Read any article about Brew Watch Co. and you’ll no doubt encounter the fact that their chronographs are designed for the niche purpose of timing the perfect espresso. It’s a novel use for a chronograph complication, though a touch less high octane than the normal motorsport connection. We got hands on with the Super Metric to see just how effective Brew’s watches really are.
The first challenge in writing this article is that unlike everyone else in Oracle Time HQ, I don’t drink coffee, or tea for that matter. So I will have to rely a on second-hand accounts when it comes to the actual coffee drinking. But the watch review portion, I can handle that. Off the bat, the Metric case is one of the standout designs to emerge from the microbrand space (the standard mechanical models often sell out quickly). Measuring 36mm x 41.5mm with a tonneau shape accentuated by a cushion bezel and integrated bracelet, it perfectly encapsulates 1970s style design.
As with the majority of integrated sports watches, the broad surfaces of the case with its vertical sides and brushed finishing gives it much more presence on the wrist than its proportions indicate on paper. The single-link design of the steel bracelet also means that it wears very comfortably, wrapping the wrist nicely and leading into a folding clasp that’s as unfussy as they come.
The version of the Super Metric here is the Electric Blue, one of the more vibrant, colourful editions. It has a peripheral 60-minute scale on the flange in blue, then the multi-colour chronograph seconds scale, the minute track, hours scale and then the main dial is a dark, navy blue with grainy texture. It features rectangular subdials with the small seconds oriented vertically at 6 o’clock and the 60-minute counter horizontally between 9 and 10 o’clock. Those subdials are themselves arranged with off-centre hands against a backdrop of grey/white quadrants. Between the two is a striped, orange decoration.
Now to the coffee, which means making use of the chronograph function. The movement that powers the Super Metric is the VK68 Meca-Quartz, which means that while the primary timekeeping function is operated by a quartz regulator, the chronograph itself is mechanical. That means that when you press the red pusher, you get that instant, tactile response and smooth chronograph seconds movement – as opposed to quartz chronos where you get that on second delay before anything starts moving.
The multi-coloured chronograph seconds scale is graduated specifically for pouring the perfect espresso shot. It’s yellow for the first 25 seconds (too short), orange for the 25-35 seconds portion (just right) and white for the remainder (too long). Let me tell you, I have never seen my colleagues so excited to use a chronograph when it gave them an excuse to have about two espressos each just because of how many were made during the photoshoot. They also assure me that it was, indeed, the perfect brew.
Priced at £363, it offers really solid value for a daily wear steel chronograph with a fun, retro-leaning design. Though as you’ll also want to invest in a new coffee machine to make use of it, you might want to factor that into your budget as well.
Price and Specs:
More details at Brew.
