Fears Introduces The Brunswick “1846 Edition” Celebrating The Brand’s 180th Anniversary
Fears graced us with an interesting series of new releases in 2025. They included some solid new additions to the regular lineup, as well as some spectacular collaborative efforts. Now, the British brand kicks off 2026 with the Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition.” The watch is a special British Watchmakers’ Day exclusive that commemorates the brand’s 180th anniversary. On top of that, this year is the 10th anniversary of the company’s re-establishment under the leadership of Nicholas Bowman-Scargil, the great-great-great-grandson of founder Edwin Fear. The Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition” is an interesting new release and continues the tradition of Fears unveiling special timepieces during the British Watchmakers’ Day. Let’s find out more.
Before we get into the details of the new release, let’s recall that Fears unveiled the brilliant 02 Series Gimlet with Studio Underd0g for British Watchmakers’ Day last year. It was the first in a series of great releases that also included the striking Arnos Pewter Blue, the 02 Series Manhattan, and the 02 Series Mim0sa that completed the cocktail-inspired trilogy of collaborative efforts with Studio Underd0g. These are just four of a larger group of releases that made 2025 a great year for Fears. And 2026 looks like it will be even better, with anniversary celebrations ongoing during the year.
The story of the Fears Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition”
The first commemorative release of this year is the Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition,” a 25-piece British Watchmakers’ Day exclusive. This special 180th-anniversary model shows inspiration from Edwin Fear’s very first pocket watch from 1846. Through its design, proportions, and materials, this version of the Brunswick provides a contemporary take on the classic pocket watch.
Last year’s sterling silver Fears Brunswick “Edwardian Edition” 40
Going back to Fears’ exclusive releases for the British Watchmakers’ Day, this is the third consecutive sterling silver release for the event. Indeed, the Gimlet was not the only release during last year’s show. Fears also unveiled the Brunswick 40 “Gregorian Edition” in sterling silver.
The Fears Brunsick 38 “1924 Edition” for the British Watchmakers’ Day 2024
Also, in 2024, Fears unveiled the sterling silver Brunswick 38 “1928 Edition.” Today’s new Brunswick 40 completes a full trilogy that could eventually grow into an even larger series of sterling silver releases for the annual event. It will be interesting to see how many more models will follow.
The details of the Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition”
But let’s now focus on this year’s new release. The Fears Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition” has a fully polished sterling (925) silver case with a 100m water resistance rating. It has a 40mm diameter, a 47mm lug-to-lug, and an 11.1mm thickness. The cushion-shaped case features a diamond-set crown to indicate that it is solid precious metal. It’s a familiar case shape, but it never disappoints in terms of elegance and stylistic presence.
Inside the case lies a multi-layered, white-lacquered, and hand-finished dial inspired by Edwin Fear’s original pocket watch from 1846. It features an enamel-style construction with prominent Roman numerals printed in black. Additionally, it shows a large, recessed sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock and a classic railroad minute track on the outside of the Roman numerals. Hovering over the dial are the two centrally mounted, thermally blued spade-shaped hands for the hours and minutes. The smaller seconds hand in the sub-dial at 6 o’clock is also thermally blued, completing a beautiful trio.
The manual-winding La Joux-Perret G121M caliber
If you turn the watch around, you will be greeted by the sterling silver case back, which features several engravings, including the unique LE number out of 25 pieces. Hiding behind the case back is the manual-winding La Joux-Perret G121M caliber. This movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a 60-hour power reserve. It is the perfect modern caliber to offer the traditional manual-winding experience of the classic pocket watch that inspired the Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition.”
Finishing the look of this watch is a Fears Blue pigskin strap. It comes with foldover edges, the customary Fears Blue calfskin lining, tone-on-tone stitching, and a bespoke sterling silver pin buckle.
All in all, the new Fears Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition” is a wonderful third offering in sterling silver. All 25 pieces will be available in person at the British Watchmakers’ Day event on March 7th, 2026, and each will cost £4,350 (inc. VAT). Considering the popularity of Fears and how wonderfully executed this new release is, I do not doubt that all 25 will sell out in no time.
What do you think of the Fears Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition”? Please share your thoughts in the comments below, especially if you plan to attend British Watchmakers’ Day!
