From Classic Cars to Precision Watches: A Unique Transformation

Watches inspired by cars are nothing new. Porsche Design, Bremont Jaguar, and Tag Heuer Formula 1 have all provided car enthusiasts with timepieces to match their passion. However, REC Watches, a Danish watch brand, takes this concept a step further by literally crafting watches from cars.

Rather than just drawing inspiration from cars, REC Watches creates timepieces using actual components from old cars.

Founded in early 2014, REC Watches is a young indie watch brand with an intriguing philosophy: transforming parts of old cars into unique timepieces. The name “REC” itself stands for recover, recycle, and reclaim, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability.

The two founders of REC Watches share a deep passion for both watches and cars, making it only natural that they merged their two loves into one product. Despite entering a competitive market alongside many other indie watch brands and operating with limited resources, REC Watches has carved out a unique niche with its innovative concept.

The REC Watches Mark I M1 is made from steel sourced from a classic Mini car.

The first product line from REC Watches, the Mark I series, features watches with dials made from the steel of Mini cars. Each piece is hand-finished, preserving the original scratches and marks on the steel, giving every watch a distinct character. The dial design is inspired by the dashboard of a Mini, making it instantly recognizable to car enthusiasts. The Mark I uses a Japanese quartz movement and, with a price under $400, offers an intriguing story behind every watch - not something many fashion watches can claim.

Every detail of a REC Watches timepiece evokes the spirit of cars. For example, the watch face is designed to resemble a car dashboard or gear shift.

When you buy a REC Watches timepiece, you'll receive a certificate detailing the specific car part used to craft your watch, along with an identification number of the car from which it was sourced. It’s a conversation starter for sure, and a great way to share the story behind your eye-catching timepiece.

Following the success of the Mark I line, REC Watches launched the P-51 series, featuring watches crafted from the steel of a 1966 Mustang, one of America’s most iconic muscle cars.

The P-51 is the boldest collection from REC Watches, with a design inspired by the Mustang’s ruggedness. At the 10 o'clock position, you'll find information about the year of manufacture and even the car’s license plate number.

The back of the P-51 mimics the look of a car’s rotor, adding to the cool factor.

Continuing with their signature method, REC Watches upgraded the P-51 with a mechanical movement and a robust exterior that mirrors the Mustang's powerful style. The brand partnered with the Mustang Club of America to source Mustangs with rich histories, ensuring that each P-51 is unique and tells its own story. As a result, the price of the P-51 is higher, retailing for $1,495 after an initial Kickstarter campaign price of $745.

If you love the muscular look of the P-51, it’s no coincidence. REC Watches teamed up with Studio Devine, the Swiss design firm behind the popular SevenFriday watches, to give the P-51 its bold, car-inspired look. Even the back of the P-51 features intricate patterns reminiscent of a car engine's rotor.

For those who prefer a sleek, minimalist style, REC Watches offers the Minimalist line, which provides a balanced contrast with the brand’s bolder, car-inspired designs.

Currently, REC Watches is involving the community in choosing their next project. You can vote between a Volkswagen Type 2 minivan, a Porsche 911 sports car, and a Dodge Charger muscle car. Personally, I can’t wait to see how REC Watches interprets the graceful, speed-focused design of the Porsche 911 into a timepiece.

REC Watches has proven that combining watches and cars can create a unique, sustainable, and functional piece of art. Their commitment to crafting watches from classic cars ensures that every timepiece is not just a watch - but a piece of automotive history.

By NDH

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