Super Stars: Brew Comes Through with Four New Chronographs
The evolution of the Metric continues with the supercharged, ultra-retro-inspired graphics of the Super Metric.
By Rhonda Riche
Editor-At-Large
I know I’ve written this before, but it feels like every year, I say my next watch purchase will be a Brew. And every year, I hold back because experience has taught me that the brand will introduce something even more thrilling in a couple of months. Well, in the final days of 2024, it happened again when Brewmaster Jonathan Ferrer launched the Metro Super Metric.
These new chronographs are particularly appealing to me because their design combines the signatures of two of my favorite models from the American independent watchmaker: the Metric Max Gold and the Metric Chronograph Extraction Timer.
What I Like About Brew
As previously mentioned, Ferrer's output has been impressive, yet he is constantly upgrading his collections. In fact, before the release of the Metro Super Metric, we had already seen the Metric Titanium chronograph, a coffee-colored collaboration with Alton Brown, and a Retrograph with a fully lumed dial.
And Brew is still surprising us with neat, new materials while staying loyal to the silhouettes that first captured our attention when Ferrer launched this microbrand from his apartment in 2015.
One of Brew’s strengths is keeping collectors happy. And the Metro Super Metric brings together so many of our favorite elements of the original, like the 36mm diameter, 10.75mm thick, stainless-steel cushion case and the retro 1970s graphics of the dial display.
The Metric System
The Metric is a great watch. So, what makes the Super Metric superb? It’s all about the color and the graphics.
The timepiece comes in four completely different colorways of this timepiece: Lumina Yellow, Electric Blue, Burnt Orange, and Royal Blue. So, visually, there’s something for everyone. And for those who adored the Metric Max Gold, the Super Metric also has hints of color off the dial in the form of a tinted pusher.
Previously, the case shape and circular sub-dials suggested 1970s-era vibrations. The Super Metric moves into an early ‘80s design aesthetic with angular sub-dials, a pebbly textured dial, and post-modern line play. For the ‘80s kids (or anyone who grew up watching “I Love The 1980s” on VH1 in the Aughts), the aesthetic recalls asymmetric ponytails and Patrick Nagel prints, providing a welcome but not overwhelming sense of nostalgia.
Recognizing that this eclectic layout makes the Metro Super Metric a little harder to read than your typical chronograph, Brew was smart to lose the date window. So, while it’s a fun model, for hardcore collectors, it’s serious fun.
Finally, the Super Metric is powered by the Seiko VK68 Mecaquartz chronograph movement. This hybrid calibre uses quartz technology to power the main timekeeping functions of the watch, but it also has a mechanical module to operate the chronograph to give the hands a smooth sweeping and a satisfying snap-back thanks to its Instant Zero-Reset function.
Accessible to most enthusiasts, the Super Metric is priced at just $475 and is available now on Brew Watch Co.'s website. Or, if you’ll be in New York City from February 12 to 16, you can stop by Brew’s pop-up store at 2 Rivington Street in the Lower East Side.