If I say "themed watches," you're likely to think of tool or dress watches, certainly not coffee-themed ones.
But Brew Watch Company is exactly that – it creates watches centered around one of the world's most common beverages and inspired by it. It's not just about the "cup of Joe," but what it represents. Specifically, coffee breaks and the opportunity to enjoy everything that surrounds this drink.
We're talking about dates, personal time, individual rituals, meeting places, and how to escape the chaos of everyday life or be fueled by it. This concept has been immensely successful from the start, thanks to the unique style of the brand's owner and designer, Jonathan Ferrer, the affordability of the watches, and the easily recognizable concept. Thanks to the playful design and overall appeal of these fun watches, Brew has appeared on the wrists of celebrities like Idris Elba and Alton Brown, the latter being one of the collaborators in the new limited edition Retrograph "Relic."
The Relic model builds on the existing Retrograph watch design and easily fits into a unique category of watches that push the boundaries of what patina can do to a watch design.
The rectangular case with soft edges is made of 316L stainless steel and treated with an antique bronze PVD coating. The dimensions of 38 mm wide, 41.5 mm lug-to-lug, 10.40 mm thick, and water resistance up to 5 ATM are the same as the traditional Retrograph, which can be worn with ease. However, a specially made strap by American strap maker BillyKirk in a pseudo-bando style from cordovan certainly adds confidence to the wrist. Also, there is no standard strap built into this one, so those who, like me, do not like straps will need to find another 22 mm wide strap to wear the watch.
Under the flat sapphire bezel lies a one-of-a-kind oxidized dial that Alton Brown called "espresso-style," and I can't help but agree. I've had my fair share of bad espresso, and I see how the rich crema of a well-made drink spreads across the dial – I learned this from YouTube videos, not from my own achievements. Whatever oxidation Brew used in the process, it accurately conveys the color palette and warm tones.
Unlike other models in the Retrograph line, the relic omits the date indicator usually located at the "6 o'clock" position and the 24-hour register at the "3 o'clock" position, creating a pleasant asymmetrical design. At "3 o'clock," the signature bean motif is printed, and at "9 o'clock," a 60-minute elapsed time indicator is present. Fortunately, the handy espresso brewing time second indicator, located from zero to 35 on the periphery of the dial, remains in place, allowing you to perfectly time your drinks with the skeletonized hands.
Turning the watch over, you'll find a conveniently cut hole in the bando-style strap, through which the case back is visible, adorned with an artistic depiction of Alton Brown and the limited edition number out of 250 pieces produced. Under the case back lies the reliable and ubiquitous Seiko VK64 Meca-Quartz Hybrid chronograph movement.
Brew Watches consistently surprises with fun watches that are generally not costly, and their variety is so vast that you likely don't even need to love coffee to find something appealing in them. Needless to say, collaboration with a name like Alton Brown can only benefit the brand. Only 250 pieces have been released, making them some of the rarest Brew watches, and these 250 buyers will receive a signature cocktail recipe created by Brown himself with the watch.
The price of the Brew Retrograph Relic is $595 USD, making it the most expensive Brew watch currently available, even compared to the brand's titanium mechanical offerings. Only you can decide if the limited edition and unique dials are worth the price, and you can learn more about Brew and the Retrograph Relic on the brand's website.
