A budget Doxa diver, with a true British brand name on the dial, decent quality and $250 price tag. Yes, I would buy this over an entry level Seiko diver.
I really like the Scuba 7 logo , fits the dial very nicely. Had a couple of the older Aquaspeed models and they were very well built tough work watches and recently bought the Henley batman GMT , decent watches for the money.
This was a fantastic review! No bull$hit... and completely fair.... then again, JOMW has been this way since day one, so no surprises here! I just loved the approach. One of the best channels on UA-cam for the watch addicts around the world like me. Keep em’ coming mate! P.S How about a bloopers video to keep us Melbournians smiling & sane through lockdown 😉. Time to start deep diving the Rotary range 😳
I've been looking at these since they were released. I think they're stunning, in both design and construction. Very seriously considering the green dial version!
@@marksaxby607 I work for a US company and sometimes visiting colleagues bring them over as ‘treats’. They usually get binned after weeks sitting on the filing cabinet lol. Oh and Hershey’s tastes like sick.
@@maff1975 Try Reese's Peanut Butter Cups from Canada. Canadian chocolate is much closer to British chocolate in its taste and formulation. A lot of people don't know that US chocolate is significantly different than British and Canadian chocolate. I live in Canada and every time I taste chocolate from the US it just tastes bizarrely different. Even Hershey chocolate made in Canada was confirmed to have a different formula according to Hershey representative Gina Shroy in an interview with Canada's National Post: “The ingredients were sourced in a way where we picked specialized beans of a certain flavour profile that matches the milkiness and creaminess that is unique to Canadian chocolate,” said Shroy, who has worked with Hershey’s for over 14 years. “Canadian chocolate is higher in fat and it is a higher particle size, but Americans tend to gravitate towards a little bit more of a grittier or even cheesier flavour.”
To me, it would have to compete with Orient. (let's forget Seiko make decent dive watches for 250 anymore.) I think I may be buying this. I've had no issues with the 8215 miyota movement, better with 9015 - I think it is. But that Orange looks like it would set off a geiger counter!
Miyota movements give nice reminders throughout the day that you are wearing an amazing mechanical device that is not run by a computer. High tech from The 70's. The Miyota wobble makes me smile. Whir whir whir zzzip.
@@wildankoso they don't hack, noisey rotar, mine never kept great time and the second hand stutters when you bang your hand/watch. Very basic movement. Worse than the 7s36 .
Rock Solid Review Jody! One of your best comprehensive reviews on a microbrand with appropriate accurate concerns/negatives which is a more difficult thing to be spot on about. Just a thought, respectfully, it might have been better to get the orange dail for yourself, but asked Kevin if he could send a black dail for the review for you to return back, since most would likely buy the black dial. Orange color is polarizing and a hit or miss. After watching, people may just write off Rotary Watches because of the orange dail despite your stellar review. With "new" microbrands with low following, you want to give them the best chance at success as possible.
Thank you for the feedback Bryan. Just to clarify, Rotary is not a microbrand. They have been making watches for 125 years :) There should be some other channels posting reviews of the black dial for you to watch in the near future. Cheers
I love this watch. Looking at the specs I would have rather bought this than the limited Citizen diver. The Miyota movement is no problem for me, love the fact that it hand winds and I use it all the time
Solid build, great specs, good looks, fully lumed bezel. There's a lot to like about this watch even with the low end movement. I've been seeing a lot of ads for this watch over the last week, I'm glad Jody got an early review in. 👍🏼
Bought the green dial version earlier this month and I love it. I have a 7.5 inch wrist and I’m on the closest to the closing mechanism of the three on the clasp, it fits perfectly. I’m not a diver, so I won’t be using it for that, it is however my new smart casual watch.
@@ХристоМартунковграфЛозенски I'm sure mark is. Mark doesnt need jody. I'm sure jody is a nice guy also. They are both getting rich off watches. Good on them.
I am sure jody reviews watches he doesn’t get paid to review. I think he mostly just loves watches that are in a certain price range and so he reviews them for the people.
Great to see someone try to resurrect the ailing Rotary brand. I assumed that all they did was quartz crap for grannies these days but this looks really good. Respect to the northern monkeys at watchnation!
🤔 I think Jody meant to say “less than $400” on the Zelos swordfish. But for $369 (if you were early) you could even get one in Titanium which is insane with a much better clasp than the rivals Jody mentioned
Nice to see a different brand occasionally.I have my dads old Gold Rotary from the 1970s, swiss movement and still works well, I see Rotarys on ebay a lot but are obviously very different, info is not easy to come by. Quite impressed by this. It is quite heavy but I think it depends on how the weight is distributed, I have a watch at 195g but you don't notice the weight once on. I think it looks good, not sure about orange though.
Thank you for reviewing Rotary Jody, a company with a great history. Just to say that currently this is a Chinese owned, British based company, using British Designs and some watches are actually still made in Switzerland, but others in China or the Far East. In Britain they're kind of the upper end of the budget market a notch up say from a Sekonda. They have never been too shabby. I have the Batman Henley GMT and an Avenger series pilot watch, designed in the early 60s that looks curiously like that Seagull 1963. I'd love to know which came first. My favourite though is a two faced Revelation reversible actually made in Switzerland. I won't be buying the dive watch but know that it has value and quality because of the brand, but the rest of the world won't know that. Your video was great to see and Watch Nation won't regret it. Orange is the new Orange 🍊 👍.
WatchNation this looks like an excellent watch you have released. If only it had a NH35/6 or Miyota 9 series I would be adding one to my collection. Looking forward to seeing the next version.
@@SAXONWARLORD1000AD Seiko mainly, i have one or two that I wear constantly so others do not get a look in. I do have a really nice PD too. It’s not because I don’t like Rotary, or regard them any less, it’s just other watches do not get a look in. I do have a very old very dressy Rotary on a leather strap that I wear on the rare occasion I wear a suit though.
Thank you for the in-depth review Jody! We're glad to hear how much you like our new Rotary Super 7 Scuba! We will definitely be taking your suggestions into consideration. Cheers!
Do! Jody's comments are always well thought out. I have a Steinny, an Orient, a couple of C Wards and I was giving this one an eyeball until I saw the clasp (it's pretty generic - I have seen that one more than once), and the Miyota. I'll never buy another Miyota 8 series. I have a flieger with one and it just feels funny on the wrist and at the crown. But I love that handset and face. I'm shallow like that. Pip-pip!
