Brew Retrograph Review

The Brew Retrograph is a very versatile watch that I personally feel can work on almost any occasion. This was the closest homage I could find to my grail watch, the Glashutte Original Seventies Chronograph, and I’m very glad it was this watch that introduced me to the watch enthusiast community.

Sizing and wearability:

Measuring at 38mm in diameter and 41.5mm lug to lug (height), this rectangular case style watch wears like a 43mm round watch. With a thickness of only 10.4mm, it allows this watch to work in some formal occasions. The 50m water resistance and sapphire crystal allows for some peace of mind for daily wear. With a 22mm lug width, strap versatility is strong, although due to the lugless design, I do recommend getting straps or bracelets with some tapering. (I do have a video on YouTube dedicated to this topic). I bought this watch on the leather strap, but I have purchased two other vintage style tapering bracelets for it. (Strapcode Bandoleer and Seiko M154-4018)

Movement:

The Seiko VK64 Meca-quartz movement is nothing too special. The quickset date at 6 keeps everything more symmetrical. The date change however is not instant (takes about 30mins). Being a meca-quartz, the chronograph reset is instantaneous and has a good tactile feeling. With no running seconds, it allows for some battery conservation (also a good feature if you don’t like the ticking of a quartz movement). One can use the chronograph to mimic a running second, but unfortunately it will only run up to 60 minutes.

Case and Dial:

The rectangular case is well finished with some alternating polishing and brushing. The dial has an eye-catching sunburst finish, and the matt finished bicompax sundials add some contrast to the finishing. The lume plot hides itself along the minute markers, which keeps the dial fairly simple and elegant. Texts are kept fairly minimal and the overall package feels symmetrical and thought out.

Overall:

This blue (Cobalt) variant of the Brew Retrograph is extremely versatile. I can see this watch working in all the classic work, play, and dress situations. A good alternative I’ve considered is the Vesuviate Attivo Chrono, but it is not on the market yet. However due to the perk of being quartz, the thinness of the Retrograph allows more versatility. 

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/tDho4ogbJq4