Fears 104 – 1940s Fears “Streamline” model A1549, with Seeland Watch Co. movement, Fears Pipette hands and lumed Arabic numerals
 
This is an original Fears Streamline with sub-second dial. The Streamline recreation by Fears in 2019 was based on the central second version. However, this watch possesses all the hallmarks of the central second model with the curved top 4, the Fears Pipette hands and the sleek case. The bold dial aids legibility was a key goal of the Steamline, which was seen as a tool watch. The case is Chromium plated.
This example dates to 1946 with an original purchase price of £9-17-6, which is approximately £413 in today’s money.
The dial is surrounded by a thin smooth bezel which helps the crystal edge to recess into the bezel in order to protect it from knocks.
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. 
 
Of special interest:
The dial would have originally had a copper tone, however with age, this has matured into a rich chocolate tone. This particular example is notable for its differing Arabic font. This can be seen in particular with the number 3’s choppy cut. The 9 is also open and sharp on the ends. This is an unusual font on the Streamline.
The movement also lacks shockproofing which is traditionally seen on these movements in the Streamline. This, combined with the differing numerals and dial tone, may indicate this watch was less for tool use, and more for pleasure and evening wear.
 
 
 
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. 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 are lumed to enable the hands to be clearly visible in the dark, with legibility being a key goal of this model. 
The movement is a 17 jewel Seeland watch co. movement which is manually wound with is signed as adjusted to positions. 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 Streamline 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, a Suede travel pouch, a 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 Streamline is ever desirable due to its reinvention in 2019 by Fears.
Dial:
The dial is in aged condition. All signing and tracks are clean and without wear. 
The dial tone is even overall. The heavy patina is even, with the dial having a chocolate tone.
This may not appeal to all customers due to the legibility.
 
Hands:
The hands are original and of the classic “Fears Pipette” style with a deep thermally Blued finish. The blue tone is strong. The hands have are Lumed.
 
Glass:
The crystal is a replacement and is in excellent condition.
 
Crown:
The watch has had a replacement crown, fitting the original.
 
Case:
The Nickel case is in average condition, with signs of pitting on multiple edges. There are multiple light surface scratches too.
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed of Stainless Steel and is in good condition. 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 an idea of the proportions.
 
Movement:
A freshly serviced manual wind Seeland watch Co. movement with 17 jewels. It has been assessed and serviced by the Fears Team to ensure excellent reliability. 
 
Case dimensions:
The case is well proportioned and very wearable.
 
Case width: 31mm
Case width with crown: 33.7mm
Case length: 31mm
Case length lug to lug: 38.5mm
Case Depth: 10mm
Lug width: 16mm