Introducing: The Fears Brunswick 38 Midas II With A 22K-Gold-Plated Case
English brand Fears introduces a new version of its core model, the Brunswick. This new version reintroduces gold to the collection after the Midas version was discontinued in 2018. The new Midas II features a gold-plated 38mm cushion case and a beautiful bead-blasted dial.
Additionally, the Fears Brunswick 38 Midas II comes with two straps — a pale blue Alcantara and a dark blue Barenia option. The set is priced at €3,400 (excluding VAT) with your choice of an exhibition or all-metal case back. Let’s have a closer look!
The Fears Brunswick 38 Midas II and its vintage inspiration
Nicholas Bowman-Scargill of Fears recently acquired a vintage gold-plated Fears watch from the 1970s for his archives. This was one of the last models that the brand built before it went out of business in 1976. Bowman-Scargill revived his family’s watch brand in 2016 and reintroduced a gold-plated model only two years later.
The 1970s watch served as inspiration for the new Midas II. Today’s new Midas model shares three similarities with its vintage counterpart. First, it features a combination of a gold-plated case and a gold-plated dial. Second, the dial features are black for a hard contrast. Finally, the new Midas II features a cushion case, albeit in a much-updated shape.
The resulting watch is, expectedly, rather vintage in style. Contrasting more modern-looking versions of the Brunswick, this one exudes a strong ’70s vibe, and that, in this case, is a good thing.
Midas II specifications
Usually, we can feature only the technical specifications of new watches. Fears, however, has decided to open up about where the parts come from, so we can describe both the part and its country of origin. I am sure some enthusiasts will applaud this move towards transparency.
Let’s start with the case. It measures 38mm in diameter, 42mm from lug to lug, and 11.84mm thick including the crystal (11.25mm without). Fears sourced it from Hong Kong and then had it plated with 22K gold by a specialist in England. It has a 20mm lug spacing, so you will be able to swap straps to your heart’s content. It’s also water resistant to 100 meters. Up top, you will find a sapphire crystal sourced in Hong Kong as well. Fears then has an ARdur antireflective coating applied to it in Switzerland.
The glass-bead-blasted dial receives an 18K gold plating from its German manufacturer. The same supplier provides the black pipette handset. Lastly, we find a Swiss-made top-grade ETA 7001 caliber inside. This hand-wound caliber ticks at a pace of 21,600 beats per hour and has a 40-hour autonomy. The straps come from Belgium, and the entire watch is assembled in England.
Initial impressions
I have to say, the Brunswick looks really good in gold. It is a more classical look and one that, indeed, reminds me of the 1970s. Fears assures us that the plating is heavy and multilayered, preventing it from wearing off. Not all plated watches are created equal, so this is great to see.
I am a total sucker for media-blasted dials. The new Midas II dial is right up my alley. It has a lovely texture from being bombarded with glass beads, resulting in a subtle sparkle. In my eyes, the black diamond-polished numerals and pipette handset offset it perfectly.
In short, I like what I am seeing! Admittedly, my pick would be a steel version, but this Midas II is tempting, for sure.
What do you think of the new Fears Brunswick 38 Midas II in gold? Let us know in the comments below!