So nice to see Rotary producing something like this, they have a soft spot for me, first watch I ever bought myself with my first wage! Think this may now be on my hit list.
So, despite the ceramic insert, despite the finish and construction of the case, despite the sapphire crystal, you're ready to dismiss it? Yes, they could've probably used something that also hacks; but on the other hands I'm tired of seeing NH35/NH36s everywhere.
it does indeed have some serious competition. It does look good though. I agree on your tweaks, would up the game just that little bit to put it at the top 3ish. Love the orange and dial look.
Love it. Need to see more of this sort of old fashioned thing wherein “jewellers” have their own take on a standard...nice way to mesh with the micro world.
This baby is on my list. I have owned a few Rotaries and I still have their Navitimer Homage that I bought 13 years ago. They have all been really well made to a budget, no worse than Seiko or Citizen that cost a little more. I am very happy to see them making a serious watch.
don't forget drilled lugs and a better bracelet with screws instead of pushpins- this doesn't look bad but I think the Islander definitely edges it out.
I’m from U.K. and have purchased a beautiful modded Seiko from WN previously - their customer service was 5 star and I’d recommend the firm regardless of if yin like the watch in review here - great to see Watchnation getting some air time!
Great Review! Big Bangeth for Bucketh! Especially the Fully Lumed Bezel and Bi Coloured Lume. However I wish it ran an orange bezel rather than a black bezel. A black bezel looks like a full stop or a wet blanket on an orange party. Or even better a Fanta Bezel (Orange and Blue). But aside from that, this is a nice watch for the money.
Have you already tested the Steeldive version of the Seiko "Cpt. Willard"? I'd love to see a few good shots of the blue/green version as most people got the (more movie accurate) black one.
I've got the Steeldive Willard. For the money it's a great watch. My only criticism would be the AR coating is a bit overdone. Apart from that it's really good
@@saevans63 I thought I'd take the blue one because the AR coating is usually blueish/purple and that would clash less with the dial. Is it really THAT purple btw.?
Jody, you are spot on with the Helm, but, what the heck, this is a brand that I completely forgot about. I would love to have one like this because that orange is gorgeous. Great review 👌
@@watchnation3992 Hard to argue with any good looking watch. Will have to scrape and beg for this one but I will definitely get it one way or another because this is my style. 👌👌
I bough a couple seikos from watch nation in the past and I'm from the US. They actually sold me the new seiko 5kx without the dive bezel a couple weeks before they were even released.
Long island is staying as close as possible to the original Seiko design. If you don’t like the SKX frame, they also make clones of the ‘turtle’ and ‘samurai’ lines.
You really should look at the Islander brand. They’re only 200m rated and has no dive clasp, but they’re priced slightly lower at $299 USD with free shipping in USA. It’s an even closer copy of the SKX, and actually fits SKX parts. What many people will enjoy is the very wide range of color choices, I count at least a dozen different ones.
Just bought one on the strength of this review. Took the open pay option at checkout, 3 payments a month and job done! I plan on swapping out the miyota out for a 2836 at a later date
@@jacc88888 Cheers. I'm trying to get away from buying high end replicas with this watch. Its half the price of a mid range rep and hopefully its almost as good.
Great video indeed! What about certifications? Does the scuba statement stay for an iso diver certification? Does it sport fat springbars? Seiko skx, ny0040, and orient Neptune/triton (maybe this should be the actual competitor, not the Kamasu) are all iso 6425/jis certified.
@@Leerocklol That's the Russian spelling of Vostok. Their metal bracelets are actually signed "boctok". Andy, I have several Vostok watches. I wear my amphibian a lot and whilst they are good for the money, I find myself polishing out scratches on the plastic crystal about once a month. The bezels are also bi-directional and don't click, which might not be for everyone. I like how the date clicks over instantly on Vostok movements, but setting the date can be a pain (they have a half-assed kind of quickset that isn't all that quick). Lume on vostoks is only 'OK' in my opinion. What's good about Vostok parts is they are super cheap. I doubt if I would bother sending one for servicing, as the movements are so cheap and available and swapping a new one in isn't too hard either. So I'd say Vostok made good value budget watches, but I'm certain they wouldn't compete with the £250 divers mentioned here.
Thanks for the video. After watching I ordered the orange one and was happy to receive mine today. Unfortunately the dot on the dial was lose and came off while unboxing. Looking at the lose piece I am concerned about the quality I was expecting to receive.
I've had some great experiences with Rotary. Not always great value for money, but they're usually very solid and well-made. If it's good enough for Sherlock Holmes it's good enough for me
I like the look of the Rotary Henley GMT model GS05108. Anyone know if it's a good casual everyday watch. The blue is striking with the pop of orange from the hands.
@@matzmx I have the rotary batman GMT , it's quite alike to a Seiko www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/5525691/rotary+henley+men%27s+stainless+steel+bracelet+watch/
Hi Jody Another great review, Love the look and build of this watch, members of my family have been wearing Rotary watches for years ( 25 yrs service award) always Rotary. Fancy this one myself but your niggles match the ones I thought of as you went through the review will put it on my wish list and keep looking at it to see if they take your advice ( New Scuba 7A possible ) thanks for your work.
Jody- you did it again... you cost me $300 bucks US! Ordered the Orange Super 7 March '21 when it was on sale! And you are spot-on, this is a great watch! Hands down, one of my new favorites in my collection! You're reviews are costing me a lot of money, the wife is eventually going to cut me off from your channel! But seriously, your reviews are excellent and thus far have not failed me yet (I've gotten the Lunar Pilot, Milano XL, Newmark 52, Super 7, and the Addies Flieger from your reviews)! Thank you and keep up your great work! A live chat would be awesome at some point with you to showcase straps, mods or just discuss horology! Cheers!
Wow, a Rotary! It's been a while since I saw one, they are still sold here in the U.S. but not as much anymore. Anyway, the watch looks very well made, but as you said, there are some little things that need to be addressed. Definitely, the movement is an issue for the price range, they could have gotten a 9015 series Miyota or at least an 821A series that at least hacks. Keep up the great work brother!
