In the vibrant world of independent horlogerie, true excitement lies in collaborations that defy convention. The partnership between Fears and Studio Underd0g is precisely that, a celebration of British-led design culminating in the Fears x Studio Underd0g Mim0sa Limited Edition.
This is not merely a watch; it is an event, an exuberant, eye-catching timepiece inspired by the restorative class of its namesake cocktail. Befitting its ephemeral nature, this £1000 masterpiece is an exercise in scarcity. It launches on October 23rd for a fleeting nine-hour window, between 3 pm and 12 am BST. Once that window closes, the watch will be discontinued, vanishing like the last bubble in a champagne flute.
The soul of the Mim0sa is its revolutionary dial, a multi-layer construction that showcases breathtaking technical innovation. The entire experience is defined by a 1mm thick sapphire crystal disc that forms the top dial, which has been machined to feature a distinctive, “liquid-like” surface. This is not a simple stamping.
This mesmerising effect is achieved through advanced 5-axis CNC machining, a process so arduous that each machine can produce only six to eight discs per day, with a success rate of just 50-60%. This is followed by a meticulous semi-polishing stage, further illustrating the dedication to craft. Beneath this shimmering crystal lies a brass base dial, painstakingly coated with seven individual layers of custom-formulated Super-LumiNova, a time-consuming process essential for achieving its vivid, uniform glow.
This complex architecture creates a dynamic visual theatre. In daylight, the dial’s printing, which sits on the upper sapphire disc, appears to float, casting distinct shadows onto the bright luminescent base below. As the wearer’s wrist moves, these shadows dance, lending the watch an ever-changing, effervescent personality.
In darkness, the effect inverts entirely: the printing is dramatically backlit by the potent lume, appearing as disconnected elements suspended in a glowing void. This artistic vision is powered by a movement as reliable as your favourite bartender: the Swiss Sellita SW210-1.
This manual-winding calibre, accurate to -7/+7 seconds per day, provides a 42-hour power reserve. Housed in a perfectly proportioned 38mm stainless steel case and water-resistant to 10 ATM, each watch is assembled in Great Britain, undergoing a full QC inspection and regulation, ensuring its pedigree is as solid as its design is audacious.
