Rotary Heritage Titanium Automatic Watch GB05249/04
Rotary Heritage Titanium Automatic Watch GB05249/04
About Us
Rotary was originally established in 1895 in Switzerland’s, La Chaux de Fonds region; very much the cradle of modern watchmaking. It was here that Rotary would develop the key values which have endured today. Meticulous design, exceptional value for money and superb reputation for service.
The company’s success and subsequent rapid growth allowed for a unique opportunity. In 1905, Rotary moved its headquarters to London, bringing across the very best in watchmaking techniques and considerations. The brand’s influence grew massively during wartime years as it became the official timepiece supplier to the British army and now, Rotary watches are available in over 60 countries worldwide.
With its Swiss origin and British influence, Rotary provides a unique offering which combines over 120 years of watchmaking expertise with a contemporary design ethos.
| Dimensions: | 16.4 x 13.9 x 9.1 cm; 389 Grams |
| Model: | GB05249/04 |
| Manufacture: | Rotary |
| Department: | Men's |
| Dimensions: | 16.4 x 13.9 x 9.1 cm; 389 Grams |
I happened to buy the 203rd watch out of only 300 made. As one would expect – the solid titanium bracelet is nice-looking and weightless, as is the watch itself. These are sold out from the manufacturer’s online store, so finding one here (sold by Rubicon Watches) at a lower price than the original RRP is a great bargain.
The box iteslf is a bit blant, made of simple materials and appears to be way cheaper than this watch deserves. After adjusting the bracelet (you’ll need proper tools and skills or ask a professional) the watch looks great on any wrist – and thanks to the choice of titanium it’s way lighter compared to the similarly sized steel quartz movement piece. After a couple of days the accuracy is still witin one second – I guess thanks to the top quality Miyota movement and factory adjustment.
If I am really picky then (on top of the materials for the box) I’d point to the non screw-down crown (makes it slightly trickier to pull it out), only one adjustment hole in the clasp (a 1/4 inch longer clasp would leave space for 3-4 more – added flexibility) and the flat sapphire crystal doesn’t have any anti-reflective coating (more vanity thing than an actual necessity). Oh yes, and the registration for the 3rd year warranty at the manufacturer’s site is messy, too.
As a bottom line – it’s a steal for a great-looking British design & a quality Japanese movement automatic watch in full Ti/Sapphire shell.
Much better than cheaper watches from Asia is quality time please
Well it’s titanium so it’s unbelievably light, the Super-Luminova markings glow well and bright. Sapphire Glass finished the exterior of the watch, so it’s scratch resistant. Of course it’s grey in colour rather than the silver of steel, but feels like a quarter of the weight. The case back is also titanium, with sapphire glass, so you can see the movement.
There’s 100m water resistance too, so it’s OK for swimming, and salt water has no effect on titanium, not much does (it’s hypoallergenic too!).
If you’re sizing the strap yourself, take care, inside every titanium link there is a really tiny metal sleeve, which locks the pin in place. Drop one of these and the pin only sits loosely in its hole, so be careful.
As for accuracy, so far I’m not sure what I’m seeing from the Miyota movement. It’s unbelievably accurate, so far loosing a second in 24 hours, which is incredible.
Of course, with it being an automatic it’s thicker than some quartz watches, but the short tapered down lugs make it seem smaller from top to bottom, lug to lug, and it sits really well on the wrist. One negative is there are only two micro adjustments in the clasp, a couple more would have been nice.
For a full titanium automatic watch, with sapphire glass it’s actually a really good price. It’s neat, light, accurate, and has the wonderful properties of titanium.