Good specs and excellent value.. Don't like the orange myself & 3 o'clock dates on divers are one of my pet hates.... But I can see one of these in my collection in the future, I've never had a Rotary & it's cheap enough to give a go. Cheers mate 👍🏻
There are far too many of the micro brands which make no attempt to keep an inventory in stock. I’ve grown wear of people reviewing unavailable watches and have even given some negative reviews of reviews doing so knowing that they were unavailable and were unlikely to be so.
Fantastic review Jody, Really well laid out. I think it looks like a fantastic watch. I always appreciate the release of a reasonably priced, well made watch and I hope it sells well.
Would you prefer this watch over the Orient Kamasu? I'm looking to buy my first automatic watch and I really want a diver style watch, I would appreciate your opinion! (budget around 200$)
Still the most interesting reviews on the internet! This is a brand I hadn’t heard of yet. I spend a lot of time looking for good budget watches, and this seems like a great buy. Great review as always Jody!!! See you next time!
The reason for the extra dive links are to fit around the additional girth of a neoprene wetsuit (at wrist). Though most SCUBA divers prefer to use computers, this appears to be a well-thought-out 'true' budget diver.
The branding and specs are really attractive. Killer lume as well. This is a true skx replacement. But, alas, my 300 dollar diver watch itch has been scratched.
Great review as always, I like the dial on this a lot but in general I think I’d rather have the Heimdallr SKX. Better movement, AR coating, lighter, better lume, jubilee bracelet option, only ~$150 USD.
@@DeadtotheWorld91 first of all that’s your opinion. Some people just want a good watch and are perfectly happy to pay less for a watch that ticks more boxes than the watch that it’s paying homage to. Secondly actual SKX prices are a racket on the secondary market right now. I appreciate the design but I’m not paying $300 for a used SKX with Hardlex and an outdated movement. Lastly, what are you talking about when it comes to originality? Take a look at this watch, there’s nothing original about it except maybe the hands. The rest of it is basically copied design from other Seiko dive watches.
@@DeadtotheWorld91 ok, I understand your point but your feelings about homages are just that, your own personal feelings. Also I guess I disagree about the originality of this watch. Look at the indices of the Seiko turtle, the bezel of the SKX, it’s not all copied from one watch but it’s pieces together from design cues from several different Seiko watches. What specifically is unique about this watch? I just don’t know how anyone could say that this isn’t a Seiko homage.
@@DeadtotheWorld91 “Like having a Ferrari body sat on top of a cheap kit car you made in your shed.” My example was the Heimdallr, which uses a Seiko movement, except it’s an upgraded version of the watch it’s paying homage to. How does it have no merit when the internal workings are made by the exact same company, and the parts used are better? Solid end links, sapphire crystal etc. This watch we’re talking about here has an objectively worse movement than the NH35, he talks about it in the video. The logic you’re using here makes no sense to me. You also said that wearing homages feel wrong to you, UNLESS the real one is expensive. Don’t you think that sounds a bit hypocritical?
When I saw the tag line, I thought to myself, bet it's not better than a Helm. Jody is correct that the Helm watches are hard to get from Helm. I tried buying a Vanuatu a few months ago and couldn't get it even within 2 minutes of going live. I was able to get the khuraburi ordered recently but I got that transaction done within 30 seconds of going live. So it can be done or you can just pay the inflated prices on eBay if you have money to burn. Good review Jody!
I think I may take a punt on one of these. I had been looking at the Hiemdllr SKX007 clone or a Kamasu as I like the day-date option but a well-known brand like Rotary all be it of the past glory end of the market seems like a solid alternative.
I have the Heimdallr SKX007, and the second hand hangs up on minute hand. I'll have to open it up, and set minute hand level. Otherwise I very much like this watch. I also have green Kamasu, and it's beautiful. I'm going to put a quality strap on it. I like day-date too.
Was wondering if anyone would bring up the Heimdallr SKX. Have a bronze one on waffle strap and classic black dial on jubilee. Love them both, lume is fantastic and if the orange dial is your thing they have that covered too. Just a very tough value proposition to beat!
Great impartial review. Fully agree about the improvements especially the Miyota movement, if made would consider getting one. Like the British designed and novelty of an automatic Rotary. Perhaps they should’ve got Jody to review a prototype first!
Just got all 3 colorways of the new Seiko GMT, absolutely as advertised. I’d add the Squale atmos 30 GMT 1545 coke bezel to this list. Pretty easy to pick these up for under $700 USD and well worth it with the Swiss Sellita SW330.
would love to see you review the Citizen NY0040 / 84 / 86 etc. (Promaster auto) - have heard so many people say how underrated it is, you seem the right man to judge...
Great review. Exactly. Although I love it, something feels missing - so close to what I have been looking for; orange, exact same second hand, markers, perfect; bezel, flat, 42mm, but I think the black writing should have been darker and thicker and hands outlined more distinctly. Should have ROTARY, Symbol, then "Automatic" at top, Super 7, 300m/1000ft at bottom (Forget the "Scuba" - it's on the back. But, it's close to No .1 now on my list. Ticks too many boxes, especially fully lumed.
Just update, had this a year and its average gain is +6.8s daily. Not bad performance, robust as hell BUT I scratched the green bezel. Wish I'd gone for a ceramic bezel, but the watch looks absolutely stunning in green. The face has a dazzling quality that really catches the eye. For a daily beater it's still looking like new (apart from that bloody scratch on the bezel 😠) and I would really recommend one if you're looking for a diver in this price range.
A Seiko 4R36A would be hacking, hand winding, have day/date and be quite accurate. Just like the SRP483K. But wait - then you'd have a decent bezel, orange dial, great legibility too - for around 270 Euros.
Very very nice watch Jody. Maybe I'm too fussy but why didn't they match the black frame on the minute hand with the hour hand? I actually find that distracting.
The day/date window is too far from the edge of the dial. It's just floating out there. That and a Miyota 8 with it's infamous stutter kills it for me. Also, the SKX has the Magic Lever and winds in both directions. Because of this Seiko felt there was no need for a handwind option. Do modern cars have cranks?
"British Design" at the bottom of the dial,we all know what that means don't we.........I'll stick with Steeldive for my best value dive watches..........................
