Ep. 114: Bringing Back Fears with Nicholas Bowman-Scargill

Fears was founded in 1846 by a young watchmaker named Edwin Fear, who set up his workshop and showroom in Bristol. It was a family run business for the entirety of its operation, and it ran until 1976, when the company was forced to close its doors. Then in 2016, Nicholas, who is the great-great-great-grandson of Edwin Fear, brought the company back with the Redcliff, the brand’s first watch in 40 years.

Nicholas swung by Worn & Wound HQ late last year, and this episode was actually recorded on the third anniversary of the brand’s relaunch. Nicholas and Zach cover a wide range of topics. They discuss the brands history, its relaunch, the importance of heritage and authenticity, and what Nicholas thinks the future holds in store for Fears. One of my favorite moments is when Nicholas explains why Fears going out of business in ’76 was actually a good thing for the brand in the longrun run. I won’t say more here.

This week’s episode of The Worn & Wound Podcast is brought to you by the Windup Watch Shop.

Zach's wrist check - Farer Markham World Timer

Nicholas's wrist check - Brunswick White

Fears

Fears IG

Oak & Oscar

Farer

Vertex

Christopher Ward

Roger W. Smith