One of the things that fascinate me about watches is their endless diversity. There is always something new around the corner, an unexpected design, maybe a brand that I just discovered. This is the case with Rotary, a brand that we have less exposure to here in Canada and given its long history, I’m quite excited to take a closer look at one of their limited edition models from the Heritage collection. 

Just to put things in perspective, Rotary was established in 1895 at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, by Moise Dreyfuss and by the 20s, the family started importing watches to Britain which became their most successful markets.  For sure, being an official supplier for the British Army during WWII helped Rotary in becoming a household name in Britain. Over the year they were involved in major sporting events and teams, such as the British Racing Motors F1 in 1976, or more recently, in 2015 they were supporting Chelsea FC, making sure that the winged wheel logo gets proper exposure. 

As with many other family-owned brands, in 2014, after a century of existence and four generations, Dreyfuss Group was bought by Citychamp Watch & Jewellery Group Limited (formerly China Haidan Holdings Limited), owner of Eterna and Corum. 

The Heritage collection is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the brand with six limited-edition reissues of important models from Rotary’s past. Limited to 300 pieces each, one of the six was sold out instantly — the one I’m reviewing here, the Heritage Rose Gold PVD is still available. 

This is an elegant dress watch with a very functional twist that I really like — the train track index circling around the main numerals looks like it was taken from a tool watch. A dress watch with a legible dial, it’s a real pleasure to check the time on it.

I’m not too much into rose gold cases, but the combination of rose gold with the sunray brushed silver dial and that red second’s hand is a fantastic treat for the eye and for the wirst. The red on the dial is so subtle, yet it has a huge impact, the word HERITAGE stands out at 12 o’clock, just under the winged wheel logo, as a reminder that this is a special watch. 

The lugs are elegant and the crown has the proper size to make the winding easy without sticking out too much. If there is something that I could criticize about the watch is the vanilla Miyota movement visible thanks to the see-through case back. I would have preferred to see at least a minimal customization, a little surprise. 

The leather strap and the rose gold plated buckle are beautiful compliments to the watch and the packaging too is quite elegant considering that this is an entry-price watch.

Technical Specifications

Date Display: NO
Case Width: 40
Case Depth: 12.5
Case plating: All Rose Gold
Dial Colour: Silver White
Crystal / Glass Type: Mineral
Strap Colour: Brown
Strap Material: Leather
Clasp Type: Rotary Buckle
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Movement Type: Automatic
Supplied with: Official Rotary Presentation Box, Official Rotary Guarantee, & Instruction Manual
Price: $339

More at www.rotarywatches.com

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