The world of horology is built on precision, innovation, and heritage. On British Watchmakers’ Day, one of the UK’s most storied watchmakers, Fears Watches, unveiled a rare and extraordinary timepiece: the Brunswick Jump Hour British Watchmakers’ Day Edition. This highly limited model not only honors the brand’s long-standing traditions but also celebrates the vibrant and resurgent community of British watchmakers. With its striking design and innovative mechanics, this watch is both a tribute to the craft of horology and a beacon of its bright future in the UK.

A Legacy Reignited

Founded in 1846 by Edwin Fear, Fears Watches quickly established itself as a symbol of British craftsmanship. However, like many traditional watchmakers, the brand faced challenges during the quartz crisis of the 1970s, eventually ceasing operations. In 2016, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, a direct descendant of Edwin Fear, revived the brand with a vision of preserving its legacy while embracing modern watchmaking techniques.

The Brunswick Jump Hour represents a culmination of this vision. Named after the Brunswick Square area of Bristol, where the original Fears factory stood, the Brunswick line has become a signature of the revived brand. Known for its elegant cushion-shaped case and understated design, the Brunswick collection is a modern reinterpretation of classic British watch aesthetics. The introduction of a jump hour complication to this iconic line marks a significant milestone in Fears’ modern history.

The Jump Hour: A Rare Complication

The jump hour complication is a rarity in modern watchmaking. Unlike traditional watches that feature continuously sweeping or gradually advancing hour hands, a jump hour watch displays the hour digitally through a window. The hour “jumps” instantaneously at the top of each hour, while the minute hand sweeps around the dial in the traditional analog fashion. This creates a fascinating interplay between digital and analog timekeeping.

For the Brunswick Jump Hour British Watchmakers’ Day Edition, Fears has taken this concept and infused it with their distinct British sensibility. The hour window is positioned at 12 o’clock, with crisp, legible numerals reminiscent of traditional British typefaces. The jumping mechanism is engineered for precision, ensuring a smooth and instantaneous transition at each hour.

Design Excellence

Every element of the Brunswick Jump Hour has been meticulously considered, resulting in a timepiece that is both timeless and unique. The 38mm cushion-shaped case, crafted in stainless steel, exudes elegance and modernity. Its polished and brushed surfaces create a play of light that enhances its sculptural form. This compact case size ensures the watch is versatile enough to suit a variety of wrist sizes.

The dial, available in a deep midnight blue or a rich ivory enamel finish, is the star of the show. The minimalist design emphasizes clarity and balance, with the jump hour window taking center stage. A subtle “British Watchmakers’ Day” engraving at the bottom of the dial serves as a discreet nod to the occasion. The inclusion of blued steel hands adds a touch of warmth and sophistication, a hallmark of traditional British watchmaking.

Completing the look is a premium leather strap, handmade by British artisans. Available in a choice of black or dark brown, the strap is lined with a vibrant red underside—a signature detail of the Brunswick line. The combination of luxurious materials and thoughtful design ensures that the Brunswick Jump Hour is as comfortable to wear as it is beautiful to behold.

A Movement Made for the Ages

At the heart of the Brunswick Jump Hour is a bespoke movement developed in collaboration with a British independent watchmaking atelier. This manual-winding movement is not only robust and reliable but also features the intricate engineering required for the jump hour complication. Its finishing, visible through the exhibition case back, includes Geneva stripes and beveled edges, highlighting the attention to detail synonymous with Fears Watches.

The movement’s design and assembly take place in the UK, further reinforcing Fears’ commitment to supporting the British watchmaking industry. Nicholas Bowman-Scargill has often spoken about his passion for fostering collaboration among British watchmakers, and the Brunswick Jump Hour is a testament to this ethos.

A Celebration of British Watchmaking

The release of the Brunswick Jump Hour is timed to coincide with British Watchmakers’ Day, an initiative that seeks to shine a spotlight on the rich history and ongoing innovation within the UK’s watch industry. Once a global leader in horology, Britain has seen a resurgence in recent years, with a growing number of independent brands and artisans reviving the country’s watchmaking tradition.

Fears Watches has played a key role in this revival, championing the values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and heritage. The Brunswick Jump Hour encapsulates these principles, serving as both a celebration of the past and a statement of intent for the future.

In a statement about the watch, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill said: “The Brunswick Jump Hour is more than just a watch—it’s a tribute to the skill, creativity, and resilience of British watchmakers. This piece embodies everything we stand for at Fears: elegance, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to quality.”

Exclusivity and Availability

True to its name, the Brunswick Jump Hour British Watchmakers’ Day Edition is a highly exclusive release. Only 10 pieces will be produced, making it one of the most limited editions in Fears’ history. Each watch is individually numbered, with the number engraved on the case back alongside the Fears crest and the British Watchmakers’ Day emblem.

Given the rarity and craftsmanship involved, the watch is priced at £18,000. While this places it firmly in the realm of collectors and enthusiasts, its value lies not just in its materials but in its story and significance. The watch is available for pre-order directly through Fears Watches’ website and select authorized retailers.

A Legacy to Treasure

The Brunswick Jump Hour is more than a watch—it’s a work of art, a piece of history, and a symbol of the enduring spirit of British watchmaking. In a world where mass production often overshadows artistry, Fears Watches has once again proven that there is still a place for craftsmanship and tradition.

For collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone with an appreciation for horological excellence, the Brunswick Jump Hour is a reminder of why independent watchmaking matters. It’s a celebration of the people, the craft, and the stories that make watches more than just instruments for telling time—they make them timeless.

With this release, Fears Watches continues to write new chapters in its storied history, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of British horology. And for those lucky enough to own one of the ten Brunswick Jump Hour watches, they will carry with them not just a timepiece, but a legacy.

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