This past Saturday, I met Jonathan Ferrer of the Brew Watch Company to discuss his first model, the Special Blend, which launched yesterday on Kickstarter. I had seen pictures of the watch online and corresponded with him, I even previewed the watch for you last month, but this was my first opportunity to review it in person. I came away deeply impressed.
Since he was traveling from New York to DC for the occasion, it seemed
like a good idea for the two of us to meet at a watch gathering. That
way, we could chat about his watch, I could check it out first hand
while shooting pictures for this review, and he could share the news of
its debut with a group of fellow watch enthusiasts. It sounded great on
paper, but in practice it was a bit too much. Turns out, it is rather
difficult to conduct any sort of coherent conversation when surrounded
by a roomful of people, all geeking out over tables overflowing with
watchy goodness, and the few photos I snapped under the dodgy lighting
were, shall we say, not my finest. Still, I was able to hold the Special
Blend in my hand, strap it on my wrist, and appreciate the things a
still picture can't convey.
Jonathan had brought
a case mock-up, a pair of gold and stainless watches with an earlier incarnation of the dial and a prototype
of the PVD black Dark Special Blend. The last prototype looked for all
the world like a finished product, displaying a high level of fit and
finish. The only difference between it and the ultimate production
version will be a slightly thicker strap and stronger lume.
The 44mm square case is the defining feature of this watch. It really showcases Jonathan's industrial design skill and offers a refreshing dose of originality with a degree of sophistication rarely seen in a first-time effort on Kickstarter. The
general shape reminded me of certain television style cases from the
1970s, but you would never mistake it for a vintage watch. Rather, it
draws on an older theme to cut a thoroughly modern figure. Inspired by
professional espresso makers, the Special Blend incorporates their
sculpted steel bodies and bristling knobs. Can a professional food
service machine be sexy? Sure - if it's made by Italians. Check out the
Rancilio Classe 10 or Nuova Simonelli Aurelia and tell me I'm wrong.
You
would think a 44mm square would be enormous, but it is quite
manageable. This is thanks in part to the fact that it is lugless, but
there are other factors at work here. At first blush, the watch looks
wider than it is tall. It isn't, but the dial and crystal are. They
stretch across the case, squeezing against the sides while leaving
healthy margins at the top and bottom, creating the illusion of width.
All corners and edges are round, eliminating unnecessary mass and
creating a pleasant softness that tempers what might have otherwise been
a cold brick of stainless steel. This aspect most visible when viewing
the watch at an angle, but it is best appreciated by touch. The radiused
surfaces are inviting, almost organic. I found them irresistible,
absently rubbing the corners like worry beads.The deep channel bisecting the case and decorative "steam vents" break up the sides and elongate the profile. Finally, the watch is only 11mm thick; surprisingly thin for such a large case.
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| Photo courtesy of Brew |
Three
colors are offered: steel with a cream dial, rose gold with a black
dial, and black with a black dial. The latter two are PVD coatings. All
have a brushed finish, but it is most apparent on the uncoated case
where you can really appreciate the radial pattern cascading over the
edges. The Brew brand name (itself an attractive feature in a broad
serif font and wide spacing) is absent from the dial. Instead, it is
engraved in the lower right corner of the case. I was afraid this might
be too prominent, but I can report that it works very well. It is
actually more noticeable in photos than in real life, where it comes and
goes in the interplay of light and shadow.
All
three varieties use rose gold and/or black as accent colors. On the
Dark Blend, the case back and chronograph buttons are rose gold while
the coffee bean adorned crown is gold with a sculpted black grip. The
contrast is carried onto the layered dial. A printed index steps down to
the broad center where rose gold dauphine hands filled with white lume
make their rounds. The chronograph sub dials are further recessed
at 12 and 6 o'clock. A black-on-white date window peeks through at 3
o'clock. Was 9 o'clock forgotten? Certainly not. The company's coffee
bean logo is discreetly embossed on the dial. Not placing the brand name
on the dial freed up considerable room, and I thank Jonathan for
leaving it uncluttered. The dial provides the information it should and
no more. Water resistance (5 ATM), movement origin (Swiss), and other
details are relegated to the engraved case back where they belong,
allowing some negative space to let the dial breathe.
I
confess I did not get the chance to play with the chronograph
functions, but the movement is the familiar Ronda Startech 3250.D, a
reliable 4 jewel unit with a 12 hour totalizer and a small seconds dial.
I know the comments section will soon light up with "It should have
been an automatic!" or "It should have been a meca-quartz!" I have no
such criticism. The Ronda quartz is a quality movement that should serve
its owner faithfully for years between battery changes. It also helps
keep the price down to a very reasonable $375, or $275 if you grab a
Kickstarter pre-order.
On
the wrist, the Special Blend feels surprisingly solid. Not too heavy,
but it has a reassuring heft that speaks volumes about the material in
that case. The large, anti-reflective sapphire crystal shows a hint of
blue when viewed off-axis. It sat comfortably within the confines of my
6.5" wrist. The watch comes equipped with a 22mm leather strap and a
signed buckle. As mentioned above, the production strap will likely be a
bit more substantial, but strap swappers beware; there is very little
room in between the case and spring bar.
The
Special Blend is one of those watches that defies easy classification. I
would not call it a dress watch due to its size, but it is far too
pretty to beat up as a tool watch. I'd call it "smart casual," that
effortlessly stylish fashion goal you strive to achieve when you are
trying to impress your date. It is in a word, cool. In fact, if your
date is not impressed with the Brew Special Blend, move on. You deserve
someone with better taste.
Pro: Smart and subtle design.
Con: Still a bit large.
Sum: Rich and nuanced with an earthy core, notes of toasted nuts, and a hint of caramel. The Time Bum approves.
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| Photo courtesy of Brew |
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