Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Elegant Fears Watch Co. Arnos Pewter Blue
A stylish and curved rectangular watch that recalls models from the brand’s 1920s and 1930s archive
Fears Watch Company might seem like a relatively new brand, but it was actually founded almost 180 years ago in the UK in 1846. Although it ultimately shut down in 1976 after 130 years (like so many others in that era), the founder’s great-great-great grandson Nicholas Bowman-Scargill brought the family-run business back in 2016. The latest Arnos Pewter Blue creates a new category in the brand’s growing portfolio, Arnos, that joins the Redcliff and Brunswick collections. The Arnos name comes from Arnos Vale, where the company’s headquarters is currently located in Bristol (UK).
The rectangular stainless steel case is clearly vintage-inspired and comes from designs in Fears’ archive from the 1920s and 1930s. Made in Switzerland, it measures 33.5mm x 22.6mm with a height of only 8.4mm (lug-to-lug 40mm). Both the sapphire crystal with dual ARdur Swiss anti-reflective coatings and solid case back are curved to conform to the wrist. It features a push/pull crown and water resistance is 30 metres. The lug width is bold for the case at 20mm and two strap options from first-time Fears partner Delugs are available. There’s a taupe Barenia leather strap, lined in Fears Blue calf leather with a steel pin buckle and a sportier dark blue FKM rubber strap that tapers to 16mm with a curved butterfly clasp and micro-adjustments. Both have quick-release spring bars.
The dial has a stylish circle within a rectangle motif, capturing the eye with a recessed galvanic-coated blue time dial with a machined concentric pattern. An outer ring has contemporary-styled Roman numerals, a first for a modern Fears core model, and a small minute track sits at the outermost perimeter. Surrounding this is a CNC-machined hobnail pattern coated in rhodium, providing a striking contrast. “Fears pipette” hour and minute hands are bevelled with a mirror-polished rhodium plating.
Powering the Arnos Pewter Blue is a Top Grade Sellita SW1000-1b automatic, which is a no-date movement, but does have central seconds that are not utilized. It has 18 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) and comes with a 46-hour power reserve. Although hidden behind the case back, the rotor is customized with the flower of Bristol motif. The dial is limited to central hours and minutes for a classic look.
The Fears Arnos Pewter Blue is available to order online from March 28th and at authorized retailers. The retail price is GBP 4,350 with VAT (GBP 3,625 excl. VAT). For more information, please visit the Fears website.
4 responses
Over priced!!!!! Options: Purchase a Longines Dolchivita or an Orris for less than half the price of the Farer elegant watch.
I have to say, this is a very intriguing piece to me. That dial, the hands, and the case design is spectacular to me. I can’t say I love either strap option, but that can easily be fixed with the plethora of 20mm straps I already own. Raol above is not wrong, but I already own that Longines DolceVita and other design options are nice to see.
What bothers me is that it says hand built in England when the movement is Swiss, the strap is from Singapore, and I have no idea who makes the dial and hands.
I appreciate a hobnail pattern and the overall design, but I also own a Dolce Vita, a Tank quartz, a Santos, and I recently acquired a Reverso Grand Taille for the same amount of money Fears is asking for here.
Sure, the case is curved, and it’s a very nice piece, but the price point in combination with the inflated claims on the back of the watch don’t sell it to me.
Way overpriced. Nice looks though.