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Some pairings just make sense. Gin and tonic. Cigars and whisky. London and New York. Add to that list Fears and Studio Underd0g, two British watchmakers from opposite ends of the timeline that have once again come together to mix something unforgettable.
Their latest creation, The Manhattan, is as much a nod to the city that never sleeps as it is to the art of cocktail culture.
The first time the duo joined forces, the result was The Gimlet, a watch that caused collectors to queue from 5am just to get their hands on one. This time the stage is bigger and bolder. The Manhattan will make its debut in New York at the Windup Watch Fair this month, and only 300 fortunate buyers will be able to take one home.
What makes this project so intriguing is the contrast between the two collaborators. Fears is one of Britain’s oldest watch companies, founded in Bristol in 1846. After lying dormant for four decades, it was revived in 2016 by Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, a direct descendant of the original founder. Today, Fears is known for timeless design, quiet refinement and an unbroken link to Britain’s horological past.
Studio Underd0g, by contrast, represents the new guard. Founded by Richard Benc in 2021, it has built a cult following with playful designs, unconventional colourways and a distinct irreverence that sets it apart from traditional brands.
For a company that has grown almost entirely through online launches, selling watches directly to a global audience without intermediaries, the chance to showcase a limited edition in person at an international fair is a significant step. For many collectors, the Manhattan will be their first opportunity to encounter the brand face-to-face.
That in itself is novel. Watch fairs are often dominated by large Swiss maisons, but here two independent British companies are claiming space on the New York stage. Their collaboration bridges the gap between heritage and modernity, showing how tradition can evolve without losing its essence. It also illustrates the momentum of British watchmaking, a sector that is finding fresh relevance in a global landscape long dominated by Switzerland and Japan.
For Fears, The Manhattan is another chapter in a story of resilience and revival. For Studio Underd0g, it is proof that its offbeat ideas can resonate beyond the confines of the internet. Together, the brands demonstrate that British watchmaking can still surprise, delight
and bring something original to the table.
The Manhattan may be limited in number, but the collaboration behind it speaks to something broader: the joy of mixing old with new, the thrill of seeing British independents celebrated abroad, and the promise of more unconventional creations to come.
See more at underd0g.com and fearswatches.com
