The Brew Metric

July 28, 2021

Those of you with eyes for the free-wheeling world of the microbrand have likely had Brew Watch Co. on your radar for at least the past few years. This coffee-obsessed NYC-based watch brand has been cranking out fun and funky designs since Jonathan Ferrer started the brand in 2015. Over those years, the brand has earned an earnest and engaged following but none of their watches C lovely as they are C managed to speak directly to my taste. That is, until this past week when Brew announced their latest chronograph, the Metric.? Offered in two distinctive colorways, the Metric is a 36mm steel sports chronograph that features an integrated bracelet design that is tantamount to the best of the 1970s without all of the brown (and orange, and other browns). Measuring just 10.75mm thick and 41.5mm lug to lug, the case blends beautifully with the 20mm steel bracelet as it tapers down towards a steel fold-over clasp.? A sapphire crystal covers either a black dial with multi-color accents or a steel dial with blue accents and the asymmetrical subdial and date layout is supported via a hybrid Mecha-Quartz movement that combines a quartz movement with a mechanical system for actuating the chronograph. It's a "best of both worlds" solution in which you get the accuracy and cost savings of quartz but the feel and reset behavior of a mechanical chronograph.? For the Metric (and for several other chronograph models from the brand) Brew has opted for a Seiko-sourced VK68 Mecha-Quartz that offers a conventional time display, a 60-minute chronograph measure at ten o'clock, running seconds at six o'clock, and a date tucked discretely at 4:30. The controls use a conventional crown and two-pusher layout and the Metric has 50 meters of water resistance and a closed steel case back.? Priced at $395 for either version, the Metric looks like a home run for Brew, and shipping is expected to start by the end of August.? What We Think Want the TL:DR? I love it. No, I'm not in love with the 4:30 date, but the Metric's oddball layout is nicely complemented by the shape and balance of its proportions, good legibility, and a bracelet that couldn't look more at home with the case design. Additionally, I love the colors, and the sizing, and especially the way in which the round dial aperture has been integrated into a TV-shaped '70s-style case.? Did I mention I love the colors? In judging only from the photos, the black dial with the multi-colored accents is easily my fave of the two, but it's not like the silver is lacking in any way. The flat black base and white subdials ensure that the mix of mint green, rich yellow, and vibrant orange really work as highlights for an already successful design.?Also, given the uncommon position for the chronograph minutes subdial, I applaud Brew's truly minimal use of branding, in which the Metric has almost no dial text and branding is limited to just a small logo inset from the marker at three o'clock. The result is an oddball dial that has plenty of room to breathe.? For $400 and from an enthusiast brand, I don't see how you could go wrong with the Metric. It's distinctive and fun, but also nicely proportioned, useful, and small enough for most anyone's day-to-day wear.? I hope to get a chance to see one in the metal in the coming weeks as I am very curious as to what is possible at this price when considering the quality of the bracelet, the fine-edge finishing, and the feel of that Mecha-Quartz movement. Until then, you can consider me deeply keen for all that color.? The Basics Brand: Brew Model: Metric?Diameter: 36mmThickness: 10.75mmLug to Lug: 41.5mm Case Material: SteelDial Color: Black (with many colors) or steel (with blue accents)Indexes: AppliedLume: Yes, BGW9 Super-LumiNova Water Resistance: 50 metersStrap/Bracelet: 20mm integrated steel bracelet? The Movement Caliber: VK68 Mecha-QuartzFunctions: Hours, minutes seconds, 60-minute chronograph, date Pricing & Availability Price: $395Availability: Orders open now, shipping by the end of August 2021.?For more, click here. Shop this story The Brew Metric is available via Brew Watches online.