REC RNR Beach Runner
[dropcap size=big]C[/dropcap]ars and watches seem to go hand in hand with collectors, which is why the REC RNR Beach Runner watch seems like a winning combination, at least on paper. Rec Watches is known for recycling parts from vintage or iconic (in some cases, both) airplanes, automobiles, motorcycles, and more to create unique watches that have a story. Their latest endeavor was to take two very different Land Rover’s and make watches inspired by them while also using parts of each model to make the dials. These new models are also the very first watches from REC to be labeled Swiss Made, something they are very proud of. The watch shown and reviewed here is the Beach Runner, modeled after a 1981 Land Rover Defender Series III. A Rock Fighter edition has also just launched, with dials made from the door of a 2003 Land Rover Defender.
REC RNR Beach Runner Specifications:
42mm Case
12mm Thick
48mm Lug to Lug
Stainless Steel Case
110 Grams Weight
Sapphire Crystal
22mm Rubber Strap
125mm/80mm Strap Length
Sellita SW290-1
552 Piece LE
Price $1795
https://www.recwatches.com/products/rnr-beachrunner
For those of you that are familiar with how I do reviews these days, you will know the video is usually published a few days before the written article. Because of that, I want to address a few comments that I read about me going overboard with the case design. In the video, I state I feel it was quite the choice to use the square shape with round dial, a design most associated with Bell & Ross. Looking more at the details of the REC RNR Beach Runner and initial drawings, I do see why they chose to go with this design, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that this case shape and overall appearance will remind most of Bell & Ross without me mentioning it whatsoever. My opinion still stands-as nice as this watch is, and the case design appealing to me, it still evokes an homage of sorts, like it or not.
With all that out of the way, the REC RNR Beach Runner is an attractive and unique watch, but I do feel it is very much a niche product. I upset a few with that comment as well, so let me expand on that here. Yes, Land Rover is undoubtedly an iconic brand, and I see a lot on the road every day. What I may be ignorant of is how popular the Beach Runner model was, or how fondly it is looked upon these days. My opinion is just that, and not meant to sway anyone either way. I feel that one would probably have to be really into Land Rover to want to purchase this watch, if not own a Land Rover, vintage or modern, but again, that is just my opinion. The Beach Runner and Rock Fighter models do not say Land Rover on the dial unlike a Panerai Ferrari, so there is a bit of a difference there.
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