In the ever-evolving landscape of watchmaking, where innovation and tradition often collide, BREW has carved a niche for itself by crafting timepieces that seamlessly blend vintage aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities. Their latest creation, the Metric Star, is no exception. This captivating chronograph, with its distinctive design and meticulous attention to detail, is poised to capture the hearts of watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.
BREW, short for Brew Watch Co., is a relatively young brand, founded in 2015 by Jonathan Ferrer. Despite its youth, BREW has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to producing high-quality watches that are both stylish and accessible. Ferrer, a self-taught watch designer with a background in industrial design, draws inspiration from vintage timepieces, particularly those from the 1960s and 1970s. This passion for retro aesthetics is evident in every BREW watch, including the Metric Star.
Courtesy of BREW
The Metric Star is the latest iteration of BREW's popular Metric Chronograph, a watch that has garnered a loyal following since its debut in 2021. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Metric Star introduces a refined aesthetic and a unique twist that sets it apart. The most striking feature of the Metric Star is its captivating gold sunray dial. This shimmering surface, reminiscent of vintage chronographs, adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to the watch's overall appearance. The dial is further enhanced by recessed subdials, which create a sense of depth and dimension.
The Metric Star's case, crafted from robust 316L stainless steel, measures a comfortable 36mm in diameter. This size, while considered compact by today's standards, is a nod to the vintage chronographs that inspired the watch's design. The case's blend of brushed and polished surfaces adds visual interest and reinforces the watch's industrial aesthetic. The watch's lugs, measuring 19.85mm in width, are designed to accommodate a variety of straps, allowing the wearer to personalize their timepiece.
Protecting the intricate dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, ensuring that the watch's beauty remains unblemished. The caseback, also made of stainless steel, is secured with screws, providing a water resistance of 5 ATM (50 meters). While not designed for deep-sea diving, the Metric Star can withstand everyday splashes and brief immersions in water.
The Metric Star's bracelet, crafted from the same high-quality stainless steel as the case, features a combination of brushed and polished links, echoing the case's contrasting finishes. The bracelet is secured with a folding clasp that incorporates micro-adjustments, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist.
Courtesy of BREW
At the heart of the Metric Star beats a hybrid VK68 meca-quartz chronograph movement. This movement combines the accuracy of a quartz crystal with the mechanical feel of an automatic chronograph. The VK68 is known for its reliability and precision, making it an ideal choice for a watch designed for everyday wear.
The Metric Star's chronograph function is not just a decorative element; it's a practical tool designed for measuring elapsed time. The watch's 60-minute counter, with its segmented 10-minute markers, allows the wearer to quickly and easily track durations. This feature is particularly useful for timing activities such as espresso shots, sporting events, or even cooking times.
The dial, as mentioned previously, is the star of the show. The gold sunray finish, achieved through a specialized brushing technique, creates a dynamic surface that plays with light, shifting between subtle shimmer and radiant glow depending on the angle. This captivating backdrop sets the stage for the contrasting subdials, which are recessed to add depth and dimension. This interplay of textures and levels elevates the dial beyond a simple display, turning it into a miniature work of art.
The subdials themselves are thoughtfully laid out, contributing to the watch's balanced and harmonious aesthetic. At 3 o'clock, we find the 60-minute chronograph counter, its segmented 10-minute markers providing clear legibility for timing events. The running seconds subdial, located at 9 o'clock, maintains a sense of visual symmetry while offering a constant reminder of the watch's mechanical heartbeat.
The hands, crafted in a sleek baton style, complement the overall design language. Their polished finish ensures excellent contrast against the gold dial, enhancing readability. The hour and minute hands are filled with luminescent material, guaranteeing visibility even in low-light conditions. This practical touch underscores the Metric Star's commitment to functionality without sacrificing its aesthetic appeal.
Courtesy of BREW
Framing the dial is a fixed bezel, its polished surface adding a touch of refinement. The bezel's understated design ensures that the focus remains on the captivating dial and its intricate details. The case, measuring a comfortable 36mm in diameter, strikes a perfect balance between vintage charm and modern wearability. This size, reminiscent of classic chronographs from the 1970s, ensures that the Metric Star sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes, making it a versatile choice for both men and women.
The case's construction is a testament to BREW's commitment to quality. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, a material known for its durability and corrosion resistance, the case is built to withstand the rigors of everyday wear. The blend of brushed and polished surfaces adds visual interest, highlighting the case's contours and creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
Turning the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel caseback, secured with screws to ensure water resistance. While the Metric Star is not a dive watch, its 5 ATM rating provides sufficient protection against everyday splashes and brief immersions in water. This level of water resistance is suitable for most daily activities, allowing you to wear the watch with confidence, whether you're washing your hands, caught in a sudden downpour, or simply enjoying a day at the beach.
Courtesy of BREW
The Metric Star's bracelet is more than just a means of securing the watch to your wrist; it's an integral part of the overall design. Crafted from the same high-quality stainless steel as the case, the bracelet features a combination of brushed and polished links, echoing the case's contrasting finishes. This attention to detail creates a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic, ensuring that the bracelet seamlessly integrates with the watch head.
The bracelet's folding clasp, equipped with micro-adjustments, provides a comfortable and secure fit. This feature allows you to fine-tune the bracelet's length, ensuring a perfect fit on your wrist. The micro-adjustment mechanism is a testament to BREW's commitment to providing a comfortable and personalized wearing experience.
Powering the Metric Star is a hybrid VK68 meca-quartz chronograph movement. This movement combines the accuracy of a quartz crystal with the mechanical feel of an automatic chronograph. The VK68 is renowned for its reliability and precision, making it an ideal choice for a watch designed for everyday wear. The meca-quartz movement offers the best of both worlds: the accuracy and convenience of quartz technology combined with the satisfying tactile feedback of a mechanical chronograph.
The Metric Star's chronograph function is not just a decorative element; it's a practical tool designed for measuring elapsed time. The watch's 60-minute counter, with its segmented 10-minute markers, allows the wearer to quickly and easily track durations. This feature is particularly useful for timing activities such as espresso shots, sporting events, or even cooking times. The chronograph's pushers, located on either side of the crown, provide a satisfying tactile click when activated, further enhancing the watch's mechanical feel.
Courtesy of BREW
But the Metric Star is more than just a sum of its parts. It's a watch that exudes a certain charm, a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern sensibilities that is hard to resist. The watch's compact size, combined with its robust construction and reliable movement, makes it an ideal companion for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned watch collector or a casual wearer looking for a stylish and functional timepiece, the Metric Star is sure to impress.
With a retail price of $450 USD, the Metric Star offers exceptional value for money. Its combination of high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and reliable movement makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a unique and versatile timepiece. The Metric Star is not just a watch; it's a statement piece, a reflection of your appreciation for quality and design. It's a watch that you'll be proud to wear on your wrist, a conversation starter that will undoubtedly turn heads.