Brew Introduces the first Mechanical Metric, a Limited Edition of 500 Pieces

Brew has been on a hot streak with their Metric ever since the first examples were shown back in the summer of 2021. In the time since, brand owner and designer Jonathan Ferrer has iterated on the basic Metric principles to great effect, adding new dial colors as well as gold and black PVD coated cases that transform the 1970s sport watch in terms of its character and overall presentation. But until now, the Metric had always been built on the same Meca-quartz platform, with a VK68 hybrid movement built by Seiko that allows for quartz timekeeping and a mechanical chronograph operation. Today, Brew unveils the Metric Automatic, the first Metric powered by a mechanical movement, and the first non-chronograph in the line. 

A lot of the design cues here will feel very familiar to Metric owners and longtime Brew fans. The 1970s vibes of the original Metric (as well as watches like the Retrograph and Retromatic) really come primarily from the case, which in the case of the Metric resembles a rounded square, with a bracelet that appears to be integrated to the case. The size is also key – the Metric Automatic comes in at the same svelte dimensions as its Meca-quartz counterpart, with a diameter of 36mm, a lug to lug span of 41.5mm, and a case height of just 10.75mm. It’s a refreshingly compact design, and really does feel like a vintage watch on the wrist. 

For this first mechanical Metric, we get a simple black dial with chunky hour markers and Arabic numerals counting off the minutes every five minutes in the rehaut. The typeface used for the Arabics brings automotive gauges to mind almost immediately, and this Metric feels like a continuation of the explicitly automotive inspired watches Brew has favored as of late, particularly the black coated Metric released just a few months ago. The other defining feature of the Metric Automatic is the fluorescent red sweeping seconds hands, with a lollipop tip, another nod to 1970s and 80s car culture. 

The movement, a Seiko made NH35A, is on display through the caseback, but other than that obviously significant change, the specs of the mechanical metric largely mirror the earlier versions. Water resistance is still rated to 50 meters, the crystal is still sapphire, and the bracelet appears to be exactly the same as well. The new Metric Automatic is a limited edition of 500 pieces, and carries a retail price of $525. It’s available right now on the Brew website.