The Fears Watch Company announces that they have become the official timekeeping partner to the Great British Odyssey world record attempt.
A Great British Odyssey will see ultra endurance athlete, Angus Collins (below), attempt to be the first person ever to solo row, unsupported around mainland Great Britain. Despite numerous attempts over the years this feat of endurance and British adventure has not be accomplished before. As the official timekeeping partner, Fears will be making five bespoke experimental watches for Angus to use during this 60-day challenge. The challenge’s mission is to raise £250,000 for James’ Place, a charity that saves the lives of men in suicidal crisis.
The challenge will commence around the 1st June and see Angus solo row in a specially designed and made boat, clockwise around England, Wales and Scotland. Rowing up to 18 hours a day while resting and sleeping onboard, Angus is not allowed to dock or leave the vessel at any time during the attempt. Great Britain has some of the most dangerous waters in the world, which homes Europe’s biggest whirlpool, the infamous Corryvreckan, making this challenge exceptionally difficult. Angus has broken world records rowing across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, making him one of the most successful ocean rowers of our time.
The Experimental 01 watches that Fears are making for A Great British Odyssey have been designed and engineered in-house with Angus working closely with members of Fears’ Design department. Every part of the new watch has been carefully considered when being proposed to ensure it is fit for purpose during the row, using Fears’ near-decade of expertise. The suppliers tasked with specially making the components for the Experimental 01 watches are working with Fears on a singular testing process to ensure these watches are suitable for the challenge.
“Fears Watches is the perfect partner for A Great British Odyssey. Just as the Experimental 01 embodies cutting-edge design, precision, and craftsmanship, so too does the bespoke built boat designed for this world-first challenge. Both are a testament to British ingenuity, where attention to detail is the difference between success and failure. For me, this campaign isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about showcasing the very best of Britain. And in a delightfully un-British move, it’s about celebrating our skills on the world stage, boldly proving that British excellence deserves to be seen. Nicholas and his team have embraced my challenge, and also see the importance of James’ Place and the work they do to help men who are going through suicidal periods, and for that, I will forever be grateful to the incredible team at Fears.”
Angus Collins, Skipper, Founder Of A Great British Odyssey
“It’s an honour to have Fears become the official timekeeping partner of a Great British Odyssey. I’ve always had great admiration and fascination for the British sense of adventure, tackling challenges with focus and gusto. A Great British Odyssey captures this perfectly with such an incredible person in Angus leading the way on what’s an inspiring challenge with an important mission to accomplish.
Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, (4th) Managing Director, Fears Watch Company
I’ve always tried to ensure that each watch bearing the Fears name on its dial stands up to our company’s trademarked motto of ‘Elegantly Understated’. Though the ‘Elegant’ side of this I believe is evident in the watches we hand build in England, by partnering with a Great British Odyssey we are truly able to underscore the ‘Understated’ side with all Fears watches currently designed and built to a standard far greater than we rate them to. By working closely with our trusted suppliers across the UK, Europe and the World we have been able to push the boat out and create something unique with Experimental 01 to help Angus during his row. The mission side of what Angus is attempting, to raise money for James’ Place, hits a personal note with me as someone who has sadly lost friends to suicide. Therefore, I encourage everyone who can, to donate to this incredible charity to help support the vital work that they do.”
The Fears Experimental 01 watches will be given to Angus at an event in May 2025 after they have been through hundreds of hours of rigorous testing and examination. The Experimental 01 watches will not be made available for sale to the public.
For more information please visit Fears Watch Company