Introducing REC Watches RNR Collection

REC Watches have made a name for themselves by using materials salvaged from the sources of their design inspiration, from vintage Porsches to Spitfire aircraft. Their latest collection is called the RNR series, and they feature parts recycled from classic Land Rover vehicles. Each of the prior REC collections has featured their own unique design language and the RNR, or Road Not Required watches are no different. If you like your watches to make a statement about your where your interests lay, this collection might just be your ticket.

The RNR collection consists of two models: the Rockfighter, and the Beach Runner. Each is designed around a steel square case containing an automatic Sellita SW200 or SW290 movement, but that’s not really the star of the show here. Rather, each example receives a unique inner dial piece sourced from one of two specific Land Rovers whose owners served as the inspiration for the design. 

The Rockfighter features a dial insert cut from a 2003 Land Rover (the first of the third generation, L322) that was owned by Michael Ortner, who runs 4×4 Experience out of Germany. As such, this specific Land Rover was the tool of choice for adventures throughout the world, and has traversed any manner of terrain that dared get in its way. In 2019, this Land Rover needed a new left door, and the old was donated to REC Watches for use on this watch. From this aluminum door 463 inserts were punched for 463 watches that make up the production run of the Rockfighter. Each of these unique dial pieces gets a clear lacquer coat for presentation within the dial.

As for the other components, there is a distinct design inspiration drawn from a Land Rover found within the bezel and hands, as well as the strap. Aside from the obvious connection between the square body of the Land Rover and the square case of the watch, the bezel is black with a tread at its perimeter, along with writing within the sidewall area to play up the tire on the hood vibe. The hands are reminiscent of the needles you’d find at work on a compass dial, complete with red accents. A separate ring holding the hour plots is textured with the checker plate pattern you’d find on rocker panels, and also appears on the caseback. The strap is modeled after the same one you’d find securing the hood in place on the Land Rover, and is made of leather lined canvas. 

The Beach Runner variant of the RNR watch gets much of the same structural detail as the Rockfighter, with a few key differences that shift the personality. The disc in the dial here has been taken from a 1981 Series III Land Rover owned by Portuguese photographer and filmmaker, Daniel Espirito Santo. Instead of a door, it was the roof that needed replacing, and the larger surface area means the Beach Runner will get 552 pieces in its production run. Coming from a Series III also means some different design choices were made, most notably the square sub dial at 9 o’clock for the running seconds, which is meant to emulate the look of the square headlight design found on these models. The chapter ring and base of the sundial are presented in pastel green, a similar shade to what would have been offered on the Series III in 1981. The Beach runner ships on a black or green rubber strap. 

Each watch should be approachable and wearable, especially for their square cases, given their 40mm diameters and 12mm in thickness. The straps are 22mm wide and use a quick release tab on their spring bars making for simple changes. The crystal is sapphire and the case is constructed from 316L stainless steel, as you’d expect from a watch in the price range. 

Both of the RNR watches will be offered at $1,795 are available for order right now from REC watches right here.