REC Watches Shifts Up A Gear With The TTT Collection

REC Watches are a visual representation of automotive history, design and spirit, wrapped into distinct silhouettes and packaged in a way that uniquely integrates (literally) automotive style into a wrist watch. The latest to come out from REC Watches are two timepieces dubbed the TTT Escape and the TTT Icon1000, drawing inspiration from a pair of historical Triumph motorcycles.  Between the amusing display dial, fun case construction and multiple Triumph motorcycle design cues, there’s a lot to unpack.

The TTT Escape and TTT Icon1000 feature a 4-piece dual case system consisting of an exterior case equipped with a special function (more on that in a minute) and a separate interior case which houses the automatic movement.  Each of the two are built in stainless steel with a vertically brushed side profile, number plate on the nine o’clock side and wired lugs curving away from the case. The fixed bezel comes polished with a sandblasted etching surround that distinguishes the cardinal hours and adds the initial layer of depth to the watch. Differentiating the two, the TTT Icon1000 comes with a blackened steel fixed bezel, while the TTT Escape maintains the traditional stainless steel look throughout the entire case. Both are identical in case proportion, coming in at 43mm wide, 46.5 lug to lug and 12.3mm tall.

The TTT Escape and TTT Icon1000 will come with a case function allowing the watch to move between what REC Watches calls Dress Mode and Ride Mode. You’ll notice that the crown is positioned at 2:30, but it’s not fixed to that position. With one downward swipe of the crown to 3:30, the entire dial rotates 30 degrees clockwise, shifting the display and allowing the rider to glance down and decipher the time more easily (at an angle) while on a motorcycle. This case function is akin to the De Rijke & Co Amalfi 1S, which was reviewed by our very own Zach Weiss. Now, neither I nor Zach race motorcycles or cars in our free time, so we can’t tell you if this case function is in fact functional for everyday use, but it’s quirky and will appeal to the racing enthusiasts.

The TTT Escape’s dial is busy, yet cohesive, and adds depth with each layer, from the gray rehaut, towards the skeletonized center displaying the Sellita SW 200-1 movement. The rehaut works in tandem with the black minutes track and white numerals reminiscent of those on a speedometer. The following layer adds another dynamic element to the dial in the form of a reforged clutch and connector rod plate from an actual 1962 Triumph TR6 Trophy. Incorporating an actual piece of a vehicle from where the watch draws inspiration from is the bread and butter of REC Watches and the TTT Escape is no different. The inner green plate with the inscribed REC logo and silver polished bands not only adds contrast to the dial, but serves to celebrate the Triumph TR6 and its countless appearances on screen, most notably in “The Great Escape” starring none other than Steve McQueen.

The layered dial is a common theme in the TTT Icon1000, however there is more of a reserved feel. The chapter ring uses a cream tone with black numerals marking every five minutes and separates the blackened fixed bezel and the black hour track with white numerals. The piece of automotive history that is integrated into the TTT Icon1000 is a piece of a stator cover (housing for an electrical component that helps create AC current) from a custom built drag racing Triumph known as the “Speedmaster.” Again, this piece adds a dynamic texture to the dial, and REC claims that each will develop its own unique patina. The red line speedometer design from nine to twelve, as well as the sky blue markings on the inner charcoal gray plate add a playful contrast and put the finishing touches on the dial.

The handsets have a more modern feel balancing out the vintage cues, and the hollowed hands give more display real estate for the movement. As mentioned above, both the TTT Escape and TTT Icon1000 will run on the Sellita SW200-1, equipped with 41 hours of power reserve beating at 28,8000 bph (4Hz) and a Ruthenium Anthracite plating providing a mirror-like finish while at the same time providing high hardness and protection against corrosion.

Wearability wise, the case proportions are modest, the perforated cushioned leather straps look comfortable (brown for the TTT Escape and black for the TTT Icon1000), and the wired lugs angle downwards, so in theory the watch should conform well around the wrist. As for the functional need for a case that allows the dial to rotate, improving the ability to read the time while riding a motorcycle, I can’t speak to that. However, as Zach Weiss found in his in-depth review of the De Rijke & Co Amalfi 1S, this function could prove useful when typing away at a keyboard (as I am doing right now) since the twelve o’clock marker would point directly at the screen, recentering the dial without having the need to rotate your wrist to check the time. So, is it functional? I think we can make an argument for that.

The TTT Escape is limited to 393 pieces and the TTT Icon1000 limited to just 292 pieces. Both are currently available and are priced at $1,995. These watches won’t be for everyone, but they will most certainly speak to a niche part of the watch and automotive community, and stand confidently on their own as a distinct piece. Automotive inspired timepieces aren’t my jam, but REC Watches has certainly piqued my interest. REC Watches