I discovered this exact watch at the British Watmakers Day, London last March and was very impressed. I’m planning to buy one in the new year and will travel to Bristol to get it to make a great weekend away.
I've known about Fears for just a year but I found it very cool for them to mail me a catalog of their watches and although they're not cheap, I feel you get what you pay for. So much attention to detail and just a very well built watch.
Very nice one! I don’t like the dial or hands of this one quite as much as their copper offerings, but I am a date window guy myself as well, so I appreciate the move in this direction. The color scheme on yours reminds me a bit of my favorite Rolex, the yacht Master 40 with the slate dial, and that bracelet reminds me of Grand Seiko, but with a nicer clasp! This would be a very cool alternative to a aquaterra or date-just.
I thought it was going to be a generic OP style watch from the thumbnail, but all the details do look very nice. I think i might've picked that red dial. It looked really nice in that quick flash you included.
I had no idea that such a movement existed. An ETA 2424-2 form factor movement with a 68 hr power reserve. Interesting. I am pleased with the WR. But this watch is larger than I would want, personally.
Their website photos of this watch look a little cartoonish but seeing 'in the flesh' photos and videos seem to do it more justice. Beautiful yet masculine and a better 'wear everyday' appeal than the Brunswick.
How does the quality of this compare to your datejust? I want a mint datejust but disenchanted with Rolex these days after buying two from the AD. I’m strongly considering a mallard green.
@@CasualWatchReviews great deal! It took me awhile to sell one of my watches to fund yours! Glad it went into good hands. I’ll probably head to Toppers to buy one this week! Great videos as always.
Sometimes the whole NSB schtick can get a bit annoying. But this looks rather splendid. The first Fears I have ever truly liked the look of. Expensive relative to the competition. But you know... People being employed in Bristol in the watch business. That's good.
Hey Mell, I’m interested to discuss this more. I have reviewed a lot of watches and the value is here for the fit and finish, attention to detail etc. I wore a Bremont on the livestream last night, that was much more expensive than this and not nearly the same level of finishing. That was ETA powered. But interested to know your view on it for maybe a future upload?
@@CasualWatchReviews I think the issue is that there are a lot of microbrands with the same model doing it for a lot less. I have looked hard but I can’t find who makes the cases, I have a hunch though. So dial made in Germany, Swiss movement and case made elsewhere, which part of built in U.K. was built in the U.K.? On the Fears website it states ‘made in the U.K.’ however assembled in U.K. is more accurate. I’m a member of the British Watchmakers Alliance however I also want clarity and want to know why Fears want 3 to 4 times the cost of my Farer which is Swiss made and has a fantastic finish. Or more than the cost of my Bel Canto for a 3 hander. There is no gold or any other metals other than SS. I have looked at the cost of the movements used and these and not expensive, so why the cost? On their website there are values and heritage but does that mean it should be 3k?
I totally get what you’re saying. This is something I can never get across in a review. How the watch actually feels in hand. Thats when you can see this watch is more than the sum of its parts. Nearly all watches, when looked at individual part level don’t add up to the retail. I like Nicholas and the story of the brand, for me that is part of the overall package. Would I buy an excellent watch from an owner who was a horrible person, likely not. Most of the attraction of the watch is the story, if you look at value in the components you would never buy a luxury watch. Christopher Ward was a good example of yours, their brand identity is value for money watches… and they are. They are excellent watches but they are not as refined as a Fears. Fears is very much a luxury brand, everything they do is in pursuit of that luxury goal, unlike CW who’s philosophy is value for money.
@@CasualWatchReviews I have handled them, they are nice but, and it’s a huge but, where is the money spent? CW quality is excellent, they provide value for money but that doesn’t make them a low value brand. If you tell me they make their own movement then I’m listening, they don’t, they buy in everything, is this not correct? I like the brand, the story and the resurrection of the brand but that doesn’t get me over the line. Tell me, where do the case get made?
For $4k, it still looks like a Fossil watch. Their cushion case stuff is great, but price point is crazy-pants. The value isn't there for even the movement, case, etc.. It honestly is disappointing a bit ridiculous to charge that much for what you get.
I actually couldn’t disagree more here. But thats the fun of the hobby and doing these reviews! I could have just borrowed this watch to review it but once you see it in person it makes sense. The Bremont I wore in the livestream on Sunday cost a lot more than this for what I think is a lot less. What fossil watch to you think this looks like?
