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ROTARY LAUNCH OXFORD COLLECTION

WE SPEAK TO HEAD OF DESIGN AT ROTARY WATCHES, MATTHEW O’NEILL, ABOUT THE NEW WATCH FAMILY DEBUT

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Rotary Launch Oxford Collection

Much like Rotary watches, the city of Oxford is steeped in rich history and tradition with the oldest college dating back to the 13th Century. Beyond its academic walls Oxford also boasts famous design and architecture making this a fitting name for Rotary’s latest family. The aesthetics of the Rotary Oxford family set them apart as tokens of preppy style, embodying Rotary’s DNA with classic, timeless looks that never date. The easy to read dial is the most identifying feature of this family; the gents showcasing a black gloss or brushed silver face while the ladies feature a delicate silver white swirl or Mother of Pearl. Characterised by applied, angled index hour markers to catch the light, every Rotary dial is designed to meet perfection. Further defining the preppy Oxford gent’s models are stainless steel 3 link bracelets or stitch detail calf leather straps in tan or black.

All ladies’ models hold an alluring feature of Austrian crystal set bezels flowing into the lugs, this level of detail delivers a stunning, feminine timepiece. Each watch is presented on a 3-link bracelet or leather strap. All models feature flat Sapphire crystal, Dauphine hands, reliable quartz movements, 50m water resistance and two-year guarantee that can be extended to three if you register online. The new Oxford family represents Rotary’s commitment to producing superlative quality watches at an affordable price. Rotary was established over 120 years ago in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Today with a Global brand presence in over 65 Countries Rotary watches are designed in the heart of London, nestled within the famous creative hub of Carnaby Street. Rotary is extremely proud of its reputation as a trusted watch maker renowned for leading British design, unparalleled quality timepieces at an exceptional price.

What was the inspiration behind the family? 

“We wanted to offer a collection of timepieces that imparted a contemporary edge to a reassuringly classic design. The inspiration behind this family is a fresh take on the heritage of the brand, seamlessly combining a traditional, smooth case shape with a crisp, clear dial providing maximum comfort and legibility for everyday wear-ability.” 

Why did you settle on Oxford as the new family name? 

“Having relocated our headquarters to Great Britain in 1946, Rotary watches are conceived, designed and developed in-house in the heart of London, one of the world’s most iconic and creative hubs. Over the coming months we will align our collection into families with names reflecting our British roots – it’s an exciting time to be part of the business The aesthetics of this new family have a classy yet preppy appearance; the natural choice was to pick a place name that exudes the same characteristics as the inspiration behind the product and, with its young collegiate nature and traditional architecture, Oxford had it all.”

Are the leather straps different to the usual straps? 

“Correct, these are a first for Rotary. We specifically designed the soft calf leather straps with double pinched stitching for their styling and extreme comfort. I’m currently wearing the rich tan version now and I love it!”  

Why did you choose a quartz movement as opposed to an automatic? 

“We have several families in our collection and each one offers something different for the people who wear them by way of aesthetics and/or functionality. The Oxford collection is intended to be more accessibly priced and by using a reliable, quartz movement surrounded by high specification case materials such as sapphire glass and 316L stainless steel, we can produce a very competitive offer with outstanding value.”

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