Came back to this video after a link from your latest video (sept '23). I owned a green one of these, was so well made. Still want a V2 with larger crown, thinner, different movement, all as per the amazing review. Otherwise, it was amazing. Finishing was amazing, bezel and fit were great. ... Please Rotary x Watch Nation?!
WatchNation yip... it was given to my father by his father literally on my Grandfather’s deathbed and we have kept it as a heirloom since then. Serviced only once. The most underrated watch out there.
Another great vid Jody, and wierd because I was thinking to myself I haven't seen any reviews of Rotary. They have an interesting story too. Good looking watch, but I've just plonked my hard earned on a Lum-Tec 300m diver.
Since you compared it to the Turtle... The diver's extension on the Turtle may look okay, but it really digs into your wrist. Pretty serious design flaw. I wore mine on the bracelet once then took it off for good. So maybe the Rotary wins there.
320 for a 3 hz miyota?you can get a glycine combat sub for the same exact price and your trading the ceramic bezel insert for a selita sw 200 and swiss made.id much rather have the glycine combat sub for the same money.so def not the best diver for $300.the glycine combat sub is jody and u know it.
Ive had the Glycine for a long time before selling it to a friend, and actually grabbing this watch for myself! Perhaps I'll write my own review on it!
Really like the design of the. The dial is really nice and the orange is perfect. Not too bothered about the bracelet as I'd probably put it on rubber. The movement puts me right off though. A non hacking movement would drive me nuts!
I don't see why they've got all the diving related design elements and gone as far as calling the watch SCUBA and not gone for a proper diver's water resistance rating
Great looking British Designed Watch. Nice dial, bezel, case, bracelet and you’re nit picking on the clasp. Couldn’t argue with the myota on the time grapher and you couldn’t feel the wobble, or hear it,
Instructions booklet never had a chance.
A budget Doxa diver, with a true British brand name on the dial, decent quality and $250 price tag. Yes, I would buy this over an entry level Seiko diver.
I really like the Scuba 7 logo , fits the dial very nicely. Had a couple of the older Aquaspeed models and they were very well built tough work watches and recently bought the Henley batman GMT , decent watches for the money.
This was a fantastic review! No bull$hit... and completely fair.... then again, JOMW has been this way since day one, so no surprises here! I just loved the approach.
One of the best channels on UA-cam for the watch addicts around the world like me. Keep em’ coming mate! P.S How about a bloopers video to keep us Melbournians smiling & sane through lockdown 😉. Time to start deep diving the Rotary range 😳
Thanks for the kind words mate! Hope you are all OK in Melbourne. 👍
I've been looking at these since they were released. I think they're stunning, in both design and construction. Very seriously considering the green dial version!
The green dial is something special!
I bought it, it's a thing of beauty. Like British racing green
Good on ya Kevin! This looks like it’s worth a purchase. This is my choice budget area.
It's a team effort ;) Glad to hear you like our new Rotary Super 7 Scuba!
Anyone else craving Reese's Peanut butter cups after looking at the bezel? Just me? Oh.. ok.
Nothing would possess me to put one of those in my mouth again! 😝
Me too!
@@marksaxby607 I work for a US company and sometimes visiting colleagues bring them over as ‘treats’. They usually get binned after weeks sitting on the filing cabinet lol. Oh and Hershey’s tastes like sick.
I do now after reading your comment 😁
@@maff1975 Try Reese's Peanut Butter Cups from Canada. Canadian chocolate is much closer to British chocolate in its taste and formulation. A lot of people don't know that US chocolate is significantly different than British and Canadian chocolate. I live in Canada and every time I taste chocolate from the US it just tastes bizarrely different. Even Hershey chocolate made in Canada was confirmed to have a different formula according to Hershey representative Gina Shroy in an interview with Canada's National Post:
“The ingredients were sourced in a way where we picked specialized beans of a certain flavour profile that matches the milkiness and creaminess that is unique to Canadian chocolate,” said Shroy, who has worked with Hershey’s for over 14 years. “Canadian chocolate is higher in fat and it is a higher particle size, but Americans tend to gravitate towards a little bit more of a grittier or even cheesier flavour.”
To me, it would have to compete with Orient. (let's forget Seiko make decent dive watches for 250 anymore.)
I think I may be buying this. I've had no issues with the 8215 miyota movement, better with 9015 - I think it is. But that Orange looks like it would set off a geiger counter!
We will keep our eyes peeled for your order ;)
Miyota movements give nice reminders throughout the day that you are wearing an amazing mechanical device that is not run by a computer. High tech from The 70's. The Miyota wobble makes me smile. Whir whir whir zzzip.
And the stuttering seconds hand.
I love the 9015. 8215? Uh... no.
What are some of the problems that miyota movements have? I am aware of the loud rotor noise, but what makes them hated by some?
@@wildankoso they don't hack, noisey rotar, mine never kept great time and the second hand stutters when you bang your hand/watch. Very basic movement. Worse than the 7s36 .
@@wildankoso The 8215 lacks handwinding or hacking and has a weird seconds hand stutter.
Sherlock wears a Rotary in the series. I want to like this, but I can’t.
The Turtle and Samurai are my personal favourites at this price point.
Rock Solid Review Jody!
One of your best comprehensive reviews on a microbrand with appropriate accurate concerns/negatives which is a more difficult thing to be spot on about.
Just a thought, respectfully, it might have been better to get the orange dail for yourself, but asked Kevin if he could send a black dail for the review for you to return back, since most would likely buy the black dial. Orange color is polarizing and a hit or miss. After watching, people may just write off Rotary Watches because of the orange dail despite your stellar review. With "new" microbrands with low following, you want to give them the best chance at success as possible.
Thank you for the feedback Bryan. Just to clarify, Rotary is not a microbrand. They have been making watches for 125 years :) There should be some other channels posting reviews of the black dial for you to watch in the near future. Cheers
impressive transition from the brushing of lugs into that of the bracelet. they appear identical 👍🏼
Yep, the $300 dive watch sector is the sweet spot. For me its diminishing returns after that, I just cant see the value in going too far beyond that.
So true!
CrackityJones Agreed.
I love this watch. Looking at the specs I would have rather bought this than the limited Citizen diver. The Miyota movement is no problem for me, love the fact that it hand winds and I use it all the time
Glad you are a fan!