@@CasualWatchReviews I can completely understand what you're insinuating and I have also read the other comments eluding to something similar to me which makes me believe value is a big thing here for consumers (price vs what you get for said-price). Having it in-hand and seeing the finishing up close helps justify your points, however, step away from that on a Macro level and what it looks like to a 'casual watch wearer'. The brass hour indices coated honestly looks like it is just be plastic from a distance. Especially when the Brunswick has such unique finishing on their salmon dial's indices. I completely understand your view on it, I just ask you to see some valid points in the price for it's general aesthetic from a distance. In terms of my point about being similar to a Fossil, Google their models to see what I am getting at. The silver on silver with printed outer-markers in blue, painted blue minute hand, and printed name does make someone from a distance think that's what it is, or a big watch manufacturer. You cannot tell the individual quality unless you are up close and live in the watch world as you do. We all love a great brand and their story, and I do like their watches. A Brunswick would be on my short list. However, their pricing is extremely hard to justify considering Microbrands doing the similar for much less. Are you referring to the Bremont S302 which is a GMT, 300m of water resistance for $3,750? Kind of different watches and if you're taking with VAT on the Redcliff, the Redcliff is more expensive at $3,960. The Redcliff should be in the $2k range, especially when seeing something like Nomos Tengente, etc. are 1/3 cheaper Sure they're not entirely similar, but I hope you see my point. Thanks for the discussion!
Yep the Bremont’s GMT. Mine was the bracelet version so RRP was $4,200. I got a deal on it so didn’t pay that even though it was new! I think the Fears is a better ‘value’ than the Bremont for what you get, also fit and finish. Thanks for sharing your opinion on it and thanks for watching!
Fears are still a small independent brand so they don’t have many retailers beyond their store in Bristol. They attend a lot of watch shows so you can see one there. If you watch Sundays livestream Nicholas talks about being on the road most weeks trying to show people the watches. They’re exclusive because they are small production not because they want them to be.
@@CasualWatchReviews yup i know all of that …. Just like me , another guy from NY at my hotel ( i’m from Quebec ) wanted to see some pieces and like me was ready to buy but had no time to go to Bristol 🤨 He bought some other piece ( studio underground i think ) , for me i wanted to see a Brit watch ….
Did you go to London when the British Watch and Clock Makers show was on? That was in London and had over 90 British brands represented. You could have seen them all even studio underdog
@@CasualWatchReviews nope , it would have been the best. Studio had a day near London when i was there but only one watch model to sell…. Maybe next trip , never know
@@CasualWatchReviews Why? I personally don't get it. To me a date is almost as superfluous as lume or a display caseback just to display another basic ugly Miyota or Seiko movement. I guess we're all different.
Their prices are a joke based on what you're getting and after watching a few reviews, their quality control is severely lacking. I was set to buy one and now I don't think that'll happen. I'm so disappointed. Was totally ready to spend the money until I saw how bad the quality is.
Hi Jared. Where are you hearing concerns about quality? The QC on this was absolutely impeccable. I can see that some may think its expensive but I can assure you the QC on this was some of the best fit and finishing I have ever seen on a watch. Fears are known for their attention to detail.
I will check that out but honestly after seeing a fair few Fears in person and owning this one I find this very hard to believe. Appreciate the reference I may follow up this comment with my thoughts,
Hey I just went through that channels entire video catalogue, he hasn’t reviewed a Fears from what I can see, do you have a link? Are you confusing Fears with Farer? He has done several Farer watches but I can’t see any Fears ones?
I discovered this exact watch at the British Watmakers Day, London last March and was very impressed. I’m planning to buy one in the new year and will travel to Bristol to get it to make a great weekend away.
I've known about Fears for just a year but I found it very cool for them to mail me a catalog of their watches and although they're not cheap, I feel you get what you pay for. So much attention to detail and just a very well built watch.
Very nice one! I don’t like the dial or hands of this one quite as much as their copper offerings, but I am a date window guy myself as well, so I appreciate the move in this direction. The color scheme on yours reminds me a bit of my favorite Rolex, the yacht Master 40 with the slate dial, and that bracelet reminds me of Grand Seiko, but with a nicer clasp! This would be a very cool alternative to a aquaterra or date-just.
I thought it was going to be a generic OP style watch from the thumbnail, but all the details do look very nice. I think i might've picked that red dial. It looked really nice in that quick flash you included.
Like the blue seconds hand and the sweep on it appears really smooth
really lovely and exactly what i'm looking for - - IF ONLY they did a 41 or 42 mm version for larger wrists!!!
I had no idea that such a movement existed. An ETA 2424-2 form factor movement with a 68 hr power reserve. Interesting. I am pleased with the WR. But this watch is larger than I would want, personally.
Yep, this was totally a new one on me also, I know another popular microbrand is moving to them also
A beautiful watch and great review Sam, congrats to Nicholas on offering such a high level of refinement including its presentation.
Well said Bill! Thanks for all your support on the livestreams!
