Brew Watch Review: A Brand Built for the Coffee Break

As a coffee enthusiast, I was naturally excited when a brand called Brew appeared on the watch scene. Of course, “Brew” could mean almost anything — or nothing at all — as many brands choose names based compulsively on sound rather than meaning. After all, Rolex doesn’t have any inherent definition, but it certainly rolls off the tongue. In this case, however, Brew is very much a nod to coffee, as the company’s founder, Jonathan Ferrer, is a genuine coffee aficionado. The brand’s philosophy sums it up perfectly: “The break is less about the consumption of coffee and more about savoring — savoring that very moment in time.”

From Curiosity to Commitment

Despite my interest, it took some time before I purchased my first Brew. I strongly prefer to try a watch on the wrist before committing, and with many microbrands, that opportunity is rare. Brew was no exception, until late 2025, when the brand announced a partnership with a Japanese watch retailer, making in-person try-ons possible. The Steel Dial had always stood out to me, but it took only a few seconds on the wrist to seal the deal. The decision was immediate.

Design & Dial: Industrial Chic with Personality

The Brew Metric Steel is a genuinely distinctive watch. It is fun, quirky, stylish, and visually striking. From the moment I left the store, with the bracelet perfectly sized, it exuded a 1970s industrial-chic charm that is difficult to ignore. While this Steel variant feels slightly more modern than the brand’s classic Retro dial, the vintage influence remains unmistakable.

The brushed silver dial is particularly compelling. It responds dynamically to light, appearing subdued and matte in some conditions, while taking on a subtle shimmer in others. The layout is well considered: the running seconds subdial sits at 6 o’clock, the 60-minute chronograph totalizer is positioned between 9 and 10 o’clock, and the date window resides at 4:30. Though I am generally critical of date placements in this position, Brew has integrated it cleanly and without distraction.

Coffee Details That Reward a Closer Look

One of the most charming coffee-inspired details appears on the rehaut, which features a two-tone treatment. Most of it matches the dial’s off-white tone, but between 25 and 35 seconds, the color shifts to a slightly darker grey. This marks the ideal brewing time for an espresso, which is a nice subtle touch that perfectly reflects Brew’s playful yet thoughtful design language.

The bezel further adds to the watch’s character. Rather than a simple flat ring, it is composed of two angled surfaces that slope toward one another, creating depth and visual tension. Both surfaces are brushed, lending the watch a cool, almost icy aesthetic that pairs beautifully with the steel dial.

Wearability & Bracelet

At 36 mm × 41.5 mm, the Brew Metric Steel wears exceptionally well. The compact proportions and integrated bracelet allow it to sit comfortably on a wide range of wrists. The bracelet itself is more complex than it first appears. When viewed from the back, each link is revealed to be constructed from three individual components, a clever bit of engineering hidden behind a clean exterior. It tapers dramatically toward the clasp, enhancing comfort, and is secured by a sturdy double-push deployant clasp that closes with confidence.

There are, however, a few minor drawbacks. The bracelet extends outward slightly from the case and lacks some flexibility near the end links. A tighter downward curve would have helped it conform more naturally to the wrist. Additionally, the cushion-style case gives the watch a slightly larger presence than its measurements suggest, which is not necessarily a negative, but something to be aware of.

Movement & Performance

Powering the Metric is a hybrid VK68 meca-quartz chronograph movement, and it plays a major role in the watch’s appeal. This caliber combines the precision and reliability of quartz with the tactile satisfaction reminiscent of mechanical chronographs. The chronograph hand sweeps smoothly across the dial when engaged, the pushers offer crisp, reassuring clicks, and the reset snaps decisively back to zero, which is certainly a detail mechanical enthusiasts will appreciate.

Crystal, Lume & Water Resistance

A sapphire crystal protects the dial, beneath which you’ll find modest but functional lume applied to the hour indices. While it isn’t particularly powerful, it performs adequately for low-light situations, especially considering the watch’s price point. Water resistance is rated at 5 ATM (50 meters), making it suitable for daily wear but not for extended exposure to water.

Brew Watch Metric Steel - Final Thoughts

Should the Brew Metric Steel Dial earn a place in your collection? Without hesitation, yes. And for those who prefer a bit more color, Brew offers a wide variety of alternatives, including the classic Retro, Electric Blue, Gold and Black, Titanium, Star (yellow and red), Burnt Orange, and even a refined dark blue variant from a recent collaboration with Teddy Baldassarre.

Priced at approximately $425 USD, the Brew Metric represents excellent value. With that being said, I do have a small point of contention regarding the price of the straps. Being an integrated model, one must rely on the brand for strap options, and the lovely leather variants come in at $55, which isn’t bad, but certainly isn’t great. On top of that, shipping to our home base here in Japan is quite steep when compared to other microbrands and independents. 

That being said, it is an easy recommendation for coffee lovers, fans of vintage-inspired design, or anyone seeking a chronograph with genuine personality and thoughtful execution. Even if the brand is not available in your local retailer, take our word for it. Bite the bullet, and enjoy looking down at your wrist during your next coffee break.