Rotary x Ministry of Defence: A New Chapter in British Military Timekeeping

Yesterday, we announced a new collaboration between Rotary Watches and the Ministry of Defence. Today, we can begin to tell the story behind it.

Launching later this year, the Rotary x MoD Collection brings together new watches created for the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. At its centre is a watch of particular importance to Rotary: the return of the Army Trade Pattern wristwatch originally supplied by the company to the British Army during the Second World War.

This is not simply a collection inspired by military aesthetics. It begins with a genuine chapter in Rotary’s own history.

An original Rotary ATP

Others tell the story. We lived it.

During WW2, Rotary supplied wristwatches to the British Army under the Army Trade Pattern specification. These watches were issued as functional equipment and worn by British soldiers during active service.

Built for clarity, reliability and purpose, the original ATP was not designed as a commemorative object or civilian accessory. It was a practical timekeeping instrument made for the demands of wartime life.

While the later WWW watches - now widely known among collectors as the “Dirty Dozen” - have become some of the most recognisable British military watches of the period, the Army Trade Pattern watches preceded them. Rotary’s connection therefore goes beyond retrospective inspiration: the company was already supplying watches for British military service during the early years of the conflict.

More than eight decades later, that watch is returning.

The return of the Rotary ATP

The new Rotary x MoD ATP Reissue preserves the restrained proportions and distinctive character of the original service watch.

A compact 33.5mm case, running seconds sub-dial and highly legible dial maintain the presence of an early military wristwatch. Luminous hands and indices support clear reading in reduced light, while a khaki military-style fabric strap reinforces its practical character.

Although respectful of the original design, the watch has been re-engineered for modern wear. Single-dome sapphire glass, a screw-down crown and 100m water resistance bring contemporary durability to a watch rooted in genuine British military history.

A British Army insignia case back completes the design and marks its place within Rotary’s official collaboration with the Ministry of Defence.

The faithful reissue will be joined by larger interpretations of the ATP in 37mm and 40mm case sizes. These models retain the clarity and functional simplicity of the original while offering more contemporary proportions. The range will also include an automatic three-hand edition, bringing traditional mechanical watchmaking to the historic ATP design.

British Army: heritage carried forward

The British Army watches form the historical foundation of the Rotary x MoD Collection.

Alongside the ATP family, the range will include a rugged connected watch designed around modern utility. An all-black case surrounds a 1.43-inch always-on AMOLED display, supported by dual-band GPS, an altimeter, barometer and compass, as well as health tracking, sports modes, Bluetooth calling and message alerts.

The result is a British Army range that moves from a faithful wartime reissue to a fully connected modern watch, united by the same principles of clarity, reliability and purpose.

Royal Navy: built with maritime purpose

The Royal Navy collection introduces a distinct maritime character.

Automatic and chronograph diving watches will offer 200m water resistance, sapphire glass, screw-down crowns and 120-click unidirectional bezels. Matte blue dials, luminous hands and applied indices have been designed for strong legibility, while navy fabric straps with contrasting central stripes give the watches a recognisable service-led identity.

The automatic model will be powered by the dependable Miyota 8215 movement, while the chronograph edition adds precise quartz timing functionality and multiple luminous counters.

Each model will be completed by a special Royal Navy insignia case back.

Royal Air Force: precision and aviation design

For the Royal Air Force, the collection takes inspiration from the clarity and discipline of aviation instruments.

Pilot Automatic and Pilot Chronograph models will feature bold Arabic numerals, textured dials, luminous hands and indices, date displays and 100m water resistance.

The automatic edition will house a Miyota 8215 movement within a 42mm case, while the chronograph will introduce precise quartz timing functions and distinctive sword-style hands.

Available across bracelet and genuine leather strap configurations, the Royal Air Force watches bring a purposeful aviation character to the wider collection, each finished with a dedicated RAF insignia case back.

A tribute to the Spitfire

The collection will also include a commemorative Spitfire watch set celebrating one of the most recognisable aircraft in British aviation history.

The watch features a vintage inspired cream dial, blue hands and a blue military-style fabric strap, accompanied by a detailed diecast model of Spitfire Mk IIa P7350.

Built at Castle Bromwich in 1940, P7350 flew operationally during the Battle of Britain. Having survived combat, the war and a sale for scrap, it was later restored to flight for the film Battle of Britain. Today, it remains the only airworthy Spitfire to have fought in the campaign and wears the commemorative colours of RAF fighter ace Alan Deere’s aircraft.

The gift set brings together Rotary watchmaking and one of the most significant surviving aircraft of the Second World War.

One historic foundation. Three services.

The Rotary x MoD Collection begins with a watch that Rotary genuinely supplied for British military service and carries that history forward through new British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force editions.

The ATP remains at the heart of the story. It provides the historical foundation and authenticity from which the wider collection has been developed.

This is not simply a celebration of military design. It is the continuation of a story that began on the wrists of British soldiers during the Second World War.

Others tell the story. We lived it.

The Rotary x MoD Collection arrives later this year. Further details, including the complete range, pricing and launch information, will be revealed soon.