Their website photos of this watch look a little cartoonish but seeing 'in the flesh' photos and videos seem to do it more justice. Beautiful yet masculine and a better 'wear everyday' appeal than the Brunswick.
How does the quality of this compare to your datejust? I want a mint datejust but disenchanted with Rolex these days after buying two from the AD. I’m strongly considering a mallard green.
Hey Anthony. That is a great question. Its thinner than the datejust for sure. To me they are actually different watches despite looking similar.
i really like that red dial actually
Did you end up selling this on eBay! Disappeared from my watchlist! Beautiful watch.
Hey. I actually ended up selling it privately.
@@CasualWatchReviews great deal! It took me awhile to sell one of my watches to fund yours! Glad it went into good hands. I’ll probably head to Toppers to buy one this week! Great videos as always.
Thanks! Yep it’s getting harder to sell watches these days
@@CasualWatchReviews why did you sell it, if you don't mind me asking?
Awesome looking watch!
Congratulations Sam !
Very good review.
Thank you very much Junior
Very grand Seiko vibe😊
I “Fears” to buy this Fear watch due to overpriced. I would rather stick with my Rolex 1500 IMHO.
And you think Fears is overpriced. That Rolex of yours is over rated and therefore over priced for what you get!
@@JamesAlexander14
The brand name is hard earned over time.. it's the king bro..
It's a 40 year old watch with a shite bracelet for 3000 dollars a 300 dollar Seiko has a better bracelet.@@yusufbest4475
Sometimes the whole NSB schtick can get a bit annoying. But this looks rather splendid. The first Fears I have ever truly liked the look of. Expensive relative to the competition. But you know... People being employed in Bristol in the watch business. That's good.
brill watch i like it... enjoy it cheers
I wish it was in 36mm, be a great OP alternative with a British twist.
It's probably overpriced but it also looks so good. Sometimes you need to spend more than you would like to in order to get a really nice watch.
I feel like this is to simple. This is the only fears that I’d buy but it’s still looks like a CW and because of that I’d just buy 3 CWs.
Though most CW are also well made and designed, I have never thought they are comparative. Fears usually are more refined and elegant in some ways.
But he is right. Something about says CW to me.
Fears do make a beautiful watch, however, their prices are plain ridiculous.
If anyone from grand seiko is watching this. This is how easy it is to add adjustment to your bracelets.
The best comment so far!
Got the boutique green a month ago and hasn't left my wrist
Black > classic, green > brit, grey > classic with a twist, red > get out of here! In fact, come on my wrist!
I love their designs however I do not get their price point at all.
Yeah that’s my big problem also.
Hey Mell, I’m interested to discuss this more. I have reviewed a lot of watches and the value is here for the fit and finish, attention to detail etc. I wore a Bremont on the livestream last night, that was much more expensive than this and not nearly the same level of finishing. That was ETA powered. But interested to know your view on it for maybe a future upload?
@@CasualWatchReviews I think the issue is that there are a lot of microbrands with the same model doing it for a lot less. I have looked hard but I can’t find who makes the cases, I have a hunch though. So dial made in Germany, Swiss movement and case made elsewhere, which part of built in U.K. was built in the U.K.? On the Fears website it states ‘made in the U.K.’ however assembled in U.K. is more accurate. I’m a member of the British Watchmakers Alliance however I also want clarity and want to know why Fears want 3 to 4 times the cost of my Farer which is Swiss made and has a fantastic finish. Or more than the cost of my Bel Canto for a 3 hander. There is no gold or any other metals other than SS. I have looked at the cost of the movements used and these and not expensive, so why the cost? On their website there are values and heritage but does that mean it should be 3k?
I totally get what you’re saying. This is something I can never get across in a review. How the watch actually feels in hand. Thats when you can see this watch is more than the sum of its parts. Nearly all watches, when looked at individual part level don’t add up to the retail. I like Nicholas and the story of the brand, for me that is part of the overall package. Would I buy an excellent watch from an owner who was a horrible person, likely not. Most of the attraction of the watch is the story, if you look at value in the components you would never buy a luxury watch. Christopher Ward was a good example of yours, their brand identity is value for money watches… and they are.
They are excellent watches but they are not as refined as a Fears. Fears is very much a luxury brand, everything they do is in pursuit of that luxury goal, unlike CW who’s philosophy is value for money.
@@CasualWatchReviews I have handled them, they are nice but, and it’s a huge but, where is the money spent? CW quality is excellent, they provide value for money but that doesn’t make them a low value brand. If you tell me they make their own movement then I’m listening, they don’t, they buy in everything, is this not correct? I like the brand, the story and the resurrection of the brand but that doesn’t get me over the line. Tell me, where do the case get made?
