REC Watches, a Danish watchmaker known for its unique timepieces crafted from materials imbued with history, has unveiled the X4009 Hunter Green. This limited-edition watch pays homage to the illustrious Spitfire Mk1a X4009 aircraft and its courageous pilot, Australian fighter ace Pat Hughes. Hughes distinguished himself during the Battle of Britain, a pivotal aerial campaign fought during World War II. The REC X4009 Hunter Green is more than just a watch; it's a wearable tribute to a legendary era in aviation history.
The Supermarine Spitfire, a brainchild of Reginald Joseph Mitchell in the early 1930s, quickly became an icon due to its aerodynamic prowess. This short-range, high-performance interceptor played a critical role in the Battle of Britain, the first major air campaign fought entirely by air forces.
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Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk1a, bearing RAF serial X4009 and construction number 945, rolled off the assembly line at Supermarine’s Eastleigh factory in 1940. After its maiden flight on July 24th, 1940, it was assigned to RAF Squadron No. 234 under the command of Pat Hughes.
Hughes, a prominent figure in the Battle of Britain, ranked sixth among the “aces of aces” during the summer of 1940, credited with at least fourteen confirmed victories. A daring flight commander, Hughes was instrumental in securing the squadron’s initial triumphs in the air battles over the English Channel.
Flying exclusively the X4009 Spitfire, Hughes completed a total of 21 sorties from August 18th to September 7th, 1940, claiming nine victories over five separate encounters. Tragically, Hughes was lost during a mission over London on September 7th, 1940. Despite his untimely demise, Hughes’ heroism and the X4009 Spitfire’s unique history make its restoration one of the most anticipated in aviation history.
In 2020, Ross and Ann-Maree Pay of Vintage Fighter Restorations acquired the wreckage of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk1a X4009, eighty years after its service in the Battle of Britain. Donating the aircraft’s remains to Hunter Fighter Collection Incorporated, a registered Australian charity, they initiated its complete restoration to its original 1940 condition.
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While many original parts are being meticulously restored, some aluminum salvaged from the fuselage was unsuitable for reuse in the aircraft. These historic pieces, however, found a new life integrated into the design of the REC X4009 Collection at the 6 o’clock subdial. Owning a REC X4009 Hunter Green timepiece means wearing a fragment of history on your wrist.
REC Watches designers faced an intriguing challenge: to create a timepiece that captures the essence of the Spitfire Mk1a X4009’s mechanical excellence and storied history. Furthermore, the designers wanted to incorporate the salvaged aluminum from the fuselage into the watch’s design.
The case of the X4009 Hunter Green takes its cues from the Spitfire’s aerodynamic brilliance, particularly its wing shape and structure. The crown guard, reminiscent of the elliptical form of the wing from above, showcases internal spars and ribs, evoking the aircraft’s lightweight yet robust construction. The large onion crown draws inspiration from the aircraft’s nose cone, adding a touch of authenticity to the timepiece.
The dial draws inspiration from timepieces worn by RAF pilots during WWII. Featuring clear Arabic numerals, luminous hands and hour markers, and a shatterproof crystal, it pays homage to the era’s government-issued watches. Additionally, the dial features tributes to Pat Hughes and the X4009 aircraft.
The exhibition case-back unveils a customized Sellita caliber SW-461 movement, featuring ruthenium anthracite plating, tempered blued screws, and a rotor showcasing the X4009 aircraft in flight. A testament to the timepiece’s unique character, the battle-scarred aluminum from the Spitfire is integrated into the small-seconds subdial at 6 o’clock.
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The 41mm diameter case strikes a perfect balance between a strong presence on the wrist and everyday wearability. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, a robust and corrosion-resistant material common in high-end watchmaking, it boasts a robust construction. This is further enhanced by a gun-gray PVD coating, providing both aesthetic depth and added durability.
The lugs seamlessly integrate into the case, flowing into the included premium brown calf leather strap with white stitching . For those who want quick and easy changes, it features a quick-release system. The included stainless steel butterfly clasp with pushers adds a touch of sophistication while ensuring reliable and comfortable all-day wear.
Perhaps the most striking element is the crown guard, echoing the Spitfire wing’s distinct elliptical shape. It's more than just eye-candy; the exposed cutouts mimic the wing’s internal structure, showcasing the spars and crossbeams that provided rigidity and lightness – just like its airborne inspiration.
The domed dial of the X4009 Hunter Green presents a harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality. Its fumé sunburst finish catches the light subtly, transitioning from a deep green center to a near-black edge. Bold Arabic numerals and syringe-style hands ensure excellent legibility, treated with luminous coating for visibility in low-light conditions.
Look closely—the dial reveals a treasure trove of details. At 9 o'clock, a plaque bears the aircraft's serial number X4009, while the iconic Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, the heartbeat of the Spitfire, graces the 3 o'clock position. Each dial, due to the piece of integrated Spitfire aluminum, presents a unique pattern and weathered appearance—a true one-of-a-kind timepiece.
Courtesy of REC Watches
The REC logo and a stylized silhouette of the Spitfire take center stage at 12 o'clock, underscoring the watch's aviation heritage. A discreet date window resides at 3 o'clock, ensuring functionality without detracting from the overall visual appeal. The hunter green color scheme evokes the natural hues of a military cockpit while adding a dash of contemporary flair.
The exhibition caseback offers a glimpse into the mechanical heart of the X4009 Hunter Green—a customized Sellita caliber SW-461 automatic movement. Known for its reliability, this workhorse movement guarantees excellent timekeeping with a power reserve of over 40 hours. The custom rotor showcases another tribute to the X4009 Spitfire, adding an extra layer of storytelling to the visual experience.
Recessed and protected by a mineral crystal, the caseback showcases thoughtful finishes. The movement sports ruthenium anthracite plating and tempered blue screws, contrasting beautifully against the gears. It's a testament to REC's attention to detail and commitment to both mechanical integrity and visual allure.
The sapphire crystal on the front of the watch offers outstanding scratch resistance, safeguarding the integrity of the dial for years to come. An internal triple-layer anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, ensuring readability even in harsh sunlight. Additionally, the X4009 Hunter Green boasts a respectable water resistance rating of 10 ATM (100 meters), making it suitable for more than just desk duty.
Rounding out the watch is the “Office GMT” rotation bezel with a lume marker at 12 o'clock, enhancing its versatility and allowing for convenient tracking of a second time zone. This feature is a subtle nod to the long-range flight capabilities of the aircraft and to the pilots traversing time zones during wartime.
REC Watches has once again demonstrated its unique approach to horology with the X4009 Hunter Green. It's more than just a timepiece— it's a wearable conversation starter, evoking the spirit of the legendary Spitfire aircraft and the bravery of pilots like Pat Hughes.
Courtesy of REC Watches
But beyond its compelling backstory, the X4009 Hunter Green exudes craftsmanship and thoughtful design choices. Its blend of robust materials, practical features, and subtle nods to history make it a compelling proposition for watch enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
REC also takes its social responsibility seriously. By incorporating materials salvaged from the Spitfire's restoration, and directly contributing proceeds from sales to the cause, REC ensures that the X4009 plays a role in preserving a vital piece of aviation history. It allows collectors to not only wear a piece of history but to directly support the restoration of one of the most iconic aircraft of all time, ensuring it takes to the skies once again.