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The GTR 02R DNA edition is a wristwatch built around actual components reclaimed from McLaren F1 GTR chassis 02R, the car recognised as the most victorious F1 GTR in history. This release blends automotive provenance with Swiss horology, offering collectors a physical connection to racing history. The collection is limited to 592 pieces, with a current allocation of 54 pre-orders available, and delivery scheduled from March 2027.
Priced at a retail tag of €2,995, the timepiece is offered for pre-order at €2,545—a 15% pre-order discount. Purchasers benefit from worldwide shipping, a three-year warranty, and a 30-day return window. For flexible payment, the watch can be split into up to 12 interest-free installments via Splitit, subject to the cardholder terms.
Design roots and racing provenance
The visual and material story of the watch is deeply tied to the car it commemorates. The dial includes a 6 o’clock DNA ring made from a disc bell originally manufactured for McLaren F1 GTR 02R, making each unit unique and directly linked to the race car. The exterior uses a combination of forged carbon for the outer case and 316L stainless steel for functional components such as the inner case, crown, pushers, and clasp, balancing motorsport aesthetics with durable watchmaking materials.
Chassis 02R is famous for carrying multiple iconic liveries—most notably Gulf deep blue and the Ueno Clinic colors—and for the driving role of Ray Bellm, who piloted the car to every one of its victories. This background informs the watch’s narrative and design cues, intended as a tribute rather than an official McLaren product; REC Watches clarifies that it is not associated or supported by McLaren or its affiliates.
Technical movement and watch specifications
Under the hood, the GTR 02R houses the REC – 5100M caliber, a manual winding engine with an integrated column-wheel operated flyback chronograph. The movement runs at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), provides a 63-hour power reserve, and is fitted with 23 jewels and an Incabloc shock absorber for resilience. REC certifies the movement as Swiss Made with an accuracy of around ±5 seconds per day.
Case, dial and legibility
The watch uses a four-piece tonneau-style case measuring 40.00 mm in diameter with an opening of 33.40 mm across the 6H–12H axis and 30.70 mm across the 3H–9H axis; lug-to-lug is 47.00 mm with a total height of 14.20 mm. A double-sapphire arrangement—sapphire crystal with triple anti-reflective coating on the front and sapphire on the caseback—provides visibility of the movement through an exhibition back, while the watch maintains 3 ATM / 30 meters water resistance for everyday protection.
Strap, comfort and collector details
The strap is a black FKM rubber band sized at 26.85 mm at the lugs tapering to 18.00 mm at the clasp, with lengths of 94 and 122 mm for a tailored fit. Each piece is individually numbered to underline the limited nature of the edition, and the inclusion of the genuine car part in the DNA ring at 6 o’clock provides tangible provenance that collectors value. Despite the automotive connection, the watch is engineered for daily wear as much as it is for display in a collection.
Purchase, warranty and payment
Buyers can secure a unit via pre-order to access the discounted price; full retail applies after the pre-order window. REC offers a three-year warranty and accepts returns within 30 days if the watch is returned in accordance with their policy. Splitit enables interest-free installment payments across up to 12 months using Visa or Mastercard, with the usual card authorization and balance requirements described by the provider.
In summary, the GTR 02R DNA edition presents a direct link between motorsport achievement and watchmaking craft: a timepiece assembled with authentic materials from McLaren F1 GTR chassis 02R, powered by a robust REC – 5100M movement, and produced in a strictly limited run that emphasizes historical authenticity and Swiss mechanical performance.