I seem to be writing about a good number of “affordable” watches of late! Today is no exception, after I found another candidate in a local antique center that I often frequent. In this case within the cabinet of a mainly clock specialist, but on this occasion there were a few watches too. This watch caught my eye as it, well, just looked “right”. The right size, the right shape, the right image, and all at the right price – which was shown as £60.
So, again, I was not looking for another watch. However, the above-noted attributes tempted me to have a closer look. This revealed a Rotary Windsor watch, with; a rose gold (plated) case, a very nice patterned white dial (simulating guilloche), a framed date feature, and all on a croc patterned black leather strap. The motive power was of course quartz. Lastly, the watch was barely a year old and came with full accompaniments. Oh, and back to the price – I offered £50 and this was accepted. By the way, the watch is still available new at an rrp of some £185 – although some of the usual retail chains have discounted to the £150 level. So, a bargain really.
Rotary, as many people will know, are a large UK headquartered but Chinese-owned brand, They make a wide range of watches at the lower price spectrum. The brand originated in Switzerland in 1895 by one Moise Dreyfuss. He started exporting to the UK and by the 1920’s, this had become his largest market. Rotary, with it’s double-winged logo, was very popular, and they even supplied the military. By 2014 the brand was owned by the Chinese watch investment company Citychamp. Incidentally, they own a few more similar brands such as; Dreyfuss (who had owned Rotary), Eterna, Corum, and Porsche Design.
Due to the simplicity and comparatively unremarkable nature of the watch or brand, on this occasion, I have not gone into more detail. Let the images do the talking! In conclusion though, I would just say that the watch is really nice, with some classy, and classy-looking features. At a little distance, it could easily be mistaken for a vintage Cartier, Patek, or VC!! It should also be relatively maintenance-free and accurate. As such, I feel it is very good all-round value – even at the rrp! So, yes, economy with class has worked in this case!
Words & Images: The Writer