One of Britain's oldest watch companies

Welcome to Fears

We meticulously hand build watches in Britain that exude understated elegance, which can be worn and appreciated everyday by all.

First established in Bristol in 1846, the company today is owned and run by the founding family carrying on the tradition and values.

Fears Watch Collection

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Our Values & Ethos

Expert suppliers

Expert suppliers

We are proud to work with talented, specialist suppliers, many of whom are family-owned independent businesses just like us.

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Long-lasting value

Long-lasting value

At Fears we believe in creating long-lasting value. We work together with talented craftspeople to design and build watches that last.

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Fears is established

A 22-year-old watchmaker named Edwin Fear establishes a workshop and showroom at Nos. 33-35 Redcliff Street in Bristol.

Move to Bristol Bridge

Edwin Fear acquires No. 4 Bristol Bridge at the end of Redcliff Street and moves the headquarters to this new location.

(2nd) Managing Director

Amos Daniel Fear

Following the death of Edwin Fear, the business is handed down to his son Amos Daniel Fear, who at 21, becomes the second managing director.

First 50 years

Half-Centenary

As the Victorian period closes, Fears celebrates its first 50 years.

Incorporation

Fears is incorporated as a limited company and changes its name from ‘Edwin Fear’ to ‘Fears Limited’. From the early 1930s, the business is known simply as ‘Fears’.

Fears (Export) Limited

Fears establishes an export department, called ‘Fears (Export) Limited’ at No. 14 Brunswick Square in Bristol. Within a few years, Fears is exporting to 95 countries worldwide.

(3rd) Managing Director

Amos Reginald Fear

Following the death of his father, Amos Reginald Fear takes over the business and becomes the third managing director of Fears.

Bristol Blitz

All of Fears’ premises are badly hit during the Bristol Blitz.  Following the Second World War, the business relocates from the city centre to Clifton.

First 100 years

Centenary collection

Fears celebrates its centenary with a special collection of wrist watches for men and women. A full-page advert in the Bristol Mercury tells the story of Fears from mid-Victorian to mid-century watchmaker.

Fears Closes

After a successful start to the post-war period, the business is wound down following the retirement of Amos Daniel Fear. The final ‘International Catalogue’ is produced in 1975. Soon after, the business closes its doors.

Fears re-established

Fears is re-established by the great-great-great-grandson of Edwin Fear, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, who becomes the fourth Managing Director of the company. Fears releases its first wristwatch in the twenty-first century, the Redcliff.

Brunswick launched

Fears releases its second wristwatch after the relaunch, the Brunswick, named after Brunswick Square in Bristol.

Showroom

Fears opens its first showroom since the 1940s, in Canterbury, England. Once again, people are able try on the Fears watch collection in a stylish environment.

Redcliff "Streamline"

The first 1,000 days since the company was re-established are marked by the launch of a limited edition watch - the Redcliff ‘Streamline’, inspired in design and price by Fears’ original ‘Streamline’ watch from 1946.

GREAT Britain Campaign

Fears becomes a partner of the UK Government's GREAT Britain campaign, helping promote the best that the UK has to offer the world.

175th Anniversary

Fears celebrates the 175th anniversary of Edwin Fear founding the company in 1846.

Back to Bristol

Fears relocated to its historic home city of Bristol, to establish a new Headquarters and Showroom. 

Alliance 01 Launch

A Very British Partnership

At the start of the year we launched the Alliance 01. Created in partnership with fellow British brand Christopher Ward for the Alliance of British Watch & Clockmakers.