For petrolheads with a penchant for the golden era of American motorsport, few silhouettes are as instantly evocative as the Datsun 240Z. But we aren’t talking about just any Z-car here; we are talking about the legendary BRE No. 46.
This is the machine that, under the stewardship of Peter Brock and the hands of John Morton, decimated the C Production National Championships in 1970 and 1971. It was a “Giant Killer” in the truest sense, forcing rival manufacturers to abandon the class entirely and proving once and for all that Japanese engineering could go toe-to-toe with the world’s best. Now, thanks to the Danish horological alchemists at REC Watches, you can strap a literal piece of that history to your wrist with the new REC BRE46.
REC has built its reputation on the “DNA” concept—salvaging metal from iconic vehicles and reworking it into high-end timepieces—but the BRE46 feels particularly special. This isn’t merely a tribute act; it is a collaboration with Peter Brock himself, ensuring that the provenance is as bulletproof as the car’s track record.
The headline feature here is the hour and minute hands, which are crafted directly from the reforged exhaust pipes of the actual Championship-winning Datsun 240Z BRE No. 46. Every time you check your wrist, you are looking at the very metal that exhaled the fumes of victory during one of the most dominant runs in racing history.
Visually, the watch is a masterclass in translating automotive livery into horological design. The multi-lacquered, five-layer sector dial is a stunning nod to the car’s iconic red, white, and blue paint scheme, finished with a brushed texture that catches the light beautifully.
The case itself is crafted from robust 316L stainless steel and features skeletonized lugs that reduce weight while adding a technical, race-ready aesthetic. Flipping the watch over reveals an exhibition caseback engraved with its unique serial number, offering a view of the mechanical heartbeat within.
Powering this tribute is the reliable Japanese Miyota Caliber 9039 automatic movement. It’s a fitting choice, mirroring the Japanese heart of the 240Z itself. This high-beat movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a healthy 42-hour power reserve, along with hacking seconds for precise time-setting. It is a robust, “time-only” engine that prioritizes performance and reliability, much like the race car that inspired it.
On the wrist, the BRE46 is secured by a charcoal grey textile strap with a rubber FKM inlay, ensuring it remains comfortable whether you’re behind the wheel or behind a desk.
It’s a piece that balances refined craftsmanship with raw history, a tangible connection to the moment Datsun rewrote the American racing rulebook. Available for £992, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of the machine that changed everything, curated by the very man who built the legend.
