British indie Fears Watch Company is supporting an around-the-UK rowing mission that aims to set a new world record.
A Great British Odyssey will see ultra endurance athlete Angus Collins attempt to become the first person ever to row solo and unsupported around the UK mainland.
He is raising money and awareness for James’ Place, a charity that saves the lives of men in suicidal crisis.
Bristol-based Fears has created its most advanced and rugged watch to date for Mr Collins, the Experimental 01, the first tool watch the brand has made since being reborn under Nicholas Bowman-Skargill.
It is water resistant to 30 ATM, around 1,000 feet, to ensure it survives being battered with sea water for up to 18 hours per day and has a high contrast black wind white dial that can be read under some of the Europe’s most challenging seafaring conditions.
Fears selected a La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, which was tested and tweaked to an almost implausible accuracy of 0/+1 second a day before being trusted to keep Mr Collins’ record attempt to time.
The public can support the fundraising mission by buying a special Odyssey Edition of the Fears Brunswick.
Limited to 100 units, the 40mm cushion-shaped watch adopts much of the Experimental 01’s design and technical advancements but has more of a luxurious finish with details like diamond polished applied numerals and hands, coated in blue PVD
A portion of the sale of each watch is being donated to James’ Place.
Like the Experimental 01, the Odyssey Edition Brunswick is powered by the LJT G101.
It can be worn on a five-row steel bracelet or a strap in orange fabric or black rubber.
Orders are being taken from this week with the watches expected to be delivered in July. Price is £3,550.
“I was honoured when Fears was asked to become the official timekeeping partner of a Great British Odyssey, a true British adventure for the 21st Century. What Angus is attempting to do during the Challenge will no doubt capture the minds and imaginations of so many, whilst the Mission of raising £250,000 for James’ Place will literally save lives,” says Mr Bowman-Skargill.
“Building Experimental 01 pushed us to use our watchmaking knowhow and apply it to the most technically focused watch we’ve ever made. I couldn’t be happier to be supporting Angus by presenting him with this very special watch for his row,” he adds.