Fears Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Ultimus': A Fond Farewell to a Modern Icon

Fears Says Goodbye to the Brunswick Jump Hour

Fears has made headlines this week with both a new release and the announcement that one of its signature models is being retired. The new Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Ultimus' is, surprisingly, the last iteration of the Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour. While it's likely that Fears will continue to explore the jumping hour complication in some form, the Ultimus appropriately marks the end of an era. It's a perfect moment to reflect on a watch that has become a personal favorite for many collectors.

The Ultimus Edition: A Closer Look

The Ultimus is a collaboration with Andrew Morgan, a UK-based watch content creator. It retains the same 40.5mm stainless steel case and the Christopher Ward JJ01 jumping hour module (built on a Sellita SW200 base) that have defined the Jump Hour line. What sets this edition apart is its dial execution. Traditionally, the Jump Hour features a minimalist design with a small interior minutes track and an hour aperture at the top, leaving ample negative space for creative expression. The Ultimus, however, exposes the rotating hour track that is usually hidden, partially obscured by the minute track. A black outer ring frames the dial, holding the Fears wordmark at 12 o'clock.

The entire dial is coated in luminescent material, a significant departure from the dress-watch character of previous versions. This lumed treatment gives the Jump Hour a contemporary, avant-garde feel. Additionally, a magnifier over the current hour enhances legibility and adds depth to the viewing experience.

Availability and Pricing

The Fears Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Ultimus' is available for a one-week ordering window, ending on August 17, through the Fears website or their Bristol boutique. The retail price is ,600 on a strap or ,900 on a bracelet.

Why the Jump Hour Matters

The Brunswick Jump Hour has never been an underrated watch; it has received plenty of admiration from enthusiasts and critics alike. However, its broader significance in modern independent watchmaking is sometimes overlooked. Here are a few reasons why this model stands out.

The Movement: A Testament to Collaboration

Some critics question the price given the Sellita base, but such criticism misses the point. The heart of the Jump Hour is the Christopher Ward-built JJ01 module, which powers the jumping hour complication. This same module is used in the Christopher Ward Bel Canto, which adapts the jumping hour into a chiming mechanism—a true innovation in British watchmaking. The JJ01 represents the collaborative spirit that binds the most exciting UK-based brands, a feeling palpable at events like British Watchmakers' Day.

A Design That Adapts

The Brunswick Jump Hour's design is highly adaptable, not just in collaborations like the Ultimus but also through Fears' bespoke service. This service allows collectors to commission unique pieces, a tradition once reserved for the highest echelons of watchmaking. Fears offers this at a relatively accessible price, enabling a younger generation to own a personalized watch with genuine heritage. For example, our own Kat Shoulders owns a custom Jump Hour color-matched to a sentimental car, a story explored in a recent podcast.

Personally, I was an early admirer of the Jump Hour. I owned a Brunswick Aurora and considered a bespoke Jump Hour with a mother-of-pearl dial. The team presented some incredible design ideas that I still remember, though I couldn't commit at the time. Later, I acquired a limited 'friends & family' edition in solid silver, which has become one of my favorite watches. There's a serene quality to any jumping hour, and the black-and-white dial enhances that stillness. I feel fortunate to own it—a rare sensation in watch collecting.

A Modern Classic Retires

As the Brunswick Jump Hour bows out, it leaves a legacy as a modern classic. It transcends the current jumping hour trend, which many believe is a bubble. Whether Fears will introduce a successor or pivot to something entirely new remains to be seen, but the anticipation is part of the excitement. For now, we bid farewell to a remarkable timepiece that has left an indelible mark on the industry.