1940s Fears Ornate Lug watch, Nickel case, with skeletonised Fears Pippette hands and Lumed Arabic numerals.
 
A beautiful watch with a striking case design, having ornate double teardrop lugs. The design of these lugs makes this model standout from the crowd. The Nickel composition of the case creates a unique finish which can present itself as either silver in tone, or light gold. This is dependent on the tone of the light hitting the watch. The dial has a clean and pragmatic balance with its bold Arabic numerals, strong skeletonised “Fears Pipette” hands and the circular pattern of the sub-second dial. This example strikes a beautiful balance between the legibility of a tool watch and the striking class of a dress watch.
 
Of particular note on this example is the condition of the dial and it’s subtle patina. The patina radiates across the top half of the dial, cumulating in a slightly caramelised tone is some areas.
 
The dial is neatly framed by a very flat case curvature. This allows the glass to blend into the case with a flat dome, creating contrast to the bold lugs.
 
The dial is signed “Fears Bristol England” at 12 O’clock with “Incabloc Waterdust Protected” signed above the sub-second dial at 6 O’clock. This signing is traditionally bold and imposing in a clean capitalised font.
 
The sub-second dial is sunk into the dial, as well as having a circular pattern radiating from the centre. This has a wonderful texture which can be seen in the Fears Brunswick model of new. The track itself is very neat with 5 second graduations and Arabic numerals at 15 second intervals. The sub-second hand is thermally blued and is original, fitting the margin neatly.
The dial has a bold minute track situated around the outside, with original lumed, gold tone Ararbic numerals and signature curved top 4.
 
The hands are original and of the classic “Fears Pipette” style with a deep thermally Blued finish. These would have originally been lumed, however it is a subtle nod to the newer Brunswick to have left these skeletonised.
 
The movement is a 17 jewel Seeland watch co. movement which is manually wound with is signed as adjusted to positions. This movement is Incabloc shock protected. The movement is of a good quality for the era.
 
The watch sits neatly on its handmade Bristol Leather Fears strap for fixed lugs. The calf leather has been vegetable tanned in Britain’s oldest Vegetable tannery, Bristol’s Thomas Ware & Sons. Carefully designed to reflect the original leather straps of the era, in a common dark Brown tone, with no padding.
 
This beautiful example will come nestled in an official Fears box, in “Fears Bristol Blue” with cream interior. Upon opening, you will be greeted by a Fears owner club leaflet, alongside Bold Timepieces card, and a beautiful heritage inspired Fears cleaning cloth. This cleaning cloth depicts the original Edwin Fear business card, dating back to 1846.
 
Accompanying this will be an extract from the Fears archive, detailing the specifics of this example.
 
The ornate lugs, clear dial and patina make this an excellent example.
 
Dial:
The dial is in very good condition. All signing and tracks are clean and without wear. The numerals have lost some lume over time to expose the gold base finish. The dial tone is not even overall with some slight darkened patina to the upper section of the dial, particularly to the left of centre.
 
Hands:
The hands are original and of the classic “Fears Pipette” style with a deep thermally Blued finish. The blue tone is strong, with some slight rust in areas. These would have originally been lumed, however it is a subtle nod to the newer Brunswick to have left these skeletonised.
 
Glass:
The original glass remains in excellent condition.
 
Crown:
The watch has a new crown due to damage to the original. This replacement is a strong match to the original.
 
Case:
The Nickel case is in good condition, with minimal signs of wear. There are multiple light surface scratches but no deep unsightly marks.
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed of Stainless Steel and is in average condition, with some scratches from poor opening attempts. This is a screw back.
 
Strap:
Brand new, Handmade using Bristol Leather. The calf leather has been vegetable tanned in Britain’s oldest Vegetable tannery, Bristol’s Thomas Ware & Sons. Carefully designed to reflect the original leather straps of the era, in a common dark Brown tone, with no padding. The strap will fit up to a 7.5” wrist diameter. The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference to give a clear idea of the proportions.
 
NOTE: Each strap is customized to the lug design and size. 
A new custom strap can be created for the watch, in Fears Bristol Blue. This will be at a cost of £125 inclusive of VAT and will have a manufacturing time of approximately 4 weeks.
 
Movement:
A freshly serviced manual wind Seeland watch Co. movement with 17 jewels and incabloc shock protection. The movement is marked “Adjusted”. It has been assessed and serviced by the Fears Team to ensure excellent reliability.
 
Case dimensions:
The case is well proportioned, with a long lug to lug measurement. The size is very wearable.
 
Case width: 33mm
Case width with crown: 35mm
Case length: 33mm
Case length lug to lug: 43mm
Case Depth: 9mm
Lug width: 16 mm