The New Brew Metric Automatic

August 21, 2023

Brew Watches just announced a new limited version of its Metric Chronograph design, this time as a time-only watch with automatic mechanical movement C and for $525, it seems like a heck of a good value. Getting rid of the mechaquartz movement and going to a Seiko NH35A means you get a solid time-only, stainless-steel watch at 36mm (41.5mm tall) and 10.75mm thick. The Brew coffee bean logo is still at 12 o'clock and orange accents on the outside of the polished steel indices match the orange lollipop hand. To cap it all off you've got a nice creamy lume to accent what feels like a '70s-inspired vintage watch turned into a modern release. The watch is available now on the brand's website, and is limited to 500 pieces. What We Think I'll be honest. It's halfway through the year and I'm starting to feel a bit of release fatigue. There are so many brands out there that release watch after watch throughout the year, but often it's just a different dial and not much else. For you classic music lovers, you'll get me when I say this feels like the early 1900s. Everything is "Variations on a Theme." And yet, the new Metric Automatic goes to show how a brand like Brew benefits from a designer at the helm who can iterate without being redundant.? The new watch definitely draws from the two Metric Chronographs I put head-to-head last month, but in a way that hits the perfect middle ground of being well-designed without trying too hard. I love the lollipop hand (I'm not sure exactly which watch it takes this inspiration from, but it personally reminds me of old Nivada Grenchen CASDs) and the dial still has the taste of Porsche Design vibes I liked from those Metric Chronographs. But as much as I love chronographs, I barely actually use the function itself, so this pared-down mechanical option makes more sense for me. The press release mentions a "display caseback," though I wouldn't exactly go that far after seeing the photo. That being said, I know a lot of people new to the watch space find themselves captivated by "heartbeat" dials or skeletonized watches (regardless of movement finishing or quality) because they give a glimpse of the mechanical parts moving. I bought a skeletonized Fossil over a decade ago and felt like seeing the gears move meant I had the most expensive watch in the world. Being able to see the balance wheel moving is something that will catch the attention of new buyers who generally gravitate to the $525 price point and, at the very least, isn't a negative for well-seasoned enthusiasts C especially with the rest of the package being so solid. The Basics Brand: BrewModel: Metric Automatic SteelDiameter: 36mm x 41.5mmThickness: 10.75mmCase Material: 316L Stainless SteelDial Color: BlackIndexes: Faceted stick indicesLume: Yes, on hands and end of indicesWater Resistance: 50mStrap/Bracelet: Brushed and polished stainless steel with quick release springbars The Movement Caliber: Seiko Automatic NH35AFunctions: Hours, minutes, center secondsDiameter: 27.4mmThickness: 5.32mmPower Reserve: 40+ hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 21,600 bphJewels: 24Chronometer Certified: No Pricing & Availability Price: $525Availability: Immediately, shipping 8/21Limited Edition: Yes, 500 piecesFor more, click here. Shop this story For more information on Brew Watches Co. visit their website.