The story of
Fears watches begins in 1846, on Bristol’s bustling Redcliff Street. Here, the company’s founder, Aarow Fears, opened his first watchmaking shop. Fears wasn’t just a watchmaker; he was also a bit of a visionary. He wasn’t content with simply replicating existing designs. Instead, he dreamt of creating his own unique timepieces. And so he did. Fears watches quickly gained a reputation for their quality and craftsmanship, and the company soon became one of the leading watchmakers in England.
Over the years, Fears watches have been worn by some of the most famous people in the world, including Winston Churchill and Sir Edmund Hillary. The company’s watches have also been featured in numerous films and television shows, further solidifying their place in popular culture.
Courtesy of Fears
In the early 20th century, Fears watches faced increasing competition from Swiss manufacturers. The company eventually stopped producing watches altogether in the 1970s. However, the Fears name was never forgotten. In 2016, a group of watch enthusiasts decided to revive the brand, and the Fears Redcliff collection was born.
The Redcliff collection is a tribute to Fears’ rich history. The watches in this collection are inspired by the classic designs of the 1940s and 1950s, but they have been updated with modern materials and technology. The Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey is one of the latest additions to the collection. It is a versatile watch that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion.
The Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey is a beautifully crafted watch that is sure to impress even the most discerning watch collector. The watch has a 39.5mm stainless steel case that is both stylish and durable. The case is finished in a brushed and polished finish, which gives it a sophisticated look. The watch also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that will protect the dial from damage.
One of the most striking features of the Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey is its dial. The dial is a pewter grey color that is both elegant and understated. The dial is also vertically brushed, which gives it a subtle texture. The hands and hour markers are made of black gold, and they are coated with Super-LumiNova, which makes them easy to read in low light conditions.
The Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey is powered by a Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G100 automatic movement. This movement is known for its reliability and accuracy. The movement also has a power reserve of 68 hours, so you won’t have to worry about winding your watch every day.
The Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey comes with two straps: a stainless steel bracelet and a dark grey textile strap. The bracelet is comfortable and stylish, and it is perfect for everyday wear. The textile strap is a more casual option, and it is perfect for those days when you want to dress down.
Courtesy of Fears
What Makes the Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey Special?
There are many things that make the Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey a special watch. Here are just a few:
The rich history of the Fears brand. Fears watches have been around for over 170 years, and they have a rich history that is sure to appeal to watch collectors.
The classic design. The Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey is inspired by the classic designs of the 1940s and 1950s, but it has been updated with modern materials and technology.
The high-quality materials and construction. The Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey is made with the highest quality materials, and it is constructed with expert craftsmanship.
The versatility. The Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion.
The value proposition. The Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey is a lot of watch for the money. It is a Swiss-made watch with a high-quality movement, but it is priced significantly lower than many other comparable watches.
Tucked safely behind the Redcliff's solid case back lies the La Joux-Perret G100 automatic movement. This Swiss-made powerhouse is the watch's mechanical engine, responsible for keeping time and driving the date function. It's a reliable workhorse, known for its precision and generous power reserve of up to 68 hours. That means you can take your watch off for a couple of days and it'll still be happily running when you put it back on your wrist.
Courtesy of Fears
While the decorated winding rotor adds a touch of aesthetic flair, it's the unseen mechanics that make the movement special. Every time your arm moves, the rotor spins, automatically winding the watch's mainspring. This seamless integration of form and function embodies the spirit of Fears, combining practicality and an appreciation for old-world watchmaking traditions.
Let's return to the watch's captivating face, the Pewter Grey dial. Its warm mid-grey tone strikes a balance between subdued and striking. The hand-brushed vertical finish, combined with the milled grooves on the lowered chapter ring, adds an enticing texture you'll want to get lost in. As light hits the dial, you can appreciate the dance of subtle patterns, highlighting the quality of the craftsmanship.
The baton indices are a marvel of contrasting finishes. Polished edges catch the light, while their black gold surfaces offer a muted, sophisticated counterpoint to the brighter dial. The 12 o'clock index, with its homage to the Clifton Suspension Bridge towers, reminds you of the subtle British inspiration that runs throughout this timepiece.
Courtesy of Fears
The black printed numerals and those graceful cyan markers? They're not just painted on. The careful detail placed into this watch is evident in the choice of crisp printing that contributes to its overall visual refinement. And the cyan seconds hand provides a playful accent against the otherwise sober color scheme.
While the dial is stunning on its own, the hands are where the Redcliff truly comes alive. Those iconic "Fears"-shaped hands, with their multiple bevels and diamond-polished surfaces, are almost mesmerizing when they catch the light. But there's more to them than good looks.
The Swiss-sourced X1-Grade Super-LumiNova filling provides a brilliant glow in low-light conditions. It's the perfect example of Fears marrying classic style with modern practicality. Whether you're in a dimly lit theater or navigating a midnight campout, those hands will guide you effortlessly.
The Fears Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey is more than just its movement and dial – your experience doesn't end there. The included stainless steel bracelet elevates this watch to another level. Its mix of brushed and polished links is beautifully understated, and the silky feel against your wrist is a constant reminder of quality.
What really sets this bracelet apart is the flexibility (not literally). The screw links make resizing easy, and the hidden micro-adjustments in the clasp mean you're never stuck between "too loose" and "too tight". It's the little things that matter, and Fears delivers.
If a sportier, laid-back vibe is more your style, the included textile strap is worth its weight in gold. It's rugged yet refined, with a smooth Alcantara lining for comfort. The quick-release spring bars let you swap between the bracelet and strap in seconds, transforming the watch's personality to suit the occasion.
Courtesy of Fears
Fears isn't selling just a timepiece with the Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey; they're selling an experience. From the moment you open the beautifully crafted Amos box, you can feel the history and dedication poured into this revitalized brand. The option to have your watch engraved adds a layer of personalization that makes it uniquely yours.
Sure, the Redcliff 39.5 Date Pewter Grey is a handsome, well-made watch, but it's the intangible qualities that really set it apart. It's about knowing you're wearing a piece of revitalized British watchmaking history. It's about appreciating the quiet confidence that comes from a watch that knows what it is and doesn't try to be anything else. This is a watch for connoisseurs, for those who savor not just the final product, but the heritage and meticulous care behind it.