Brew Watches embodies the modern microbrand ethos: small, independent, and obsessed with design. Its founder, Jonathan Ferrer, draws on New York’s industrial heritage and coffee culture to create timepieces that feel both artisanal and approachable. Each watch is the product of meticulous craftsmanship - cases, hands and espresso‑inspired dials are custom designed in-house and manufactured in small batches, ensuring quality and preserving exclusivity. Reviewers and collectors alike have praised Brew’s unique aesthetic, and the brand has been recognized as one of the leading microbrands of its generation.
Community is at the heart of Brew’s success. Ferrer credits meeting other enthusiasts at events like the Wind‑Up Watch Fair and RedBar meetups for giving him “credibility and validity”. These gatherings helped transform Brew from a passion project into a respected brand. He frequently attends Wind‑Up fairs in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, participates in panels and uses these events to listen to customers and share new ideas. Brew also hosts its own pop‑up events where fans are invited to “meet with designer and founder, Jonathan Ferrer to discuss innovative watch designs and much more”.
This commitment to community extends beyond watch fairs into motorsport. In a MotoAmerica press release, Rahal Ducati Moto credited “Jonathan with Brew Watches” among the partners who make its Supersport campaign possible - evidence that Ferrer is sponsoring the team.
The partnership is built around professional rider Josh Herrin, a well‑known motorcycle racer who has multiple Daytona 200 victories; in 2024 he won his third consecutive Daytona 200 and fourth overall. By supporting Herrin and Ducati’s U.S. race program, Ferrer aligns Brew with high‑performance culture and expands the brand’s community into the world of motorsport while still emphasizing craftsmanship and authenticity.
Ferrer’s hands‑on approach extends abroad. In 2023 he told WatchPro that international expansion was a priority and that he planned to have “boots on the ground” in markets such as the United Kingdom, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. His appearance as a speaker at Dubai Watch Week’s Horology Forum underscores Brew’s growing global stature.
This global focus is amplified by high‑profile fans. British actor Idris Elba was recently spotted wearing a Brew Metric Chronograph, a moment that boosted the microbrand’s visibility. Brew’s watches also have “developed a cult following among diehard collectors like Alton Brown and Fred Savage,” according to a Worn & Wound report on Brew’s summer popup. Brown even collaborated with Brew on a limited‑edition Retrograph Relic, underscoring his enthusiasm for the brand. By traveling to trade shows, hosting pop‑ups and cultivating celebrity advocates, Ferrer ensures that Brew’s community extends far beyond New York and that its authenticity resonates with both everyday collectors and famous fans.
In short, Brew positions itself not just as a manufacturer of retro‑modern watches but as a lifestyle microbrand built on craftsmanship, storytelling and community. Its small‑batch production and coffee‑inspired design speak to collectors looking for authenticity, while its active presence at watch fairs and community events demonstrates a commitment to engaging with enthusiasts in person. This combination of design excellence and genuine community engagement is what allows Brew to be considered an “official” microbrand among watch enthusiasts.