There's no problem with a miyota especially when the case is made so well that you can't hear or notice the wobble of the rotor
Solid build, great specs, good looks, fully lumed bezel. There's a lot to like about this watch even with the low end movement. I've been seeing a lot of ads for this watch over the last week, I'm glad Jody got an early review in. 👍🏼
Bought the green dial version earlier this month and I love it. I have a 7.5 inch wrist and I’m on the closest to the closing mechanism of the three on the clasp, it fits perfectly. I’m not a diver, so I won’t be using it for that, it is however my new smart casual watch.
I'd love to see this watch go head-to-head with an Islander from Long Island Watch
Excellent suggestion, I'd also like to see Jody review an Islander.
@@ХристоМартунковграфЛозенски the guy at long island watch won't pay jody to review it. so that won't happen
@@weredoingitinbabylon8452 Let's hope that a "loyal friend" sends his for review. Shame, Mark seems like such a nice guy.
@@ХристоМартунковграфЛозенски I'm sure mark is. Mark doesnt need jody. I'm sure jody is a nice guy also. They are both getting rich off watches. Good on them.
I am sure jody reviews watches he doesn’t get paid to review. I think he mostly just loves watches that are in a certain price range and so he reviews them for the people.
Great to see someone try to resurrect the ailing Rotary brand. I assumed that all they did was quartz crap for grannies these days but this looks really good. Respect to the northern monkeys at watchnation!
🤔 I think Jody meant to say “less than $400” on the Zelos swordfish. But for $369 (if you were early) you could even get one in Titanium which is insane with a much better clasp than the rivals Jody mentioned
Nice to see a different brand occasionally.I have my dads old Gold Rotary from the 1970s, swiss movement and still works well, I see Rotarys on ebay a lot but are obviously very different, info is not easy to come by. Quite impressed by this. It is quite heavy but I think it depends on how the weight is distributed, I have a watch at 195g but you don't notice the weight once on. I think it looks good, not sure about orange though.
The different outlines on the minute and hour hand would bug me. It looks like they forgot to finish the hour hand.
exactly what I thought
@@jamesdennis5651 same!
I thought the same
Same
A line around the hour hand would have finished it off.
Thank you for reviewing Rotary Jody, a company with a great history. Just to say that currently this is a Chinese owned, British based company, using British Designs and some watches are actually still made in Switzerland, but others in China or the Far East. In Britain they're kind of the upper end of the budget market a notch up say from a Sekonda. They have never been too shabby. I have the Batman Henley GMT and an Avenger series pilot watch, designed in the early 60s that looks curiously like that Seagull 1963. I'd love to know which came first. My favourite though is a two faced Revelation reversible actually made in Switzerland. I won't be buying the dive watch but know that it has value and quality because of the brand, but the rest of the world won't know that. Your video was great to see and Watch Nation won't regret it. Orange is the new Orange 🍊 👍.
Looks like a budget Doxa Sub especially with the orange dial. And that’s not a bad thing. I’d definitely check out the silicone strap model. 👍
Something about an orange dial dive watch that just feels right ;)
WatchNation this looks like an excellent watch you have released. If only it had a NH35/6 or Miyota 9 series I would be adding one to my collection. Looking forward to seeing the next version.
@@davehill4831 Stay tuned :)
Agreed , first thing that came to mind ,looks as good too.
I was with you on the yes side Jody until you got to the Miyota movement. An NH35/36 would be much better.
At first I though it was a Miyota 9000-series i.e. high beat, I was excited!
@@howard2501 if it had the 9 series, I'd order one right now, I really dislike the 8 series
Rotary watches got me into watches, I have 7 or 8 in my box, but I don’t wear them anymore.
so what do you wear now ?
@@SAXONWARLORD1000AD Seiko mainly, i have one or two that I wear constantly so others do not get a look in. I do have a really nice PD too.
It’s not because I don’t like Rotary, or regard them any less, it’s just other watches do not get a look in.
I do have a very old very dressy Rotary on a leather strap that I wear on the rare occasion I wear a suit though.
Thank you for the in-depth review Jody! We're glad to hear how much you like our new Rotary Super 7 Scuba! We will definitely be taking your suggestions into consideration. Cheers!
Do! Jody's comments are always well thought out.
I have a Steinny, an Orient, a couple of C Wards and I was giving this one an eyeball until I saw the clasp (it's pretty generic - I have seen that one more than once), and the Miyota. I'll never buy another Miyota 8 series. I have a flieger with one and it just feels funny on the wrist and at the crown.
But I love that handset and face. I'm shallow like that.
Pip-pip!
Jody, Deep Blue watches seems to have very good values and I will be pleased if you can check on the Nato 300 and the master 1000 gen 2!
So nice to see Rotary producing something like this, they have a soft spot for me, first watch I ever bought myself with my first wage! Think this may now be on my hit list.
Awesome to hear Jason :)
Immediately clicked away after I heard they used a Miyota 8205. For this price, I feel they could have squeezed in a 9015.
Could they? The 9015 costs £80 by itself.
So, despite the ceramic insert, despite the finish and construction of the case, despite the sapphire crystal, you're ready to dismiss it? Yes, they could've probably used something that also hacks; but on the other hands I'm tired of seeing NH35/NH36s everywhere.
8205 was the only deal breaker for me. I’d rather pay more for 9015.
@@ElijsDima Thats the retail price. Manufacturers can probably get them for half that or less at the wholesale/distribution price. Maybe £30.
@@Buck380 Well, I don't know really. Never had a Miyota, so can't talk from experience, only from the specs I learn about.
it does indeed have some serious competition. It does look good though. I agree on your tweaks, would up the game just that little bit to put it at the top 3ish. Love the orange and dial look.
Love it. Need to see more of this sort of old fashioned thing wherein “jewellers” have their own take on a standard...nice way to mesh with the micro world.
Thanks John! We hope to do many more projects like this in the future :)
This baby is on my list. I have owned a few Rotaries and I still have their Navitimer Homage that I bought 13 years ago. They have all been really well made to a budget, no worse than Seiko or Citizen that cost a little more. I am very happy to see them making a serious watch.
Long Island Watch diver "Islanders", $299 USD, with Seiko NH36, saphire, etc.
That's what I was thinking the whole time. The Islanders seem like a better deal.
With a better movement and screwed links, antireflective coating etc..
