There are objects that contain the power to bring you back to another era. when things were different. I do not consider myself a nostalgic person, but I do have a certain affinity for the late 80s and early 90s. These were the years when I started to learn about music, cars, and sports. You might recall that this period was obsessed with neon colors and turbochargers — yes, turbos were everywhere. You could see this magical word in fast foods, hairdryers, and even your own personal computer (although this button slowed down the performance, so not sure what happened there). When it came to cars, that “turbo” decal down the side was all we cared about. So, here I am, a grown man living in 2023, when I encounter the REC Watches TURBO PurpleNeon, a watch with all the characteristics I loved. I had to have one for review.
REC watches took a comprehensive approach to their subject. Every detail is a coherent object that amplifies the TURBO’s theme. The strap, the case, the dial, and all the finishing touches have at least a little something that reminds us (or at least me) of a simpler time.
I am always drawn to original designs, and the REC TURBO does not disappoint. REC has always been extremely focused on originality. There are no generic cases, straps, or dials in their collection. The case is 40mm with a very short lug-to-lug distance of 46mm, so it is very easy to wear on my 6.25-inch wrist. Angular case sides recall the many wedge- and box-shaped cars of the era, like the Lotus Essex Turbo Esprit.
The dial of the TURBO PurpleNeon mimics the window louvers employed on the Lotus and on almost every sporty car from that era. A layer of SuperLuminova is topped with hand-painted dark purple to bright orange gradient plastic for the “sunset” effect that found its way to almost every album cover or video game. The italicized ‘’Turbo’’ badge sits proudly at 4:30. A 6 o’clock date window finishes it off.
Turn the watch over, and you have even more original design cues with a small opening window where you can see the balance bridge of the Sellita SW200-1 automatic, which is accurate to ±5 sec per day
I was surprised by the attention to detail when I took the macro shots. The three layers of anti-reflective coating were really helpful while I was taking pictures of this beauty, and there were no foreign materials inside the dial. The hands were brushed to perfection. I found no sharp edges in the case. Bravo REC!
On the wrist, the Turbo does not disappoint. Like the Lotus, it is lightweight, and with a thickness of 12.3mm and a very soft, period-correct purple rubber strap, the watch sits centered on my 6.25″ wrist. The cut-away numerals and sandwich dial offer great legibility, and when darkness falls, it all glows nicely. Fixed end links in the case make the watch feel like an integrated sports-style piece. I wore the Turbo for a full week without taking it off, and I have to say that it has won me over. It is a fun, casual piece with ideal quality at its price point. It also attracted a good bit of attention. I had several people ask what I was wearing, and that doesn’t happen very often.
Many watches can kindle nostalgia. Timex does a fine job of this at the low end of the price spectrum. Then you have incredible works like Constantin Chaykin or the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Black Panther, which are, shall we say, a bit out of reach for some of us. The REC TURBO PurpleNeon is priced at a tempting $447 US for the first 100 units, afterward increasing to $895. At this price, it can also be a nice present for yourself that does not require sacrificing quality or taking a second mortgage. It is a watch that you can wear every day, but I can assure you that the TURBO will be also enjoyed at night, while you are tucked into bed thinking about those days when you used to fall asleep looking at the Lamborghini posters on your walls.
Technical Specs
Diameter 40,0 mm
Height 12,3 mm
Lug-to-Lug 46,0 mm
Dial Opening Ø 31,6 mm
Swiss-made Sellita cal. SW200-1
Time & Date (Hours, Minutes, Seconds & Date)
Sweeping seconds
Self-winding mechanism
Date quick setting
Automatic & manual winding
20 Jewels
41-hour power reserve
VPH 28,800 bph, 4Hz
Accuracy ±5 sec per day
