Few non-coffee brands have invested as much of their ethos into coffee as Brew has. Founded a decade ago, the New York-based watchmaker literally named themselves after the process of making espresso and has churned out fun, retro-styled (and budget-friendly) timepieces ever since. They’ve even designed certain models to be actual companions to espresso brewing with “shot timers” right there on the dials.
Now, that inspiration has pursued even further with the brand’s first hybrid display, featuring an analog ticker up top and a digital LED espresso timer down below, equipped with an animated coffee cup.
A Bigger Case for a Dual Purpose
If you’re already familiar with Brew’s Metric line, you’ll recognize the rounded-square cushion case here, though it’s been upsized to accommodate both display types. The stainless steel case measures 37.5mm x 43mm with a 13mm thickness, which is a bit thicker than we would’ve expected but not the absolute worst case scenario.
Up top, the analog section leans into that ’70s nightstand clock aesthetic Brew does so well. The cardinal points feature a quartet of square-shaped applied hour markers, which stand out in fauxtina against the glossy black dial. They’re complemented by matching rectangular hands and a bright orange seconds hand. Both the handset and four hour markers glow with green lume at night.
Below that sits the real party trick: a rectangular LED screen framed in brushed metal with Brew’s coffee bean logo engraved alongside it. When dormant, the textured surface conceals the display entirely, but hold down the pusher and you’ll activate the 30-second countdown designed specifically for pulling espresso shots. Once initiated, an animated percolating coffee cup appears on screen, complete with a beep when time’s up.
The Espresso Timer Question
Brew has been building espresso timing into their watches since the 2018 Retrograph chronograph, but those implementations used traditional analog methods — marking 30 seconds on the dial for reference. The Digital Blend takes a more distinct approach with its dedicated LED countdown, separating its function from the actual timekeeping above. Oh yeah, there’s also the added fun factor for true coffee nerds.
That said, the timer is locked to 30 seconds, which limits its versatility beyond coffee. A chronograph, even one with espresso markings, can still time anything. This can’t. On the other hand, this new model also feels more unique because of that specificity.
The Rest of the Features
Brew doesn’t specify the source of its movement this time around, but in the past, the Metric has used a Seiko VK68 meca-quartz caliber. However, the website merely says “analog-digital module,” which is very likely quartz-based of some kind.
Lastly, the watch features a sapphire crystal over the dial, 50m of water resistance, and a stainless steel flat-link bracelet with a folding clasp.
Spec Sheet
Model: Metric Digital Blend
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 37.5mm
Lug-to-Lug: 43mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Movement: Custom analog-digital quartz module
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, 30-second espresso timer with coffee cup animation
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Not limited to edition size, the Metric Digital Blend is available now through Brew’s website for $425.
Recap
Brew Metric Digital Blend
Brew just dropped their first analog-digital hybrid watch with a 30-second LED espresso timer that actually counts down your shot pull, complete with an animated coffee cup when time’s up.
