In the current landscape of independent watchmaking, finding a brand with a truly distinct and unwavering identity can be a refreshing discovery. Brew Watch Co., founded by industrial designer Jonathan Ferrer, has successfully carved out such a niche by centering its entire philosophy around the cherished ritual of the coffee break. This isn't just a marketing angle; it's a core principle that informs every curve, finish, and function of their timepieces. The brand's latest creation, the Metric Digital Blend, stands as perhaps the most direct and innovative manifestation of this coffee-centric ethos to date, skillfully merging vintage design cues with a unique, purpose-built complication.
The story of Brew is intrinsically linked to the personal passion of its founder. Jonathan Ferrer, an industrial designer with a decade of experience in the watch industry and a lineage of jewelry designers, conceptualized his brand not in a sterile design studio, but within the vibrant and aromatic atmosphere of a café. He saw the coffee break as a universal moment of pause, a time to disconnect from the daily rush, meet with friends, or simply savor a quiet moment. The brand’s philosophy posits that this break is less about the simple act of consumption and more about the act of savoring time itself. This perspective is the foundational block upon which every Brew watch is built.
Courtesy of Brew
Ferrer’s approach translates this abstract concept into tangible design elements. He draws direct inspiration from the industrial aesthetics of high-end espresso machines, translating their blend of warm colors, varied textures, and robust construction into a wearable format. This design language is evident across the Brew collection, with components that often feature a mix of brushed and polished surfaces, much like the stainless steel fixtures of a professional coffee bar. The resulting timepieces feel both functional and thoughtfully composed, expressing an industrial character that is both honest and inviting, a tool designed to accompany and enhance a daily ritual.
The Metric Digital Blend represents a significant evolution of this concept. It moves beyond passive design references and introduces an active, engaging function that directly serves the coffee enthusiast. Billed as the world’s first hybrid watch to combine classic analog timekeeping with a digital LED espresso timer, it addresses a specific need within its target culture. For many, pulling the perfect espresso shot is a science, with timing being a critical variable. The Digital Blend integrates this timing process directly onto the wrist, creating a seamless link between the wearer’s passion for coffee and their passion for watches.
Visually, the watch makes an immediate impression with its retro-futuristic, TV-style case. Measuring 37.50mm by 43mm, its cushioned square silhouette is a clear nod to the bold designs of the 1970s. The case is crafted from a solid billet of 316L stainless steel, a standard in quality watchmaking known for its durability and corrosion resistance. The finishing is particularly well-executed, with a fine vertical brushing on the top surface that flows seamlessly into the integrated bracelet. This is contrasted by a high polish on the beveled edges of the case, a detail that catches the light and adds a layer of visual complexity, preventing the design from feeling monolithic.
Courtesy of Brew
The dial of the Metric Digital Blend is where its dual identity truly comes to life. The main surface is a deep, gloss black, providing a high-contrast backdrop for the time-telling elements. The primary time is displayed in a traditional analog format, with a simple two-hand system for the hours and minutes, accompanied by a vibrant orange seconds hand that adds a splash of color. In place of numerals, the dial features applied, blocky hour markers. These markers, along with the hands, are treated with a powerful luminous material that glows a bright green in low-light conditions, ensuring readability is maintained around the clock.
What sets the dial apart, however, is the recessed window at the six o'clock position. This is the home of the digital LED display. When dormant, it's an unobtrusive, dark screen. When activated by the pusher on the case side, it glows to life with a vibrant red light, a color choice that evokes classic digital watches of the past. This screen is the heart of the watch's signature complication, displaying a 30-second countdown timer specifically calibrated for timing an espresso shot. The integration is clever, providing a modern function without disrupting the clean, vintage-inspired aesthetic of the analog display.
The espresso timer function is both practical and charming. A press of the dedicated pusher initiates the 30-second countdown, providing the barista, professional or amateur, with a precise and easily accessible tool. Upon completion, the watch doesn't simply stop; it displays a playful animation of a percolating coffee cup. This small detail is quintessentially Brew. It injects a sense of fun and personality into a technical function, reinforcing the brand's identity and its focus on the enjoyment of the coffee-making process. It’s a feature that demonstrates a deep understanding of the target audience, transforming the watch from a mere timekeeper into an active participant in their hobby.
Courtesy of Brew
Powering this unique combination of displays is an analog-digital module. This quartz-based movement is the technological key that unlocks the watch's hybrid capabilities. It provides the reliability and accuracy expected of a modern timepiece for the analog hands, while also containing the separate electronic architecture needed to run the LED digital display and its timer function. While mechanical purists may prefer gears and springs, the choice of an analog-digital module here is a pragmatic and necessary one, as it is the most effective way to achieve this specific, novel complication in a slim and affordable package.
