy and robustness, adorned with blued screws and Côtes de Genève striping.
The watch is presented on a handmade pewter grey strap of Barenia calf leather, lined with Alcantara®, or a meticulously crafted 5-link stainless steel bracelet, both embodying the same level of quality and attention to detail as the watch itself. Presented in the signature Amos box, crafted from solid ash and lined with cream suede, the Fears Brunswick 38 Champagne is more than a watch; it is a legacy, a celebration of British horology, and a timeless companion for those who appreciate true craftsmanship.
