It was only a matter of time. The two superpowers of British watchmaking, Studio Underd0g and Fears, are back at it with another cocktail-inspired collaboration. You’ll remember the Gimlet, that gin-and-lime infused stunner which caused quite the stir at British Watchmakers’ Day 2025. Well, now it’s America’s turn to raise a glass. Enter the Manhattan — officially launching at the WindUp Watch Fair in New York, running 17th–19th October 2025.

Dubbed the 02Series, the Manhattan will be limited to just 300 pieces, a slight bump from the 200-strong Gimlet run. And while the official launch takes place in New York, those unable to attend needn’t despair. Studio Underd0g has opened a registration page on their website where enthusiasts can express their interest. In short: a rare chance for collectors on this side of the pond to stake their claim.

The Manhattan follows the same recipe first mixed with the Gimlet, but trades the zesty freshness for a warmer, richer character. Housed in a 38mm cushion case borrowed from the Fears Brunswick, the watch measures a slim 12mm thick with a 43.5mm lug-to-lug. Its softened square silhouette and compact lugs keep things elegant on the wrist, while the prominent onion crown — a vintage Brunswick signature — adds both charm and tactile pleasure when winding the manually driven movement.

Look closer and Studio Underd0g’s fingerprints are instantly clear. Two exposed screwheads on the dial secure a 1mm-thick sapphire disc, onto which all the printed details are mounted: a railroad minute track, black-edged Arabic numerals, and the twin Fears and Underd0g logos.

Where the Gimlet featured hollowed-out hands, the Manhattan opts for a bolder approach, lumed hands with a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the dial. Speaking of which, the dial itself is the showstopper: an intense amber fumé sunray finish that captures the richness of its namesake cocktail.

Powering the piece is the tried-and-true Sellita SW210, a hand-wound calibre offering 42 hours of reserve. It’s a familiar microbrand choice, but one that feels crisp in execution, especially with that oversized onion crown making daily winding a delight. Around back, a solid caseback features only a sunray brushed finish and a small engraving of two cherries, a neat garnish to the theme.

The watch comes paired with a brown leather strap crafted by British strapmaker The Strap Tailor, and it suits the Manhattan perfectly — understated, supple, and versatile.

Overall, there’s little doubt this will be another hit from the British dream team. As a former owner of the Gimlet (I really did try to make it work), the Manhattan tugs at me a little less, but that’s purely personal taste. If you happen to be at WindUp with a spare £1,000 burning a hole in your pocket, this could well be the purchase of the show. Look out, New York, the queues are coming.

This marks the second instalment in the drinks-based collaborations, and a quick glance at the Studio Underd0g website suggests a third round might already be in the works. Whatever the recipe, the partnership with Fears is clearly shaking up the scene, and it’s working brilliantly.