Brunswick 40

The Fears Brunswick 40 gives a cushion-shaped case and elegantly drawn numerals enough room to feel relaxed rather than quaint. It’s the automatic alternative to the hand-wound Brunswick 38, and worth choosing for that distinction—not simply because you prefer a larger watch.

The case takes its cue from a Fears wristwatch dating to 1924, but the execution doesn’t feel like a reproduction. Polished curves soften its footprint, while the distinctive numeral shapes give the dial a character you won’t mistake for another brand’s. If you’re deciding between the 38 and 40, remember that a cushion case wears differently from a round one: width alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Pay attention, too, to the contrast between hands, numerals and dial; the restrained detailing deserves a combination you can read comfortably, not just admire.