Fears Watches: A Legacy of Elegance and Innovation
Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, Fears Watches, on Watch World with Faye
A Heritage Reborn
Fears Watches is a unique blend of history and modernity. Established by Edwin Fear in Bristol, the company thrived until the 1970s when it closed its doors. Rather than glossing over this gap, Nicholas embraces it as part of the brand’s 179-year legacy. “For 39 years, there was no Fears Watch Company,” he says candidly. “But that’s part of our heritage. It allows us to respect the past while doing things in a modern way.”
Faye Soteri meets Nicholas Bowman-Scargill (managing director of Fears (managing director of Fears)—the great-great-great-grandson of founder Edwin Fear.
When Nicholas relaunched Fears in 2016, he faced a choice: recreate vintage designs to capitalize on the mid-2010s trend or forge a new path. He chose the latter, asking, “If Fears hadn’t closed in 1976, what would we be making today?” This question drives the brand’s philosophy, resulting in watches that honour their DNA—understated, high-quality, and built to last a lifetime—while embracing contemporary innovation.
The Elegantly Understated DNA
Fears’ mantra, “elegantly understated since 1846,” encapsulates its identity. The brand’s watches, like the classic round Redcliffe, the cushion-cased Brunswick, and the rectangular Arnos, draw inspiration from historical designs but are crafted for today’s wearer. “We realised Fears was always about understated quality,” Nicholas explains. “It wasn’t haute horology, but a watch someone would save up for—a watch for life.”
This philosophy extends beyond the watches to the brand’s presentation. From the impeccably dressed team to the meticulous attention to detail, Fears exudes a quiet confidence. Nicholas recounts meeting customers who, after years of wearing a Fears watch daily, discover subtle design details they hadn’t noticed before. “A Fears watch should feel like a complete package,” he says. “You don’t notice one detail—you feel the soul of the watch.”
Design with Restraint
The design process at Fears is a balance of creativity and restraint. With an in-house design team—a rarity for a British watchmaker of Fears’ size—Nicholas and his lead designer, Lee, collaborate closely. “I come up with two to three ideas a day,” Nicholas admits, “but only a few make it to production.” This selective approach ensures every watch adheres to the brand’s core values, avoiding over-design. “It’s like a meal with three to five ingredients,” he says, comparing it to Coco Chanel’s advice to remove one accessory before leaving the house. “Refine, don’t overcomplicate.”
This restraint was evident in their collaboration with Studio Underd0g, resulting in the Gimlet, a limited-edition watch inspired by a frothy lime-green cocktail. The project, born from a shared night of drinking in Chicago, showcased Fears’ playful side while staying true to its identity. “Collaborations let us explore other parts of our personality,” Nicholas says. The Gimlet sold out instantly at British Watchmakers Day, proving that a well-executed collaboration can enhance, not dilute, a brand’s story.
Building a Community
Fears’ commitment to its heritage goes beyond aesthetics. The Fears Heritage Division restores watches made between 1846 and 1976, including a pocket watch from 1868 signed by Edwin Fear himself. The Fears Owners Club, free to join for anyone owning a Fears watch, fosters a sense of community. “Whether you bought a watch last week or inherited one from 1946, you’re part of the club,” Nicholas says. Meetups and events bring together collectors and one-time buyers, creating connections rooted in shared appreciation for the brand.
This inclusive yet exclusive approach defines Fears’ view of luxury. “Luxury is rare, but it’s about making everyone who owns a Fears feel they’ve bought into something special,” Nicholas explains. The Owners Club and Heritage Division prove the brand’s claim that its watches are built to last a lifetime—not just through words, but through action.
Customer Experience: Old-School Luxury
Fears set itself apart with unparalleled customer service, which Nicholas describes as “old-school luxury.” From a Bristol phone number (0117 427 1846, a nod to the founding year) answered by a human to personalized gestures like knowing their DHL driver’s name, Fears treats everyone with equal respect. “Whether it’s a courier or a client ordering a £50,000 custom watch, we treat them the same,” he says.
This ethos stems from the brand’s five core values, with “building luxury with integrity” at the heart. When mistakes happen, Fears owns them. “People are geared up for a fight when something goes wrong,” Nicholas notes. “But when we acknowledge it, apologise, and fix it, they’re delighted.” This commitment extends to the boutique in Clifton Arcade, a profitable venture that operates like a business, not just a showroom, reinforcing Fears’ understanding of retail.
Good Capitalism in Action
Nicholas describes Fears as embodying “good capitalism,” a philosophy rooted in fairness and integrity. “We’re growing a business, creating jobs, and wealth, but we don’t have to screw people over to do it,” he says. This means paying suppliers on time, supporting employees through sick leave, and maintaining respectful relationships. “If you can go to bed with a clean conscience, that’s golden,” he adds.
This approach extends to the broader industry. As a founding member of the Alliance of British Watch and Clockmakers and sponsor of the Bristol Watch Show, Fears supports local brands, fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment. “Competition is good,” Nicholas says. “It pushes us to be better.” By helping smaller brands exhibit and grow, Fears elevates the entire British watchmaking scene, creating a hub akin to Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux.
The Future of Independent Watchmaking
Looking ahead, Nicholas predicts consolidation in the independent watchmaking space. With over 100 British watch companies, he foresees a future where brands pool resources for efficiency, much like the British car industry of the past. Fears is already part of the Alternate Horological Alliance, collaborating with brands like Ming Watches to share expertise without formal mergers.
Despite the challenges of a competitive market, Nicholas remains ambitious. “I want Fears to grow, but with integrity,” he says. His economics background and product-driven mindset give him a unique perspective, allowing Fears to navigate industry shifts while staying true to its roots.
FEARS is a Brand with Soul
My visit to Fears’ boutique was a testament to their ethos. From Nicholas greeting me with an umbrella as I stepped out of a taxi to the warm, professional atmosphere, every detail reflected the brand’s commitment to integrity and elegance. Fears Watches is more than a timekeeper—it’s a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and community, carried forward by a custodian who balances tradition with innovation.
As Fears approaches its 10th anniversary since the relaunch, I’m excited to see where Nicholas takes the brand. With a foundation built on respect, quality, and good capitalism, Fears is poised to continue its legacy as Britain’s elegantly understated watchmaker.
Faye Soteri, Watch World with Faye, October 14, 2025
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