Introduction
The Brew Super Metric is the kind of watch that makes you look twice—once for the retro-futuristic dial, and again for the price tag that doesn’t scream ‘entry-level.’ In a market flooded with microbrand divers trying to be the next Seiko SKX killer, the Super Metric stands out by leaning into its own identity: a 38mm steel case, a beads-of-rice bracelet that feels like it cost twice the watch, and a movement that’s as reliable as a Swiss Army knife. For the young collector with a portfolio of Rolexes and a weekend habit of flipping, this is the piece you buy to wear, not to flip—but you could flip it tomorrow and barely lose a dime.
Brew, founded in 2015 by Jonathan Ferrer, has carved a niche in the microbrand space by blending mid-century design cues with modern manufacturing. The Super Metric, launched in 2022, is an evolution of the original Metric, adding a screw-down crown, 100m water resistance, and a sapphire crystal. It’s not a tool watch in the traditional sense—it’s a lifestyle piece, the kind you’d wear to a rooftop bar in Williamsburg or a weekend dive trip in the Maldives. The resale data is surprisingly stable: pre-owned prices hover around $400–$500, only 10–20% below MSRP, which is rare for a microbrand. That’s the trust-fund-baby angle: you can buy it, wear it for a year, and sell it for nearly what you paid.
Manufacture History
Brew Watch Co. was founded in 2015 by Jonathan Ferrer, a designer with a background in industrial design and a passion for vintage aesthetics. The brand quickly gained a cult following for its Metric series, which drew inspiration from mid-century automotive and espresso machine design. The Super Metric, released in 2022, is a refined, more robust version of the original, targeting collectors who want a daily-wear diver with character.
Movement
Inside the Super Metric beats the Seiko NH35A, a 24-jewel automatic with a 41-hour power reserve and 21,600 vph. It’s not COSC-certified, and it’s not in-house, but it’s a proven workhorse that’s easy to service. Accuracy out of the box is typically within -10/+20 seconds per day, which is acceptable for a $500 watch. The movement is hidden behind a solid caseback, so you won’t see it, but you’ll appreciate its reliability.
Specs
- Case Diameter: 38mm
- Thickness: 12.5mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 46mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Domed Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Lume: Super-LumiNova BGW9
- Bracelet: Beads of Rice with deployant clasp and micro-adjust
Wrist Feel
The Super Metric wears smaller than its 38mm diameter suggests, thanks to the 46mm lug-to-lug and a case that tapers elegantly. On a 6.5-inch wrist, it sits flat and balanced—no top-heaviness, no bracelet tug. The beads-of-rice bracelet is surprisingly supple, with solid end links and a milled clasp that clicks with authority. The micro-adjust is a godsend for summer swelling. Weight is around 120g, which is light enough for all-day wear but substantial enough to feel like a real watch. The crown is signed and easy to grip, though it’s not screw-down—it’s a push-pull with 100m WR, which is fine for swimming but not for saturation diving. The domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage bubble effect that catches light beautifully.
For the trust-fund-baby who owns a Submariner and a Royal Oak, the Super Metric feels like a guilty pleasure—it’s not trying to be a grail, it’s just fun. The dial is clean, with applied indices and a date window at 3 o’clock. The lume is decent, not Seiko-level bright but enough to read in the dark. Overall, it’s a watch you forget you’re wearing, which is the highest compliment for a daily beater.
Accuracy
The Seiko NH35A is rated to -20/+40 seconds per day, but in practice, most examples run within -10/+20 spd. After a week of wear, my test unit averaged +12 spd, which is acceptable for a $500 watch. If you’re a stickler for COSC, you’ll need to regulate it or swap the movement—but for the price, it’s fine. The trust-fund-baby won’t care; they’ll just set it once a week.
Occasions
This watch is a daily driver, a travel companion, and a sporty dress watch. It’s not formal enough for black tie, but it’ll work with a blazer and jeans. The 100m water resistance means you can swim, snorkel, and shower with it—just don’t take it deep diving.
Wrist Presence
3.5/5 – It’s not a wrist monster, but the retro dial and beads-of-rice bracelet get noticed. It’s a conversation starter without being loud.
Reference Variants
The Super Metric comes in three main dial colors: black, blue, and green. The black is the most versatile, the blue is a limited edition with a sunburst finish, and the green is the rarest. All come on the same beads-of-rice bracelet. There’s also a PVD-coated version, but it’s less common.
Family References
The original Brew Metric (36mm, 50m WR, no screw-down crown) is the predecessor. The Super Metric is a direct upgrade in size and water resistance.
Other by Brand
Brew also makes the Retromatic (a chronograph) and the PVD Metric. The Coffee dial is a cult favorite.
Similar Watches
Baltic Aquascaphe ($550) – similar retro diver, but with a Miyota movement. Seiko SPB143 ($1,200) – more heritage, better movement, but double the price. Tudor Black Bay 58 ($3,800) – the grail upgrade.
Homages
Addiesdive Submariner homage ($80) – not a direct homage, but similar vibe at a fraction of the cost.
Investment Value
MSRP is $495. Pre-owned prices range from $400 to $500. The trend is stable. This is not a watch you buy to flip, but it holds value better than most microbrands. Limited editions can command a small premium. No major auction history.
Service Interval
Every 5 years, cost around $150. Any watchmaker can service the NH35A. Brew offers a service program.
Price Range
$495–$550. Verdict: For a trust-fund-baby, it’s a no-brainer. You spend more on a weekend brunch.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Excellent build quality, comfortable bracelet, stable resale, unique design. Cons: Average accuracy, no screw-down crown, lume could be brighter, limited availability.
Final Verdict
The Brew Super Metric is the perfect entry-level diver for the collector who already has the heavy hitters. It’s not an investment, but it’s a damn good watch that holds its value. Buy it, beat it up, and pass it on to your kid. Or flip it for a 10% loss – either way, you’re not crying into your trust fund.