The watch is fitted with an integrated stainless steel bracelet that feels like a direct extension of the case itself. The links are flat and feature a consistent brushed finish that matches the top of the case, creating a cohesive and unified look. The design of the bracelet, with its gentle taper, further enhances the 1970s aesthetic. Importantly, Brew has included modern conveniences, such as a quick-release system that allows for easy removal of the bracelet without tools. The bracelet secures with a folding clasp that includes micro-adjustment points, a crucial feature that enables the wearer to achieve a perfect, comfortable fit on the wrist.
On the wrist, the Metric Digital Blend’s thoughtful dimensions become apparent. The 37.50mm case diameter is a versatile size that harks back to a time when watches were more modestly proportioned, making it comfortable for a wide array of wrist sizes. With a thickness of 13mm, it has a substantial presence without feeling overly bulky, allowing it to be worn easily for any occasion. This focus on ergonomics aligns with Ferrer’s goal of creating watches that are not just conceptually interesting but are genuinely comfortable for everyday wear.
Every material choice reinforces the brand's commitment to quality. The case and bracelet are machined from 316L stainless steel, ensuring a robust build that can withstand the rigors of daily life. Protecting the dial is a flat sapphire crystal, a premium feature that offers exceptional scratch resistance, far superior to the mineral or acrylic crystals often found at this price point. This ensures the watch's face remains clear and unblemished through years of wear, a testament to the brand's focus on longevity and owner satisfaction.
Courtesy of Brew
The watch’s water resistance is rated at 5ATM, which translates to 50 meters. For practical purposes, this means the timepiece is well-protected against everyday encounters with water, such as splashes from hand washing, getting caught in the rain, or other incidental contact. While it is not designed for swimming or diving, this level of resistance is perfectly adequate for a daily-wear watch of this style, providing peace of mind for the wearer as they go about their day, from the office to the coffee shop.
The execution of the luminous application deserves special mention. The bright green glow of the markers against the inky black dial is not only functional but also visually striking. In dark environments, the watch takes on a completely different character. The large, squared-off indices provide a significant surface area for the luminous paint, resulting in a bright and long-lasting glow that makes telling the time in the dark an effortless task. This is a practical detail that demonstrates a commitment to usability in all conditions.
The overall design language can be best described as a successful exercise in retro-futurism. It expertly captures the spirit of 1970s and 80s design with its case shape and the nostalgic glow of its red LED, yet it feels entirely contemporary in its execution and purpose. It is a watch that would look equally at home in a vintage science-fiction film as it does on the wrist of a modern coffee aficionado. This blending of past and present creates a compelling and distinctive character that sets it apart.
More than just its physical attributes, the Metric Digital Blend is about enhancing a ritual. The inclusion of the espresso timer is a deliberate choice to connect the wearer more deeply with their daily coffee break. It encourages a moment of focus and precision, turning a routine into a small, satisfying ceremony. This is where the watch succeeds on an emotional level, becoming a companion for a cherished part of the day, just as its designer intended.
Courtesy of Brew
This focus on subtle, clever details is a hallmark of the brand. Jonathan Ferrer’s design process emphasizes including elements that reward the owner over time. The percolating coffee cup animation is a prime example. To an outside observer, it’s a quirky detail, but to the wearer, it becomes a familiar and enjoyable part of their routine. These considered touches foster a stronger connection between the owner and the object, making the watch feel more personal and less like a mass-produced item.
For those captivated by its unique blend of retro style and modern functionality, the Brew Metric Digital Blend is positioned as an accessible piece of design. The watch is priced at $425.00 and is available directly from the company. This direct-to-consumer model allows the brand to offer a feature-rich and well-constructed timepiece at a competitive price point. For the watch enthusiast, the coffee lover, or anyone who appreciates design with a distinct point of view, the Metric Digital Blend offers a compelling and enjoyable way to celebrate the simple pleasure of a perfectly timed break.
Case: Stainless steel 316L, 37.50mm x 43mm diameter, 13mm thickness, 19.85mm lug width, sapphire crystal, 5ATM (50 meters) water resistance.
Movement: Analog-Digital Module.
Dial: Gloss black with luminous index markers.
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with brushed and polished finishing, quick-release system, and a folding clasp with micro-adjustments.
Price: $425.00
Reference Number: Notes: The world’s first hybrid watch combining classic analog timekeeping with a digital LED espresso timer. The timer features a 30-second countdown and a percolating coffee cup animation.