Car-themed watches have been around for ages, with brands like Porsche Design, Bremont Jaguar, and Tag Heuer Formula 1 offering timepieces for automotive enthusiasts.
However, Danish watchmaker REC Watches has taken this concept to an exciting new level by literally crafting watches from old cars.
Founded in early 2014, REC Watches is a fresh indie brand with a compelling mission: to create timepieces using parts from vintage vehicles. The acronym "REC" stands for recover, recycle, and reclaim, which embodies the brand's core philosophy.
The founders of REC Watches share a deep passion for both automobiles and horology, making it a natural fit to merge their two loves into a single product. Even with the launch coinciding with numerous other indie watch brands and limited resources, REC Watches has successfully carved out a niche through its distinctive approach.
The initial product line, the Mark I, features watch faces crafted from the steel of Mini cars.
This steel is manually finished, preserving its original scratches and marks, which lends each watch a unique character. The dial design mirrors the aesthetics of the Mini's dashboard, allowing fans of the car to recognize its inspiration instantly. While the initial version incorporates Japanese quartz movements, the Mark I, priced under $400, offers a compelling narrative - something many fashion watches lack.
Every element of a REC Watch is meticulously designed to evoke the essence of a car. For example, the watch face closely resembles a dashboard or gear shift, ensuring that the automotive inspiration is palpable.
When you purchase a REC Watch, you receive a certificate detailing which car part was used to craft your watch, along with a unique identifier of the original vehicle engraved on the case back. This adds an interesting story to share when friends inquire about your distinctive timepiece.
Following the Mark I line, REC Watches introduced several series based on Mini cars. Earlier this year, they took a significant step forward with the P-51 series, made from the steel of a legendary 1966 Mustang.
The P-51 series is currently REC Watches' most robust collection, utilizing the shell of a Mustang. The watch even showcases the year of manufacture and the car's license plate at the 10 o'clock position.
The back of the P-51 mimics the appearance of a car rotor, adding an extra layer of coolness.
Staying true to their roots, the P-51 features a mechanical movement, offering a robust design that embodies the Mustang's spirit. REC Watches collaborated with the Mustang Club of America, the largest community of Mustang enthusiasts, to select Mustangs with rich histories. Each P-51 produced is a unique gem. Naturally, the inclusion of a mechanical movement raises the retail price; during their Kickstarter campaign earlier this year, it was priced at $745, but it now retails for $1,495.
If you find the P-51's design striking and muscular, there's a solid reason behind it. REC Watches partnered with Studio Devine, a Swiss design firm known for the popular SevenFriday watches. Even the back of the P-51 features design motifs inspired by car engine rotors.
Meanwhile, the Minimalist line provides a perfect counterbalance with its sleek, understated design.
Currently, REC Watches is seeking community input for their next project. You can vote between the Volkswagen Type 2 minivan, the Porsche 911 sports car, and the Dodge Charger muscle car. Personally, I’m excited to see a Porsche 911 version; I can't wait to see how REC Watches will transform its sleek, high-speed design into a watch.
By NDH
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