For $4k, it still looks like a Fossil watch. Their cushion case stuff is great, but price point is crazy-pants. The value isn't there for even the movement, case, etc.. It honestly is disappointing a bit ridiculous to charge that much for what you get.
I actually couldn’t disagree more here. But thats the fun of the hobby and doing these reviews!
I could have just borrowed this watch to review it but once you see it in person it makes sense. The Bremont I wore in the livestream on Sunday cost a lot more than this for what I think is a lot less. What fossil watch to you think this looks like?
@@CasualWatchReviews I can completely understand what you're insinuating and I have also read the other comments eluding to something similar to me which makes me believe value is a big thing here for consumers (price vs what you get for said-price). Having it in-hand and seeing the finishing up close helps justify your points, however, step away from that on a Macro level and what it looks like to a 'casual watch wearer'. The brass hour indices coated honestly looks like it is just be plastic from a distance. Especially when the Brunswick has such unique finishing on their salmon dial's indices.
I completely understand your view on it, I just ask you to see some valid points in the price for it's general aesthetic from a distance. In terms of my point about being similar to a Fossil, Google their models to see what I am getting at. The silver on silver with printed outer-markers in blue, painted blue minute hand, and printed name does make someone from a distance think that's what it is, or a big watch manufacturer. You cannot tell the individual quality unless you are up close and live in the watch world as you do.
We all love a great brand and their story, and I do like their watches. A Brunswick would be on my short list. However, their pricing is extremely hard to justify considering Microbrands doing the similar for much less. Are you referring to the Bremont S302 which is a GMT, 300m of water resistance for $3,750? Kind of different watches and if you're taking with VAT on the Redcliff, the Redcliff is more expensive at $3,960. The Redcliff should be in the $2k range, especially when seeing something like Nomos Tengente, etc. are 1/3 cheaper Sure they're not entirely similar, but I hope you see my point. Thanks for the discussion!
Yep the Bremont’s GMT. Mine was the bracelet version so RRP was $4,200. I got a deal on it so didn’t pay that even though it was new! I think the Fears is a better ‘value’ than the Bremont for what you get, also fit and finish.
Thanks for sharing your opinion on it and thanks for watching!
Funny was in London and could not see one if i didn’t go to their shop …. Pricy and exclusive i suppose
Fears are still a small independent brand so they don’t have many retailers beyond their store in Bristol. They attend a lot of watch shows so you can see one there. If you watch Sundays livestream Nicholas talks about being on the road most weeks trying to show people the watches. They’re exclusive because they are small production not because they want them to be.
@@CasualWatchReviews yup i know all of that …. Just like me , another guy from NY at my hotel ( i’m from Quebec ) wanted to see some pieces and like me was ready to buy but had no time to go to Bristol 🤨
He bought some other piece ( studio underground i think ) , for me i wanted to see a Brit watch ….
Did you go to London when the British Watch and Clock Makers show was on? That was in London and had over 90 British brands represented. You could have seen them all even studio underdog
@@CasualWatchReviews nope , it would have been the best.
Studio had a day near London when i was there but only one watch model to sell….
Maybe next trip , never know
This whole being a collector but refusing to buy a watch without a date (just so you have a 'thing') is kind of weird.
This is a channel about watches… of course it’s weird. And I’m happy to be weird about it!
Nice watch, but a tad pricey
What a shame. The whole look of the piece is ruined by the date.
You may not like any other reviews of mine because I think the date is absolutely essential on a watch 😂
@@CasualWatchReviews Why? I personally don't get it. To me a date is almost as superfluous as lume or a display caseback just to display another basic ugly Miyota or Seiko movement. I guess we're all different.
I won’t argue with you about a display back on a basic seiko or Miyota! Love the date however.
Usually I don't like date windows either but on this watch I think Fears has done it well enough.
Their prices are a joke based on what you're getting and after watching a few reviews, their quality control is severely lacking. I was set to buy one and now I don't think that'll happen. I'm so disappointed. Was totally ready to spend the money until I saw how bad the quality is.
Hi Jared. Where are you hearing concerns about quality? The QC on this was absolutely impeccable. I can see that some may think its expensive but I can assure you the QC on this was some of the best fit and finishing I have ever seen on a watch. Fears are known for their attention to detail.
@@CasualWatchReviews The dude at The Knights Watch absolutely trashed the watch he reviewed.
I will check that out but honestly after seeing a fair few Fears in person and owning this one I find this very hard to believe. Appreciate the reference I may follow up this comment with my thoughts,
Hey I just went through that channels entire video catalogue, he hasn’t reviewed a Fears from what I can see, do you have a link?
Are you confusing Fears with Farer? He has done several Farer watches but I can’t see any Fears ones?
It's even in the title how bad it is.
Did they really charge you full whack?
Yep, no one gets a discount 😂