‘Well and truly over the elitism of the luxury brands and have just sold two Swiss watches and replaced them with a handful of less expensive models. The Detrash McQ is far and away the standout piece of my new collection.’
A growing number of independent watch brands are drawing attention for taking a different approach to classic design, and one model in particular has sparked conversation for its look. Now, the McQ: Salmon watch is up for grabs for £445 on Detrash’s website.
With its slim case, softly coloured dial and detailing, it bears a resemblance to the kind of dress watches usually associated with long-established Swiss names like Patek, such as the £40,000 Calatrava 6196P-001 watch. The McQ is actually named in honour of Steve McQueen, as the starting point of the design was Steve’s own Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox that he wore in The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), according to the website.
From there, they said they added some Gerald Genta inspired twisted lugs from the Universal Geneve Polerouter, a ‘few design cues from the Patek Philippe Calatrava’, some colour and, most importantly, some details made from trash materials. The watch has a clean, classic design that feels familiar without being showy. Its slim profile (8mm), balanced proportions and uncluttered dial (38mm diameter) give it a quietly timeless look that works just as well for everyday wear as it does with smarter outfits.
Rather than relying on bold details or heavy branding, the focus is on simplicity and legibility, making it easy to wear. The materials reflect a practical, modern approach to how the watch is made. For example, The McQ: Salmon’s case is crafted from 80% recycled surgical-grade steel, according to the brand, keeping it lightweight on the wrist while still feeling solid and durable.
It’s paired with a BeerSkin strap, a vegan leather made using brewing by-products, which has a soft, broken-in feel from the first wear and sits comfortably without stiffness. Production is deliberately kept small, with each watch individually numbered to avoid the sense of mass manufacture.
The McQ: Salmon is available from Detrash
The case is crafted from 80% recycled surgical-grade steel, according to the brand, keeping it lightweight on the wrist while still feeling solid and durable
Altogether, it offers a straightforward take on a classic watch style, combining restrained design, sensible material choices and a more considered way of making things. Alternatively, shoppers could try the exclusive Citizen Sport Eco-Drive Chronograph Black Dial & Stainless Steel Watch for £349 from H Samuel.
This watch is said to have a ‘sporty look and feel’, and it is styled with a stainless steel case and bracelet, and a black dial with luminous hands and markers. It also has subtle red accents and it features a one second chronograph, which measures up to 60 minutes, 12/24 time and a date display, and it is water resistant to 100 metres.
The Detrash McQ: Salmon watch has been rated highly, however, as one person said: “Well and truly over the elitism of the luxury brands and have just sold two Swiss watches and replaced them with a handful of less expensive models. The Detrash McQ is far and away the standout piece of my new collection. An absolute stunner to look at and a build quality that makes a mockery of the supposedly high end brands and all this with my social conscience intact, too. What’s not to love?”
Another wrote: “A very attractive watch that can be worn with casual or smart clothing. Very comfortable strap with an accurate movement. A really good concept!”
A third person commented: “I got number 60 for my 60th birthday. It’s a really classy dress watch that is nicely made and I love the environmental aspect.”
Although there were no opposing reviews on Detrash, on Trustpilot this person said: “My only niggle was the spamming asking for reviews – when I’d emailed to say I couldn’t give a review until the gift had been opened!”
Another said: “I now have three Detrash watches, a Cali – melting Ice Cap Blue, an Au,M.G and I’ve just got myself an McQ: Salmon. Believe me when I tell you that these watches are the real deal. I am so pleased with my purchases. Thank you Detrash!”