My first thought again . Wonder who came up with the idea first . I have a soft spot for rotary though . Uk
Yes. LIW watches hack as well. Seiko movements are better
don't forget drilled lugs and a better bracelet with screws instead of pushpins- this doesn't look bad but I think the Islander definitely edges it out.
I’m from U.K. and have purchased a beautiful modded Seiko from WN previously - their customer service was 5 star and I’d recommend the firm regardless of if yin like the watch in review here - great to see Watchnation getting some air time!
Thank you for the kind words John! Glad to hear your modded Seiko is treating you well
Excellent, honest review Jody, nicely done!
Great Review! Big Bangeth for Bucketh! Especially the Fully Lumed Bezel and Bi Coloured Lume. However I wish it ran an orange bezel rather than a black bezel. A black bezel looks like a full stop or a wet blanket on an orange party. Or even better a Fanta Bezel (Orange and Blue). But aside from that, this is a nice watch for the money.
Glad you like it
This is a stunning watch... Curious how the dial face compares to the Seiko SRPD59, both can be had at just over $200
The orange dial is stunning on mine. Best diver I've owned and at +2 seconds a day I have a gem of a watch.
A Dive watch is one of the big things missing from my collection right now.
A Rotary Super 7 Scuba can easily fix that ;)
Would have been nice if they had sent Jody the rubber strap, too - to compare with the steel br.
Have you already tested the Steeldive version of the Seiko "Cpt. Willard"? I'd love to see a few good shots of the blue/green version as most people got the (more movie accurate) black one.
The blue one is nice if you like purple 😂
I have a black Willard on order. Looks like a decent enough watch for the money.
@@S-Ltd1000 Just received the blue one , +1sec a day delivered in 8 Days for $106 . You'll like it.
I've got the Steeldive Willard. For the money it's a great watch. My only criticism would be the AR coating is a bit overdone. Apart from that it's really good
@@saevans63
I thought I'd take the blue one because the AR coating is usually blueish/purple and that would clash less with the dial.
Is it really THAT purple btw.?
How is it for sizing? Is it plain push pins, or pin and collar?
Jody, you are spot on with the Helm, but, what the heck, this is a brand that I completely forgot about. I would love to have one like this because that orange is gorgeous. Great review 👌
Hard to argue with a nice orange dive watch :)
@@watchnation3992 Hard to argue with any good looking watch. Will have to scrape and beg for this one but I will definitely get it one way or another because this is my style. 👌👌
@@Getouttahere78 well then you've got great style ;) I hope you love your new watch once you get it!
I bough a couple seikos from watch nation in the past and I'm from the US. They actually sold me the new seiko 5kx without the dive bezel a couple weeks before they were even released.
Looks better than the Long Island.
probably from the same chinese factory. a bit cheaper as i remember.
Long Island has a better movement and better bracelet
Long island is staying as close as possible to the original Seiko design. If you don’t like the SKX frame, they also make clones of the ‘turtle’ and ‘samurai’ lines.
You really should look at the Islander brand. They’re only 200m rated and has no dive clasp, but they’re priced slightly lower at $299 USD with free shipping in USA. It’s an even closer copy of the SKX, and actually fits SKX parts. What many people will enjoy is the very wide range of color choices, I count at least a dozen different ones.
Rotary have some great watches, but being an expat it's been hard getting them. Heading off to the website now. Cheers, Kevin and Jody.
Awesome! I hope you're able to get one :)
yay! my local watch shop... you don't always have to import from the USA, Japan or Singapore
Happy to hear Paul!
Just bought one on the strength of this review. Took the open pay option at checkout, 3 payments a month and job done! I plan on swapping out the miyota out for a 2836 at a later date
Thanks Betty, I'm sure you'll love your new Rotary Super 7 Scuba!
Enjoy, looks like a beauty for the price.
@@jacc88888 Cheers. I'm trying to get away from buying high end replicas with this watch. Its half the price of a mid range rep and hopefully its almost as good.
Betty Swolloks Definitely better IMO, a watch from an established company and an a proper AD. Also good specs for the price and looks nice.
@@watchnation3992 Cheers, its a good looking thing :)
Great video indeed! What about certifications? Does the scuba statement stay for an iso diver certification? Does it sport fat springbars? Seiko skx, ny0040, and orient Neptune/triton (maybe this should be the actual competitor, not the Kamasu) are all iso 6425/jis certified.
What about a Boctok ?? Lol. Fella did a pressure test on one on UA-cam, 700m+ before it popped.
Do you mean Vostok?
@@Leerocklol That's the Russian spelling of Vostok. Their metal bracelets are actually signed "boctok".
Andy, I have several Vostok watches. I wear my amphibian a lot and whilst they are good for the money, I find myself polishing out scratches on the plastic crystal about once a month. The bezels are also bi-directional and don't click, which might not be for everyone.
I like how the date clicks over instantly on Vostok movements, but setting the date can be a pain (they have a half-assed kind of quickset that isn't all that quick).
Lume on vostoks is only 'OK' in my opinion.
What's good about Vostok parts is they are super cheap. I doubt if I would bother sending one for servicing, as the movements are so cheap and available and swapping a new one in isn't too hard either.
So I'd say Vostok made good value budget watches, but I'm certain they wouldn't compete with the £250 divers mentioned here.
Thanks for the video. After watching I ordered the orange one and was happy to receive mine today. Unfortunately the dot on the dial was lose and came off while unboxing. Looking at the lose piece I am concerned about the quality I was expecting to receive.
I've had some great experiences with Rotary. Not always great value for money, but they're usually very solid and well-made. If it's good enough for Sherlock Holmes it's good enough for me
I like the look of the Rotary Henley GMT model GS05108. Anyone know if it's a good casual everyday watch. The blue is striking with the pop of orange from the hands.
@@matzmx I have the rotary batman GMT , it's quite alike to a Seiko
www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/5525691/rotary+henley+men%27s+stainless+steel+bracelet+watch/
@@saintdave1877 saw that one , it look nice and solid. I prefer the pepsi if I was to choose out of the steel bracelet variants.
@@matzmx always easy to get 10% off from them too...£90 not bad.
@@saintdave1877 yh EJ always has a discount code here and there. I remember in march this year I got 2 Timex standard chronographs for £41 each. 😁😁👊
As soon as I saw the orange colour face I immediately thought of the Long Island watches which I would highly like to see reviewed on this channel.
