The McQ: Salmon by Detrash captivates with its aesthetic inspired by traditional luxury, while offering sustainable craftsmanship and a limited production run of 100 pieces at an affordable price.
The McQ: Salmon, designed by the up-and-coming brand Detrash, skillfully blends classic aesthetics with eco-friendly materials to capture the attention of design enthusiasts and those passionate about sustainability.
Classic Design and References
The timepiece features a salmon-colored dial with clean lines, lending it the sophisticated air characteristic of Swiss dress watches. Its design draws inspiration from Steve McQueen’s Jaeger-LeCoultre, while incorporating design elements reminiscent of the Universal Genève Polerouter or Patek Philippe’s famous Calatrava models. This aesthetic lineage—embraced by the brand and noted by observers—anchors the watch in timeless elegance.
Construction and Mechanics
Detrash features a remarkably slim 38-mm-diameter case, measuring just 8 mm thick excluding the crystal. The case is crafted from steel composed of 80% recycled material, complemented by a sapphire caseback and crystal. For the movement, the brand has chosen the Miyota 9039, a Japanese automatic caliber renowned for its robustness and reliability.
Alternative Materials and a Commitment to Sustainability
Innovation is also evident in the BeerSkin® strap, made from residues left over from the beer brewing process—a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The linings, meanwhile, are made from plant-based nubuck. Production remains exclusive: each model is numbered, with a limited run of just 100 pieces per reference.
Positioning and Reception
Priced at 445 pounds sterling, the McQ: Salmon is accompanied by a philanthropic initiative, with Detrash donating at least 1% of each sale to environmental causes. Reviews highlight its successful design and excellent value for money, although some note that the strap feels stiff at first.
It’s important to remember that the use of a Miyota movement and recycled materials places this watch in a different segment from Swiss haute horlogerie. While it mimics the visual codes of that category, it does not claim to offer the same technical equivalence or the prestige of a Swiss manufacture. It’s a stylish piece, designed for those seeking a classic look without a massive investment.
The reception remains very positive, as one customer attests: “A very attractive watch that can be worn with both casual and elegant styles. The strap is very comfortable and the movement is precise. It’s both cool and pretty—I’m truly delighted to be part of the Detrash family.” An appealing alternative that brilliantly combines refined design with environmental consciousness.