Illuminating Time: The Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Ultimus' Unveiled

The Latest Evolution: A Bold Leap in Design

Fears has introduced the concluding piece in its Brunswick Jump Hour series, aptly named the Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Ultimus'. This model, a result of a creative partnership with British watch enthusiast Andrew Morgan, pushes the boundaries of modern watch design. It boasts a sharp black-and-white visual identity, achieved through an elegant "Phantom White" dial.

An Innovative Display: The Allure of the Lumed Dial

At the heart of the 'Ultimus' lies its groundbreaking jump hour dial, which is notably luminous. Unlike previous Brunswick Jump Hour models that concealed inactive numerals, this rendition utilizes sapphire to expose the expansive hour disc beneath, integrating it seamlessly into the overall design. The dial features a black outer ring with minimalist branding, encircling two luminous ceramic discs. The lower disc is dedicated to the rotating and jumping hours, while the upper disc presents a printed minute track and an oversized black minute hand. This central lumed ceramic disc is also connected to a frosted outer ring, displaying the minute numerals and providing a subtle glimpse of the inactive hour numerals. A magnifier at the twelve o'clock position replaces the traditional framed window, effectively highlighting the current hour.

Enduring Construction and Precision Engineering

The robust stainless steel casing retains its established dimensions, measuring 40.5mm in diameter, 12.8mm in thickness, and a lug-to-lug distance of 47mm. Powering this intricate mechanism is a Sellita SW200 base movement, enhanced by a Christopher Ward JJ01 jumping-hour module. The watch's exhibition caseback proudly displays the decorated Sellita movement, complete with a custom rotor featuring the brand's unique 'Bristol Flower' motif. Each 'Ultimus' timepiece is presented with a black calf leather strap lined with Alcantara, with an optional 5-link stainless steel bracelet also available.

Acquisition Details and Limited Availability

The Fears Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Ultimus' can be acquired directly from Fears online or at their boutique in Bristol, England. The model with a strap is priced at £4,450 (inclusive of VAT), while the option including both the bracelet and strap is £4,750 (inclusive of VAT). Although each watch is individually numbered, its availability is confined to a one-week ordering window, concluding on August 17th.

A Critical Perspective: The Pinnacle of the Series

This particular iteration stands out as the most compelling version within Fears' Brunswick Jump Hour collection. Its design resonates with the elegance of contemporary lumed watches, such as A. Lange & Söhne's Zeitwerk Lumen, while maintaining its distinct identity. While jump hour complications sometimes result in understated designs due to fewer moving parts and larger empty dial spaces, the 'Ultimus' overcomes this with its multi-layered dial, frosted textures, and luminous ceramic surfaces, creating a dynamic and engaging aesthetic. The decision to cease the Brunswick Jump Hour series after this 'Ultimus' edition is a bold move by the brand, prompting a desire for this innovative design to become a permanent offering. There is optimism that Fears will reconsider, possibly introducing a revised version of this popular design in the future