Hi Jody Another great review, Love the look and build of this watch, members of my family have been wearing Rotary watches for years ( 25 yrs service award) always Rotary. Fancy this one myself but your niggles match the ones I thought of as you went through the review will put it on my wish list and keep looking at it to see if they take your advice ( New Scuba 7A possible ) thanks for your work.
Stay tuned :)
Jody- you did it again... you cost me $300 bucks US! Ordered the Orange Super 7 March '21 when it was on sale! And you are spot-on, this is a great watch! Hands down, one of my new favorites in my collection! You're reviews are costing me a lot of money, the wife is eventually going to cut me off from your channel! But seriously, your reviews are excellent and thus far have not failed me yet (I've gotten the Lunar Pilot, Milano XL, Newmark 52, Super 7, and the Addies Flieger from your reviews)! Thank you and keep up your great work! A live chat would be awesome at some point with you to showcase straps, mods or just discuss horology! Cheers!
who else thought the t shirt said grifter ? :-)
I have 2 Rotary watches: A Henley GMT and a Canterbury. I really like them! I wore the Canterbury to church today.
Wow, a Rotary! It's been a while since I saw one, they are still sold here in the U.S. but not as much anymore. Anyway, the watch looks very well made, but as you said, there are some little things that need to be addressed. Definitely, the movement is an issue for the price range, they could have gotten a 9015 series Miyota or at least an 821A series that at least hacks. Keep up the great work brother!
Nothing at all wrong with that miyota 8215,tough as a junkyard dog and in real world use on average are very accurate
@@deanwaller8283 Yes, but when you are charging premium, then you need a better movement than a 8215.
Good specs and excellent value.. Don't like the orange myself & 3 o'clock dates on divers are one of my pet hates.... But I can see one of these in my collection in the future, I've never had a Rotary & it's cheap enough to give a go. Cheers mate 👍🏻
I'm sure you'll love it :)
For the love of my sanity thank you for acknowledging HELM is annoyingly unavailable. Rubber solves the clasp issue.
There are far too many of the micro brands which make no attempt to keep an inventory in stock. I’ve grown wear of people reviewing unavailable watches and have even given some negative reviews of reviews doing so knowing that they were unavailable and were unlikely to be so.
Hi Jody there’s another watch doing the rounds for around £180 called the Depth Charge. The specs look very good 👍
Fantastic review Jody, Really well laid out. I think it looks like a fantastic watch. I always appreciate the release of a reasonably priced, well made watch and I hope it sells well.
Appreciate it Joe
Would you prefer this watch over the Orient Kamasu? I'm looking to buy my first automatic watch and I really want a diver style watch, I would appreciate your opinion! (budget around 200$)
Either very good choices. This one chunkier but more solid as a consequence.
Still the most interesting reviews on the internet! This is a brand I hadn’t heard of yet. I spend a lot of time looking for good budget watches, and this seems like a great buy. Great review as always Jody!!! See you next time!
Glad you're a fan!
The reason for the extra dive links are to fit around the additional girth of a neoprene wetsuit (at wrist). Though most SCUBA divers prefer to use computers, this appears to be a well-thought-out 'true' budget diver.
The branding and specs are really attractive. Killer lume as well. This is a true skx replacement. But, alas, my 300 dollar diver watch itch has been scratched.
Thank you for the kind words :)
Great review as always, I like the dial on this a lot but in general I think I’d rather have the Heimdallr SKX. Better movement, AR coating, lighter, better lume, jubilee bracelet option, only ~$150 USD.
Or the Steeldive 1996
@@DeadtotheWorld91 first of all that’s your opinion. Some people just want a good watch and are perfectly happy to pay less for a watch that ticks more boxes than the watch that it’s paying homage to.
Secondly actual SKX prices are a racket on the secondary market right now. I appreciate the design but I’m not paying $300 for a used SKX with Hardlex and an outdated movement.
Lastly, what are you talking about when it comes to originality? Take a look at this watch, there’s nothing original about it except maybe the hands. The rest of it is basically copied design from other Seiko dive watches.
@@DeadtotheWorld91 ok, I understand your point but your feelings about homages are just that, your own personal feelings.
Also I guess I disagree about the originality of this watch. Look at the indices of the Seiko turtle, the bezel of the SKX, it’s not all copied from one watch but it’s pieces together from design cues from several different Seiko watches.
What specifically is unique about this watch? I just don’t know how anyone could say that this isn’t a Seiko homage.
@@DeadtotheWorld91 “Like having a Ferrari body sat on top of a cheap kit car you made in your shed.”
My example was the Heimdallr, which uses a Seiko movement, except it’s an upgraded version of the watch it’s paying homage to. How does it have no merit when the internal workings are made by the exact same company, and the parts used are better? Solid end links, sapphire crystal etc.
This watch we’re talking about here has an objectively worse movement than the NH35, he talks about it in the video.
The logic you’re using here makes no sense to me.
You also said that wearing homages feel wrong to you, UNLESS the real one is expensive. Don’t you think that sounds a bit hypocritical?
We Brits love our Rotarys. I have a Les Orginales/Avenger white dial, stainless 38mm case, with a gold bezel on a mesh bracelet 👌
Cheers to that!
We do indeed! I had one at 21 and my dad treated them as Rolex for the normal bloke. Great value here!
I’ve just sold a skeleton dial Rotary that just didn’t get any wrist time. My wife had a nice little Rotary with a MOP dial.
When I saw the tag line, I thought to myself, bet it's not better than a Helm. Jody is correct that the Helm watches are hard to get from Helm. I tried buying a Vanuatu a few months ago and couldn't get it even within 2 minutes of going live. I was able to get the khuraburi ordered recently but I got that transaction done within 30 seconds of going live. So it can be done or you can just pay the inflated prices on eBay if you have money to burn. Good review Jody!
I think I may take a punt on one of these. I had been looking at the Hiemdllr SKX007 clone or a Kamasu as I like the day-date option but a well-known brand like Rotary all be it of the past glory end of the market seems like a solid alternative.
I'm wearing Heimdallr skx as I type and I'm sorry but I wouldn't swap it for that.
