Fears Brunswick Champagne: A Historic Watch for the Present Day
A Brief History of Fears
Fears is one of Britain’s oldest family-run watch brands, first established in 1846 by Edwin Fear in Bristol. The company operated for 130 years before closing in 1976. In 2016, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, Edwin Fear’s great-great-great-grandson, revived the brand, bringing Fears back to life with a focus on quality craftsmanship and timeless design. Under his leadership, Fears has taken a measured and thoughtful approach to growth, maintaining a commitment to British watchmaking while ensuring their pieces are accessible to a modern audience.
Fears Brunswick Champagne – Key Specifications
Case: 38mm x 38mm cushion-shaped, 316L stainless steel with a phosphor bronze core plated in 9ct Yellow & 18ct Rose Gold
Thickness: 11.5mm (to top of domed sapphire glass)
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: Top-grade ETA 7001, manual winding, 17 jewels, 21,600vph (3Hz), 40-hour power reserve
Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Dial: Brilliant silver tone in rhodium galvanic color, hand-brushed finish, sunken sub-seconds counter at 6 o’clock
Numerals: CNC-milled, polished ‘Edwin’ Arabic numerals, Dual-Gold coated, hand-applied
Hands: Skeletonized, polished, and Dual-Gold plated
Strap: Fears Bristol leather strap, premium calf leather, made in Bristol
Water Resistance: 50m
Retail Price: £4,250 inc. VAT (~$4,000 USD)
First Impressions and Handling
I’ve been a fan of Fears for a little while now, but my first hands-on experience with the brand came just a few months ago when I had the chance to briefly handle Corey’s 38mm Brunswick. It was a special piece—one of those watches that immediately grabs your attention the moment you hold it. The dial was beautifully executed, but it was really the case shape, size, and small sub-seconds dial that sealed the deal for me. From that moment, I knew this was a brand that resonated with my tastes.
Still, I never expected Fears to send me a watch to review. I’ve always thought of them as a brand that works with larger publications and journalists, so I was pleasantly surprised when they reached out and offered me the opportunity to spend time with the Brunswick Champagne. Their generosity allowed me to really experience this watch in a way that photos alone never could—and for that, I owe special thanks to Lauriance, the Fears Marketing Manager, who made the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
The Dial: Gold That Speaks for Itself
When I first saw pictures of the Brunswick Champagne, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect in terms of the dial color. Being colorblind, I couldn’t quite tell if it was a true gold tone or more of a yellow hue that presented as gold in certain lighting. But in person, I can say with certainty—it’s stunning. The gold dial is warm and rich, and while capturing its exact tone in photos was a challenge, trust me when I say it’s something you have to see for yourself. Paired with the blued hands and a steel case, it creates a striking balance between classic elegance and contemporary refinement.
Fit, Comfort, and the Bracelet
The 38mm case size is, in my opinion, nearly perfect for my 7-inch wrist. It’s compact but substantial, making it a comfortable wear throughout the day. I could easily see this being a go-to piece for both formal and casual settings. If you love gold in your watches, this is an excellent option, but if gold isn’t your thing, Fears has plenty of other colorways that might better suit your taste.
The bracelet was the one element I felt a little less connected to. It’s well-made and certainly complements the watch, but I found myself wishing for an easier way to adjust the sizing on the fly. It’s not a complaint—just a personal preference. I didn’t swap the strap during my time with the watch, but I suspect it would feel right at home on a leather strap, which is an option when purchasing.
The Brand and Its Trajectory
Beyond the watch itself, my time with the Brunswick Champagne reinforced my appreciation for Fears as a brand. They’ve managed to strike a balance between being friendly and approachable while maintaining a well-measured, smart approach to growth. They aren’t overextending themselves, but they clearly see the same opportunity I do—that this is a fantastic time to be a British watch brand. With the support of other British brands, the new watchmakers' organization, and their peers making great pieces, Fears is positioning itself in a way that ensures long-term success.
Yes, the luxury market is facing a downturn at the moment, but that’s temporary. Fears is doing the necessary groundwork to build brand awareness and familiarity, which is arguably one of the hardest things for a small brand to achieve. When you pair that with their rich history, compelling storytelling, friendly demeanor, and exceptional watches, it’s a formula that will lead to even greater brand strength and sales in the future.
The Feeling of Wearing It
There’s something about wearing the Brunswick Champagne that feels historic. It’s a watch that wouldn’t look out of place on the wrist of someone heading into an upscale London restaurant decades ago, yet it’s also perfectly suited for modern life. I could see it being worn poolside, in a boardroom, or at a casual gathering—it’s that versatile. And honestly, I caught myself just getting lost in the small seconds dial and the golden glow more than once.
See It for Yourself
If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket to the upcoming British Watchmakers Show (which has already sold out), you’ll have the opportunity to see Fears’ full lineup in person. I can’t recommend it enough.
Spending time with the Brunswick Champagne has only deepened my appreciation for what Fears is doing, and I’d encourage anyone who’s curious about the brand to give them a closer look. They’ve won me over even more with this piece, and I suspect they’ll do the same for many others.
For more information about this brand be sure to check out their website.
Thanks for reading!
Special thanks to Sr. Editor James Bachici for the hand this week!