Fears x Studio Underd0g "The Gimlet"

One of Britain's oldest watch companies and one of its youngest have joined forces to create a watch that feels as fresh as it does timeless: The Gimlet.

Raise your glass and your wrist

The Gimlet’s 38mm 316L cushion-shaped case, inspired by the Fears Brunswick, is characterised by soft, rounded edges and elegant curves, offering a vintage feel while maintaining contemporary appeal and functionality. Housed within is a movement that is as reliable as your favourite bartender: the Manual Winding Swiss Sellita SW210-1. The minimalistic caseback is garnished with nothing more than a lime wheel - as simple, punchy and elegant as The Gimlet itself. The case is paired with a beautifully supple handmade Swift Calfskin strap, courtesy of another British company, The Strap Tailor which is made via a unique multi step tanning process that takes just under a month to complete.

The pale green gradient dial has been achieved by using current-day machining techniques and modern materials. It is made up of a base dial featuring 7 layers of custom-made Super-LumiNova pigment. The application of this pigment is incredibly time-consuming as each layer must completely dry before the next is applied. Mounted on top of the base dial, is a 1mm sapphire disc, atop is adorned with the co-branding, minute track and Arabic numerals are printed. Once these two dials are affi xed to one another via two slotted head pins, it creates a crisp dial with a silky depth, akin to its namesake.

In daylight, the printing details appear to float, casting a shadow on the lower base dial. As the watch moves around in relation to the light source, the shadows move accordingly, resulting in a dynamic and ever-changing appearance. In darkness, the printing details are backlit by the bright Super-LumiNova base dial and appear to be totally disconnected from any surface.

Championing British Independents

Though separated by 175 years, Fears and Studio Underd0g represent two distinct yet complementary facets of British watchmaking - heritage and innovation. United by shared passion for advancing Britain’s horological sector, both brands contribute to the ongoing revival of British watchmaking, proudly as trade members of the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers.

The Gimlet, limited to only 200 pieces, will be off ered exclusively during British Watchmakers’ Day 2025 (March 8th) available in order of purchase.

When I launched my brand in 2021, 255 people joined forces to support my vision. One of those early backers was none other than Nicholas Bowman-Scargill. Nicholas has supported Studio Underd0g from the outset and has continued to help me navigate the precarious watch landscape ever since. Despite its 178 years of history, Fears isn't a brand that lets its archives dictate its future. This approach has allowed us to develop a watch that is unmistakably Fears, but also unmistakably Studio Underd0g.” Richard Benc Founder.

It's been such a pleasure to work with not only a brand that I admire so much but also with a close personal friend. It’s great to see the elegance of Fears and the playfulness of Studio Underd0g working so harmoniously together in ‘The Gimlet.’ This is a watch we’ve spent several years working on to capture the essence of both brands and our friendship perfectly. It’s been a pleasure working with Richard on this project and seeing his creative take on the classic Fears Brunswick." Nicholas Bowman-Scargill (4th) Managing Director.

About Studio Underd0g

Why can’t horology be a little bit more playful from time to time? In an industry that typically takes itself very seriously, Studio Underd0g offers a fresh perspective. Since its founding in 2021, this young British brand has continued to prove that one should never underestimate the underdog.

About Fears

The Fears Watch Company Limited, known as “Fears”, is a British luxury watch company, with heritage. Fears is one of Britain’s oldest family-run watch companies, first established in 1846 by Edwin Fear in Bristol. The business ran for 130 years until it closed in 1976. In 2016, the year the business would have celebrated its 170th anniversary, it was re-established by Edwin Fear’s great-great-great-grandson, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill. Fears today is located in its historical home city of Bristol, where the watches are designed, before being hand built in Britain.

Technical specifications

Fears x Studio Underd0g 'The Gimlet'

Reference: The Gimlet 02GIG

Limited edition of 200 pieces available exclusively at British Watchmakers’ Day (March 8th 2025)

Case

• Material: 316L Stainless steel
• Diameter: 38 mm
• Thickness: 12 mm (9.7 mm excluding crystal)
• Lug-to-lug: 43.50 mm
• Lug width: 20 mm
• Two-part case construction, screw down case-back and an onion crown
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Water-resistant to 10 ATM (~100 meters)

Dial and hands

• Pale green gradient multi-layer dial
• Bright Super-Luminova base dial
• Fears and Studio Underd0g logos at 12 o'clock

Movement

• Sellita SW210-1
• Manual winding movement
• Frequency: 28'800 vph (4 Hz)
• Accuracy: 7±7 s/d
• Power reserve of 42 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds
• Winding crown: Clockwise wind system with hacking

Strap and buckle

• 20mm to 16mm tapered Vert Marquis leather strap by The Strap Tailor
• 316L stainless steel pin buckle

MSRP: GBP 1'000 (incl. taxes)

For more information, please visit fearswatches.com or underd0g.com