I have a Heimdllr and Kamasu and very happy with them. The Rotary looks run of the mill
I have the Heimdallr SKX007, and the second hand hangs up on minute hand. I'll have to open it up, and set minute hand level. Otherwise I very much like this watch. I also have green Kamasu, and it's beautiful. I'm going to put a quality strap on it. I like day-date too.
Was wondering if anyone would bring up the Heimdallr SKX. Have a bronze one on waffle strap and classic black dial on jubilee. Love them both, lume is fantastic and if the orange dial is your thing they have that covered too. Just a very tough value proposition to beat!
Great impartial review. Fully agree about the improvements especially the Miyota movement, if made would consider getting one. Like the British designed and novelty of an automatic Rotary.
Perhaps they should’ve got Jody to review a prototype first!
Thanks Stephen!
Wow! Nice one from Rotary !!
Glad you like it Darren!
Just got all 3 colorways of the new Seiko GMT, absolutely as advertised. I’d add the Squale atmos 30 GMT 1545 coke bezel to this list. Pretty easy to pick these up for under $700 USD and well worth it with the Swiss Sellita SW330.
I think that is my Christmas present from wife and in-laws sorted right there!
I'm sure you'll love it!
would love to see you review the Citizen NY0040 / 84 / 86 etc. (Promaster auto) - have heard so many people say how underrated it is, you seem the right man to judge...
I own a Rotary - they seem to be good values.
Glad you're enjoying your Rotary Phil!
Great review. Exactly. Although I love it, something feels missing - so close to what I have been looking for; orange, exact same second hand, markers, perfect; bezel, flat, 42mm, but I think the black writing should have been darker and thicker and hands outlined more distinctly. Should have ROTARY, Symbol, then "Automatic" at top, Super 7, 300m/1000ft at bottom (Forget the "Scuba" - it's on the back. But, it's close to No .1 now on my list. Ticks too many boxes, especially fully lumed.
I bought a Save the ocean Samurai last year ,brand new for £239.
I would take that over this Rotary any day of the week.
@J C Very .
I just ordered a super 7 Pepsi from eBay, they had the best price. Your review really helped in my decision. Thank you.
Nice looking watch , another great review
Just update, had this a year and its average gain is +6.8s daily. Not bad performance, robust as hell BUT I scratched the green bezel. Wish I'd gone for a ceramic bezel, but the watch looks absolutely stunning in green. The face has a dazzling quality that really catches the eye. For a daily beater it's still looking like new (apart from that bloody scratch on the bezel 😠) and I would really recommend one if you're looking for a diver in this price range.
Every diver I see - nothing compares to Vostoks character, many look the same in my opinion.
True, but not everyone finds the Vostok attractive. Personally, I hated the one I had and quickly moved it on.
I own two divers and love them. I really want a Squale dive watch. Hopefully I can get one sometime soon.
A Seiko 4R36A would be hacking, hand winding, have day/date and be quite accurate. Just like the SRP483K.
But wait - then you'd have a decent bezel, orange dial, great legibility too - for around 270 Euros.
Very very nice watch Jody. Maybe I'm too fussy but why didn't they match the black frame on the minute hand with the hour hand? I actually find that distracting.
Oh bollocks. I really like this and will now have to buy it. That's sooooo inconvenient
Haha welcome to the club!
The day/date window is too far from the edge of the dial. It's just floating out there. That and a Miyota 8 with it's infamous stutter kills it for me. Also, the SKX has the Magic Lever and winds in both directions. Because of this Seiko felt there was no need for a handwind option. Do modern cars have cranks?
"British Design" at the bottom of the dial,we all know what that means don't we.........I'll stick with Steeldive for my best value dive watches..........................
At least theres no Lucas Electrical parts, and it wasn't made in Dagenham.
Stuart Clubb You got that right!😂
Came back to this video after a link from your latest video (sept '23). I owned a green one of these, was so well made. Still want a V2 with larger crown, thinner, different movement, all as per the amazing review. Otherwise, it was amazing. Finishing was amazing, bezel and fit were great. ... Please Rotary x Watch Nation?!
I have a 60 year old Rotary that’s more accurate than some of my more modern ones.
Love to hear this!
WatchNation yip... it was given to my father by his father literally on my Grandfather’s deathbed and we have kept it as a heirloom since then. Serviced only once. The most underrated watch out there.
@@mahlanguism lovely to hear about watches with a family story :)
Another great vid Jody, and wierd because I was thinking to myself I haven't seen any reviews of Rotary. They have an interesting story too. Good looking watch, but I've just plonked my hard earned on a Lum-Tec 300m diver.
Thanks Phil :)
"British Design".
I thought Rotary were Swiss.
Riiiiiight.
“British design” reminds me of “military cooking.”
@@rickewilde The Swiss ones would have "Swiss Made" written on them, like my Rotary Les Originales. So I'm guessing the Super 7 is a China watch.
It means it could start leaking oil or stop at any moment.
Since you compared it to the Turtle... The diver's extension on the Turtle may look okay, but it really digs into your wrist. Pretty serious design flaw. I wore mine on the bracelet once then took it off for good. So maybe the Rotary wins there.
320 for a 3 hz miyota?you can get a glycine combat sub for the same exact price and your trading the ceramic bezel insert for a selita sw 200 and swiss made.id much rather have the glycine combat sub for the same money.so def not the best diver for $300.the glycine combat sub is jody and u know it.
Ive had the Glycine for a long time before selling it to a friend, and actually grabbing this watch for myself! Perhaps I'll write my own review on it!
Really like the design of the. The dial is really nice and the orange is perfect. Not too bothered about the bracelet as I'd probably put it on rubber. The movement puts me right off though. A non hacking movement would drive me nuts!
I don't see why they've got all the diving related design elements and gone as far as calling the watch SCUBA and not gone for a proper diver's water resistance rating
What?
what are you talking about? its 300m
It's 300m you goof
@@alxjcaboose It's not an ISO 6425 rating though, so lots of divers wouldn't bother with it
@@wrightcj01 an unrealistic expectation at this price point.
Honest as always, keep up Jody.
Great looking British Designed Watch. Nice dial, bezel, case, bracelet and you’re nit picking on the clasp.
Couldn’t argue with the myota on the time grapher and you couldn’t feel the wobble, or hear it,
Thank you Michael!
Is it worth buying a watch in this category and changing out the movement ?