Fears Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour Edwardian Edition

Stepping away from the usual fanfare, let's dive into the details of a rather unique timepiece from the venerable British watchmaker, Fears. This isn't your everyday wristwatch; it's the Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Edwardian Edition', a limited-edition piece that draws heavily from the brand's rich past, while showcasing a bold step forward in design and function. It is a unique and exclusive watch that would be sought after by collectors and casual wearers alike.



Fears, a name that might not ring bells for the uninitiated, has a history as intriguing as its watches. Founded in 1846 by Edwin Fear in Bristol, England, the company remained a family-run operation for over a century. During its heyday, Fears was known for producing robust and reliable timepieces that found their way onto the wrists of discerning gentlemen and ladies across the British Empire. The company ceased operations in 1976, only to be resurrected in 2016 by Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, the great-great-great-grandson of Edwin Fear. With a renewed focus on quality and a respectful nod to its heritage, Fears has quickly re-established itself as a notable player in the world of British watchmaking, especially with watches such as this one.



The Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Edwardian Edition' is not just another watch from the Fears lineup. It's a limited edition, with only 10 pieces being made, adding to its exclusivity and allure. But what sets this watch apart is not just its scarcity, but its unique blend of historical inspiration and modern innovation. The watch is a direct descendant of the stainless steel Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour, but this version is crafted from sterling silver, a nod to the precious metals often used in early 20th-century pocket watches. This special watch is created exclusively for the Alliance of British Watch & Clockmakers British Watchmakers' Day.



Now, let's talk about the watch itself. The first thing that strikes you about the Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Edwardian Edition' is its case. Measuring 40.5mm, the cushion-shaped case is a direct nod to a gentleman’s watch from the Fears archives, dating back to 1924. But this isn't a mere replica. The case is crafted from 925 sterling silver, giving it a warm, inviting luster that's distinct from the cold sheen of stainless steel. The case's design is a study in curves; there are no flat surfaces to be found here. Even the solid case back has a gentle sweep, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation. The case and case back each bear hallmarks from the London Assay Office, further emphasizing its British heritage. Also, following a Fears tradition, the company's registered maker's mark comprises the initials of the managing director when the watch was built. In this case, "NBS" is for their fourth managing director, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill.



The sterling silver case isn't the only thing that makes this watch stand out. The traditional 'onion'-shaped winding crown is also made from the same precious metal. But what truly sets it apart is the flawless diamond set into the crown, a signature feature of Fears watches made entirely from precious metals. It's a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about the brand's commitment to luxury and quality.



Moving on to the dial, it is a vision in porcelain white. Multiple layers of hand-polished lacquer give the dial a glossy, almost ethereal appearance. This isn't just any paint or varnish; it's a finish that adds depth and richness to the color. The dial is intentionally minimalist, with no hour numerals in sight. Instead, the hour is displayed via a window at 12 o'clock on a rotating disc, also coated in white lacquer. This is a 'jump hour' complication, meaning the hour numeral instantly 'jumps' to the next hour, rather than gradually moving, as with traditional hour hands. This makes the watch easy to read and very aesthetically pleasing to the user.



The 'Edwardian Edition' moniker isn't just a fancy name; it's a reference to the design cues taken from Edwardian-era pocket watches found in the Fears archive. The crisp white and black color scheme, along with the bespoke numerals created specifically for this watch, are a clear nod to this bygone era. Even the Fears maker's mark at 12 o'clock is a recreation of how the company's name appeared on dials in the early 1900s. It is clear to see that a lot of time went into the design of this watch.



With the hours neatly displayed in a window, the watch features a single, black hand-varnished minute hand. This 'Fears-shaped' hand has a bevel running down its center, helping it catch the light and making it highly legible. It's a simple yet elegant solution that enhances the watch's overall aesthetic.



The heart of this timepiece is a Swiss-made, automatic winding JJ01 movement. This isn't just any off-the-shelf movement; it features a module developed in-house by fellow British watch company, Christopher Ward. The base is a Sellita SW200, known for its accuracy, which has been regulated to Chronometer grade. This ensures that the watch is not just a pretty face, but a reliable timekeeper as well.



The watch is fitted with a handmade Maple Red strap crafted from Alcantara. This cutting-edge material, developed in Italy, offers a unique combination of aesthetic, technical, and tactile qualities. It's soft to the touch, reminiscent of suede, but far more hard-wearing and water-resistant. The strap is lined with anti-allergenic calf leather and embossed with both the Fears logo and 'Handmade in Belgium'. It's a strap that's as comfortable as it is durable, and it's fastened by a bespoke, hallmarked sterling silver pin buckle, matching the watch case. The 20mm lug width means you can also customize your watch with any strap designed for this size, including any from the Fears range, which you can easily fit yourself without tools. This will give the owner many options to choose from.



Each Fears Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Edwardian Edition' carries a unique serial number, engraved between the lugs at 12 o'clock. This number is more than just a tracking mechanism; it's a part of the watch's identity, a record of its history. Additionally, each watch has a limited edition number engraved on the case back, identifying it as one of just ten watches in this exclusive run.



Even the presentation box is special. The watch comes in a slim, rectangular wooden box made of solid ash, stained in Fears' bespoke blue color. This 'Amos' box, named after the second and third managing directors of Fears, is inspired by traditional slim watch boxes used by the company in the past. The top of the box is discreetly engraved with the Fears logo and features a gentle bevel around its edges. The interior is lined in genuine cream suede, and the box is secured by a polished chrome push button. It is very easy to say that the box is also a luxury item.



The Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Edwardian Edition' is not for everyone. Its limited production run of just 10 pieces ensures that it will be a rare sight. The price tag of £5,450 (including VAT) reflects its exclusivity and the craftsmanship that went into its creation. This watch will only be available to purchase from the event on the day, March 8th, 2025.



Case: 40.5mm diameter, 40.5mm width, 47mm lug-to-lug, 12.8mm thick. 925 Sterling Silver, polished finish. Screw-down solid case back. Polished Sterling Silver 'onion' shape crown, set with a flawless diamond. 20mm lug width.



Movement: Sellita SW200 base, 25 Jewels, with Christopher Ward's JJ01 'jump hour' module. Automatic winding mechanical. 38-hour power reserve.



Dial: 33mm diameter. Porcelain white, polished lacquered finish with black printing. White rotating hour disc with Edwardian numerals in black printing. 'Fears' minute hand, beveled, diamond polished, and frosted, black PVD finish.



Strap: Maple Red Alcantara, lined in Calf Leather, handmade in Belgium. Alcantara made in Italy. Bespoke Sterling Silver pin buckle, hallmarked by the London Assay Office.



Price: £5,450 (inc. VAT)



Reference Number:



Notes: Limited Edition of 10 pieces. Created exclusively for the Alliance of British Watch & Clockmakers British Watchmakers' Day. Available to purchase from the event on March 8th, 2025. A portion of the profits will be donated to the Alliance of British Watch & Clockmakers.