Rotary AW23 Preview: A Discussion With Our Lead Designer

Launching 11th August, the AW23 collection introduces updates across 6 families; Canterbury, Commando, Heritage, Oxford, Regent and Ultra Slim. To get an insight into the new additions, as well as some of the inspiration behind them, we sat down with Chris Rackett, our Lead Watch Designer to run through the AW23 collection.

Canterbury

Taking inspiration from our ‘Sherlock’ watch, the new generation of Canterbury draws influence from early 20th century dress watches, with a 38mm case, sweeping wired lugs and a traditional day-date complication. The dial itself features a guilloche spiral pattern in the centre to add to the formal aesthetic of the watch, paired with Roman numerals on the outer track of the dial. Available in 4 versatile finishes and dial colours, the Canterbury presents a classic offering for those looking for a dress watch.

Key Specification:

Case Size: 38 mm

Movement: Quartz

Dial: Silver Spiral Guilloche dial +

Printed Roman Numerals & Breguet Hands

Glass: Sapphire Glass

Water Resistance: 30m

Commando

Introducing the Commando Field, the latest addition to our Commando family. The commando field draws influence from early field watches, and pays homage to Rotary’s long history with military watchmaking. Featuring a sandblasted stainless steel case, for no-fuss durability and a toned down matte finish, along with a highly functional dial, focused on legibility. 

Within the Commando Field releases, the most notable addition is the new leather nato strap, a practical and comfortable strap that offers a lightweight alternative to the 3 link bracelet. The Commando field features a water resistance of 100m, allowing this to truly be a go-anywhere adventure watch. The 37mm sizing evokes a vintage feel to the watch, and is a more wearable watch for those with smaller wrists.

Key Specification:

Case Size: 37mm

Movement: Quartz

Dial: Matte White Dial + Luminous Hands &

Arabic Numerals

Glass: Sapphire Glass

Water Resistance: 100m

Heritage

Limited to 300 pieces, the ever popular limited edition Heritage range returns with a new dial colour and strap design. Designed as a utilitarian tool watch, the Heritage delivers a premium experience with an automatic movement and day-date complication. As a utility watch, the Heritage features 100m water resistance and a screw-down crown for extra security.

The sturdy sandblast titanium case remains unchanged, with a new steel blue dial giving a vintage overall feel to the watch. This is further enhanced by the newly designed nylon strap, with a woven texture that finishes the Heritage off nicely with an earthy colour, complimenting the vintage inspired indices and dial.

Key Specification:

Case Size: 40mm

Movement: Automatic

Dial: Steel Blue Matte Dial + Applied Lume Indices & Hands

Glass: Sapphire Glass

Water Resistance: 100m

Oxford

The new generation of Oxford picks up from the last, delivering a modern approach to a dress watch. A straightforward approach, to deliver a modern and versatile piece that looks at home on the beach or in the boardroom.

With a variety of case finishes, dial finishes, a men's and ladies' range and leather or stainless steel bracelets, the new generation of Rotary Oxford watches span a variety of tastes and styles.

Details such as brushed and polished links on the bracelet, the sunray dial, or the delicate chamfering of the lugs deliver a premium watch experience.

Key Specification:

Case Size: 30-40mm

Movement: Quartz

Dial: Two Step Sunray Dial + Faceted Lume Indices & Hands

Glass: Sapphire Glass

Water Resistance: 50m

Regent Skeleton

With the Regent standing as a flagship offering for Rotary, the latest release looks to improve upon the iconic skeleton design, adding more to the Regent design language. Additions such as the stepped flange allow for more of the movement to be showcased within the dial, whilst adding a sense of depth to the watch. The continuation of the integrated bracelet design into the dial is another way in which the identity of the Regent design can be felt throughout the watch.

Key Specification:

Case Size: 40mm

Movement: Automatic

Dial: Multi Layered Dial + Lume indices

Glass: Sapphire Glass

Water Resistance: 100m

Ultra Slim

The Ultra Slim family offers a lightweight, yet premium feel, now in a new shape, tonneau. Tonneau is the French word for barrel, an elegant, fluid design that complements the thin profile of the Ultra Slim. The new roseLoo champagne dial effortlessly elevates the aesthetic, with the guilloche dial adding texture and depth.

Outside of the new tonneau shape, there are additions to the extensive range of finishes and sizes within the Ultra Slim additions to both the men’s and ladies' collections.

Key Specification:

Case Size: 27-44mm

Movement: Automatic

Dial: Multi Layered Dial + Lume indices

Glass: Sapphire Glass

Water Resistance: 50m