Introducing: Brew Presents The World’s First Analog-Digital Espresso Timer Watch With The Metric Digital Blend (Live Pics)

What We Know

Brew is no stranger to presenting fun, unique designs, but this new one might just be the weirdest yet. It’s the new Metric Digital Blend Watch, offering both an analog dial as well as a digital LED screen at the bottom of the dial for timing an espresso. While many Brew watches have offered espresso-specific markings, this new Ana-Digi design is even more precise when it comes to timing your next shot. 

If you’re familiar with the compact, rounded-square cushion case of the Metric line, the new Digital Blend model upsizes it to fit both the digital and analog components. The stainless steel case measures 37.5mm x 43mm, with a thickness of 13mm. It’s still a compact case, as the 43mm measurement also serves as the lug-to-lug measurement; however, the increased thickness is quite perceptible in person.

But there’s quite a bit going on with the dial — the Digital Blend design doubles down on the Metric’s retro-inspired design language, with the analog portion of the watch evoking the funky nightstand clocks of the ’70s. The four square applied hour markers boldly contrast the deep glossy black base dial, with matching rectangular hands and a bright orange ticking seconds hand.

The biggest novelty is the lower quarter of the dial, with a brushed metal frame and Brew’s engraved coffee bean logo surrounding that rectangular LED screen. When off, it is hidden by a pronounced texture that masks the LED segment display underneath. But, hold down the pusher to the right of the screen for a few seconds, and the display lights up with a thirty-second countdown designed for pulling a fresh shot of espresso. Press it again, and the countdown begins, revealing a playful animation of a piping hot cup of coffee and beeping when the timer reaches zero. It’s all powered by a custom hybrid movement, which is tuned specifically for this thirty-second timer functionality in addition to the more conventional analog dial above it.

On the steel, integrated-ish flatlink bracelet, the Metric Digital Blend is available now and priced at $425.

What We Think

It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for Brew’s designs, as design after design, the brand continues to explore new paths while remaining faithful to its overall design language. And this Metric Digital Blend watch is probably the most out-there that the brand has gone with an idea, and I’m here for it. No, it’s not redefining the world of horology, but it feels like designer Jonathan Ferrer is just having some fun.

From a concept perspective, I’ll admit that this is probably the least useful complication for the majority of Brew customers — I’m curious what percentage of Brew’s customer base makes their own espresso at home. Will it be a higher number than most brands? Definitely, but at the same time, most of the people I know who own a Metric chronograph still buy their Americanos and cortados at their local coffee shop. And let’s not forget that a Metric chronograph is still a regular chronograph, whereas the timer for the Metric Digital Blend is limited to thirty-second measurements only. It would have been awesome to see this watch feature adjustable timer functionality, as that would single-handedly change the entire utility of the design, allowing for the coffee-connected focus while also being useful for other events. 

But coffee is a huge hobby, and many are obsessed with making espresso, and enjoy paying attention to the timer to know when to end their espresso pull between 25-30 seconds. From an execution perspective, I think Brew here has nailed it. In person, the watch looks and feels great, and the mix of colors, textures, and surfaces reminds me of a well-made countertop appliance (like, well, an espresso machine). 

The best detail of all is the texture on the LED screen. When the LED screen is off, the graininess contrasts well with the rest of the dial, and the numerals look great when illuminated within that texture. For $425, this might be a bit of a gimmick to own, but it’s also certainly a ton of fun.

The Basics

Brand: Brew Watch Co.
Model: Metric Digital Blend
Diameter: 37.5mm (43mm lug-to-lug)
Thickness: 13mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Black
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: Steel flat link bracelet

The Movement

Caliber: Custom hybrid quartz movement
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, 30-second timer
Additional Details: Coffee animation!

Pricing & Availability

Price: $425
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

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