Introducing The Fears Bristol Brunswick 40 Odyssey Edition & Experimental 01

Fears Bristol has been known for its elegant timepieces and resilience through challenging times. However, in 1976, Fears ceased operations due to industry changes and internal factors. In 2016, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, the great-great-great-grandson of the brand’s founder, Edwin Fear, revived the company. Leaving his career at Rolex, he re-established Fears with a focus on hand-built watches that honor the company’s heritage.

This year, the brand released the Brunswick 40 ‘Odyssey Edition’ to mark its role as the official timekeeper of the Great British Odyssey (GBO). This new release draws direct inspiration from the technically advanced Experimental 01, a bespoke tool watch developed by Fears for endurance athlete Angus Collins, who will wear it during his ambitious attempt to solo row around the British mainland. Limited to just 100 pieces, the ‘Odyssey Edition’ is more than a commemorative watch, it’s a tribute to human perseverance and a vehicle for positive impact, with a portion of each sale donated to James’ Place, a charity dedicated to helping men in suicidal crisis.

The watch features the signature cushion-shaped case design, originally inspired by a 1924 gentleman’s watch in the company’s archives, but adapted for modern adventuring. Measuring 40mm in diameter and 11.06mm in thickness, the stainless steel case is finished to an exceptional standard, combining polished and brushed surfaces. Its screw-down crown ensures 150 metres of water resistance.

The caseback depicts a detailed map of Great Britain and the exact rowing route Collins will undertake, along with the edition number engraved between the lugs at 12 o’clock.

The white dial features the same double-level layout and anti-glare matte lacquer finish found on the Experimental 01, but with refined details. Time is marked by a mix of polished, hand-applied indices and numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9, all coated in Fears Blue PVD and filled with bright X1-Grade Super-LumiNova that glows a cool blue in the dark. The Fears-shaped hands are also finished in matching blue PVD and filled with Super-LumiNova, offering excellent readability at all hours.

The watch is powered by the La Joux-Perret G101, an automatic movement customised by removing the date complication, ensuring a clean and balanced dial. It offers a 68-hour power reserve, and operates at 28,800vph (4Hz).

The watch comes with a FKM rubber strap from Delugs, finished in signature Fears Blue and moulded to imitate sailcloth. Lined with waterproof rubber, it closes securely via a new Fears x Delugs leaf-spring deployant clasp and pin buckle. The second strap is a vibrant orange MN elasticated textile strap from Erika’s Originals, the same model worn by Collins during the GBO challenge. This strap pays homage to the Marine Nationale divers who originally fashioned similar bands from parachute webbing.

Additionally, a 5-link stainless steel bracelet is available separately. Each Brunswick 40 ‘Odyssey Edition’ is individually numbered and offered as a limited edition of only 100 pieces, priced at £2,958, approximately AED 14,750.

For more information, visit the official website of Fears Bristol.