The REC P-51 Little Red and Green Hornet Limited Editions

REC Watches is known for unique styling that usually centres around iconic cars, such as the P-51 with a dial inspired by a 1960s Ford Mustang dashboard and steel from the actual car. Then there’s the RNR R.O.C.K.Fighter and BeachRunner based on the Land Rover Defender, and many more. The latest REC watches bring design inspiration and bonafide steel from the rarest of Ford Shelby prototypes, the 1967 P-51 Little Red and 1968 Green Hornet. The Little Red was thought to be lost for over 50 years, while the Green Hornet was eventually driven by a Ford Executive and then his son. Both watch dials reflect their respective cars in REC’s distinctive fashion. 

REC watches are generally large and that continues with the new pair. Both stainless steel cases are 42mm in diameter and 13.35mm in height (48.5mm lug-to-lug), which is more wearable than many of the brand’s larger collections. The base metal dials are brushed and directly from the 1967 and 1968 prototypes (from excess steel used during restoration), offering a piece of history with each. The overall styling is the same, but the details matter. The cushion cases differ by colour, with the Little Red having a dark PDV coated case with silver lugs and the Green Hornet having a silver case with dark lugs. The sides are even stamped after the grills, showing impressive attention to detail. Both have sapphire crystals and unique crowns shaped like the wheels. The backs are solid with specific information about the car that inspired it, including the VIN number. Water-resistance is rated at 50 metres. 

The dials have the same layout but again differ by colour and details. Both have open-worked hour and minute hands, but while the hour hands are white, the minute hand is orange on the Green Hornet and black with a red tip on the Little Red. A small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock is skeletonized on both, but differ a bit in design, while the same is true for the power reserve indicators at 6 o’clock. As usual for REC, these indicators mimic the fuel gauge. Dial accents coordinate with the respective car, green or red, and a plaque at 3 o’clock relays the limited edition total. 

Powering the watches is the lesser-known Swiss Technology Production STP2-12-13 automatic, produced by the Fossil Group. It has 36 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 42-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes, small seconds and power reserve. Accuracy is rated at +/- 20 seconds per day. The 22mm calf leather straps have quick-release levers and are designed after the seat upholstery. 

Both watches are available to order now and retail for USD 1,695. The Green Hornet is limited to 282 watches and the Little Red is limited to 318. For more information, visit the REC Watches website.