The Brew Metric: A Retro-inspired Gem for Those in the Know
This 1970s/coffee bean-inspired piece from a beloved New York microbrand has been seen on the wrist of Hollywood A-lister Idris Elba.
by JV Ordoñez
Published on Jan 27, 2026
New York-based microbrand Brew Watches has slowly been accumulating a cult following of truly cultured watch enthusiasts due to pieces that evoke 1970s industrial America at retail prices that won't break the bank.
The Brew Metric Chronograph with a MechaQuartz movement, which looks far more expensive than what it actually goes for, has Hollywood A-listers such as Idris Elba making waves for sporting the eye-catching and esoteric piece.
The Brew Metric MechaQuartz watch in the Retro Dial variant
Strapping this unique piece on a man that effortlessly oozes charisma and charm such as James Bond short-listed actor Idris Elba would lead people to assume that "surely that watch would cost me my arm and a leg." That is far from the case.
You can only really buy the watch via their website and locally it would cost you just P28,500 for the 36mm timepiece. The Brew Watch Company isn't really that new in the watch game, setting up shop in 2015 with seasoned industrial designer Jonathan Ferrer at the helm. Brew literally takes inspiration from, you guessed it, coffee, well coffee breaks in particular.
It runs on the ethos of taking a moment of precious time and cherishing time for oneself dearly. The Metric Chronograph in the Retro Dial variant uses a mechaquartz movement that combines a battery-powered quartz crystal with a mechanical module for stopwatch functions.
It is without a doubt their most recognizable watch that is founded on 1970s industrial, minimalist design adorned with the coffee-bean logo on the watch's caseback. A quirky and candy-like color palette of bright greens, yellows, and orange on the black dial on asymmetrical layout with a chronograph function between 9 and 10 o'clock.
This is all powered by the Seiko Caliber VK68 beating inside the understated vintage-looking piece.
The Brew Metric shown from multiple angles"
The blended steel and brushed construction tops off the industrial look Brew is going for and its (70s) era-appropriate 36mm sporty integrated bracelet form factor makes this oddity wearable for most guys.
Aesthetically speaking, the Metric is giving us a lot of vintage steel-bracelet Omega Seamaster vibes at a fairly inexpensive price. Brew is doing something truly special here as most "vintage-inspired" timepieces are more often than not just homage watches that are heavily-inspired by benchmark pieces from heritage brands.
Who says a classy period-piece looking watch can't work in the big 2026?
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