Studio Underd0g x Fears serves up another cocktail masterclass in the Manhattan
Russell Sheldrake- British independent darlings Studio Underd0g and Fears present their second cocktail-inspired collaboration, following up March’s Gimlet-inspired watch.
- The Fears Brunswick case frames a creative Studio Underd0g SERIES02 layered dial that adds both depth and character, just like a tasty Manhattan.
- Like The Gimlet, the Manhattan is also a fair exclusive, with 300 pieces only available at WindUp Watch Fair New York 2025.
It is now safe to call Richard Benc of Studio Underd0g and Nicholas Bowman-Scargill of Fears the head mixologists of the independent watch world, as they present their second cocktail-themed collaboration in the Manhattan. It’s no secret that these two like a drink, but it can never be just any drink; they are as demanding in their choice of libation as they are in the design of their watches. And after seeing the stampede caused by The Gimlet launch at British Watchmakers’ Day this year, it was only a matter of time before we saw this pairing return with another concoction.
And it’s here, less than a year on! The 02SERIES Manhattan follows the same format as the Gimlet, with the brushed, squared, Fears Brunswick case framing a creative Studio Underd0g layered dial that adds both depth and character. The bottom dial is a silver base that’s been given a sunburst brush with a radial fumé gradient applied on top. Covering this is an amber-coloured sapphire disc, measuring just 1mm thick. The effect of layering these dials in this way gives the impression of a much more costly process, but with the added benefit of those wonderful drop shadows of the printed logos on the top sapphire dial.
The dial is punctuated with the two slotted screws that hold its constituent parts together, along with the applied markers that switch between bold, stylised numerals and batons. Inside the markers and hands is a creamy Super-LumiNova that complements the browns on the dial, glowing brightly when the lights dim. Sitting above it all is a bubble crystal that adds some extra depth while also doubling down on the vintage aesthetic this watch has managed to construct.
The overall look of this degrade dial fits perfectly with its cocktail namesake, with its transfixing mixture of whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters when poured into a coupe, creating a similar shifting of colours, tone, light and depth. As you move this watch around, you catch different shades moving across the dial, with flashes of gold and light brown fading into dark browns and blacks. It’s almost animated in a way, like you’re swirling your drink in your glass while the mood lighting of your favourite bar illuminates your beverage.
Inside, you still find the manually-wound Sellita SW210-1 that offers 42 hours of power reserve and a wonderfully tactile experience with your watch as you wind it every other day through the onion crown. However, the movement is blocked from view by the solid caseback that is extremely sparse, with just a pair of stamped cocktail cherries as a garnish. The case is fully brushed, including the concave bezel, with the only exception being the short lugs, which have been given a high polish. Sat between these lugs is a product of another British company, The Strap Tailor, which has crafted a wonderful handmade tobacco brown leather strap that proves incredibly comfortable on the wrist.
Studio Underd0g x Fears 02SERIES Manhattan pricing and availability
The new Studio Underd0g x Fears 02 SERIES Manhattan is limited to 300 pieces and exclusively available at the WindUp Watch Fair New York (which takes place in Midtown Manhattan – how appropriate!) from the 17th to the 19th of October, sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Price: US$1,300
| Brand | Studio Underd0g x Fears |
| Model | 02SERIES Manhattan |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 12mm (T) x 43.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Dual-layer brown sunray dégradé and sapphire |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Tobacco brown, steel pin buckle |
| Movement | Sellita SW210-1, manual-winding |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Limited to 300 pieces, available only at WindUp New York |
| Price | US$1,300 |