A Fan-Favorite Microbrand Makes Its Signature Watch Even More Sleek and Compact

In the watch world, you know you’re onto something if your next big move is almost in lockstep with Omega.

For the small but mighty Brew Watch Co., this just happened with the launch of the Metric Lite, a 30mm take on the brand’s most popular design.

Brew

Less than a week before Brew unveiled its new slimmed-down and streamlined unisex watch, Omega released the first 30mm Seamaster Aqua Terra.

While the Omega line is far more robust, not to mention 20 times the price, both watchmakers appear to be on the same design wavelength: Compact cases from the mid-twentieth century are back, and discretion is the tenor of the watch world.

Brew

Brew is showing a bit more commitment to the small, unisex watch trend by positioning the Metric Lite as equally stylish for men and women, whereas Omega is marketing the 30mm Seamaster Aqua Terra as a women’s watch that men may choose to wear.

Dialing it back

Brew has drawn most of its design inspiration from the late 1960s through the late 1970s, but the Metric Lite dials it back a bit further to the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Brew

The Metric Lite blends the brand’s popular “television” case shape with a round dial, which is simplified from previous iterations. The hour markers and hands resemble those that first appeared on the Rolex Oyster Perpetual in the late 1950s.

An embossed coffee bean logo at three o’clock is the only indication that this is a Brew watch. The same logo also appears on the steel bracelet folding clasp and is stamped into the crown.

Brew

The 30mm case is so narrow that it blends into the tapered flat-link bracelet, looking more like a piece of jewelry than a watch from a distance. This effect is amplified by the mother-of-pearl dial, which creates a uniform appearance.

Ahead of the curve

Men’s watch cases have been shrinking for the past decade, but 2025 has seen a distinct shift toward a preference in the 38mm to 36mm range, with progressive designs reaching 30mm.

As Johnathan Ferrer, the brand’s founder, explains above, the Metric Lite is meant to exemplify simplicity and understated elegance, regardless of gender.

A niche group of watch enthusiasts who prefer small mid-century watch designs has existed for over a decade, and it has recently been joined by celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler.

Brew

Brew, ever a forward-thinking watchmaker, now offers the best affordable option for men looking to jump on the small case trend. With a 30mm case and stone-cold classic dial, this watch will look good on absolutely everyone.

Availability and pricing

The Brew Metric Lite is available now from Brew Watch Co. for $375.

Only three color options are available at launch, but knowing Brew, more iterations will surely become available.

Brew

Brew Metric Lite

Specs

Case Size	30mm
Movement	Miyota caliber 6T27 automatic
Water Resistance	50m

• $375 at Brew

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