The elliptical instrument panel of a Mini Cooper has been incorporated at the center of the Mark I M3 dial displaying the chronograph minute counter on the left and 24 hour time on the right. All of the hour markers are applied on the dial, which is an added touch of detail, which I prefer, that many other watch companies overlook. The markers are a high polished golden color, which corresponds well with the dial color also adding a touch of flair to the dial appearance. All of the hands on the watch are finished to match the markers surrounding the dial. The hour and minute hands are slightly lumed but not to the point of being able to capture a photograph of the lume. A white date window is located above the 6 on the dial which is quite legible for those of us which a visually challenged.
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The case back is screwed down to the case and has a high polished finish. I am extremely pleased that REC Watches used a screw down back and did not Ion plate the back, as I’m certain during a battery change the plating would suffer. The Rec logo and VIN number of the Mini Cooper are etched at the center with various specification information etched around the outer portion of the case back. Beneath the case back is a reliable Japanese OS21 quartz chronograph movement. The movement has been as accurate as one would expect since arrival.
The Mark I models each come with two straps. The M3 comes with an orange nylon strap with hardware corresponding to the case finish, as well as, a 2.6mm black leather strap with an Ion plated buckle. The nylon strap quality is equal to any I’ve seen over the years. The black leather strap is also good quality with what feels like a Nubuck backing that make it feel quite soft and comfortable on the wrist. Personally I prefer the sporty appearance of the orange nylon on this model but the black leather strap would obviously be the better choice for a night out on the town or a day in the executive boardroom. One of the best-added features of the M3 is that REC Watches supplies quick release spring bars. Due to the case Ion playing the quick release spring bars are undoubtedly the best option over a standard spring bar, which would most certainly lead to case marring under the lugs.
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Overall, the Mark I M3 from REC Watches is well made timepiece that is both modern and stylish but also a watch with unique flavor and history.ย Rec Watches has an interesting niche in the watch making and design industry through a process of recovering, recycling and reclaiming no longer used material such as scrap Mini Coopers for their watch dials.ย It just so happens while either intended or not their process also eliminates waste from impacting our environment while creating a usable product.ย I would like to thank the REC Watches for providing this sample for review and look forward to discussing other models from their collection.ย If you have a moment check out the video of the M3 and follow us on YouTube as well.ย Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments as always.
