Gunther Werks, for the uninitiated, is one of the hottest and coolest Porsche modifiers in the world. They supe up classic 911s with updated specs and modern components without compromising on the style and driving experience. GW recently unveiled two remastered, carbon fibre 993s, called the Carbon Exoskeleton and the Chelsea Grey. Following that, they sent the excess carbon fibre from the production process to REC, to create a pair of limited edition watches with the same names. The result is the new 901 GW Chronograph Collection.
Structurally the two watches are the same. They both have 44mm cases made from a combination of stainless steel and carbon fibre. It’s a particularly bold design with chunky lugs and thick pushers that emphasises the sporty nature of the cars. Although, personally, I would have preferred a more refined approach that capture more of the 993’s sweeping curves. But still, you can’t overlook that they’re made from genuine parts reclaimed from the engineering process of the Gunther Werks vehicles.
The dial is absolutely packed with references to the cars as well. The central X shape is taken from the engine brace and vented cover, making it both aesthetic and technical in its design. Then, the tricompax subdials have been stylised to look like dashboard instruments. There’s a small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute timer at 3 and a 12-hour timer at 6.
While the construction of both 901 GW Chronographs in the collection are the same, the two options have slightly different colourations. The Chelsea Grey is red and white on black while the Carbon Exoskeleton is blue and orange on black. Both colour schemes are taken from the specific 993 they’re named after, so if you also happen to own the car, your watch will match. The only other difference between the two watches is limitation, with the Chelsea Grey having 232 pieces and the Carbon Exoskeleton 188 for a total of 420.
Under the hood, so to speak, is the Sellita SW510 B, an automatic chronograph movement with a 62-hour power reserve. It’s a solid movement, covered by an equally solid caseback, laser-engraved with an X shape to match the dial. Completing the look of the watches are the extra wide straps, which makes sense for the thick lugs, and they’re made from calf leather with an Alcantara insert.
As mentioned, both the Chelsea Grey and Carbon Exoskeleton 901 GW Chronographs are limited editions. Both watches cost £1,811, which is pretty good considering their provenance and limited status. I’ve always liked the concept behind REC watches and with each new piece they release the designs are getting harder to pass over.
Price & Specs:
Model: REC 901 GW Exoskeleton (blue, black and orange colour scheme and blue stitching on strap) and 901 GW Chelsea (red, grey and white colour scheme and red stitching on strap)
Case/Dial: 44mm diameter x 14.35mm height, stainless steel and carbon fibre case
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Swiss made Sellita SW510 B calibre, automatic, 27 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 62h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute timer at 3 o’clock, 12-hour timer at 6 o’clock
Strap: Leather
Price/availability: £1,811, 901, limited to 188 (GW Exoskeleton) and 232 pieces (GW Chelsea)
More details at REC Watches.
