A rare and exquisite find, this vintage Rotary wristwatch embodies the grace and craftsmanship of the golden age of Swiss horology. Featuring a refined manual-wind movement with 17 jewels, this piece captures the artistry of 1950s watchmaking—a time when elegance met precision in the most discreet yet luxurious form.
Design Highlights:
Case & Dial: A square gold-toned case frames a pristine silver dial, delicately signed Rotary Swiss Made. Slender baton indices and blued hands give it a timeless sophistication, while the faceted crystal adds subtle light play.
Bracelet: The integrated gold-toned bracelet is a work of art in itself—intricately patterned with textured links that transition from a broad 1.5 cm width near the dial, tapering elegantly towards the clasp. The clasp is marked “AMERIC METAL”, a nod to mid-century production standards.
“Americ Metal” is an old trade term you’ll sometimes see stamped on vintage watches or jewellery parts. It doesn’t mean American-made; it’s short for “American Metal” or “Métal Américain”, a European watch and jewellery term meaning base metal—usually brass or another alloy—with a gold-tone or gold-plated finish.
Caseback: The stainless steel back is engraved with serial number 164963, an important archival touch for collectors.
Dimensions:
Length: 15 cm, with an additional 3 cm of adjustable hook links to fit larger wrists.
Dial: 1.5 cm x 1.8 cm.
Band width: 1.5 cm tapering down.
Movement:
Inside beats a hand-wound 17-jewel Swiss movement—a mechanical heart requiring the wearer’s daily winding ritual, enhancing its intimate connection with timekeeping. These early Rotary models were renowned for their reliability and precision, making them highly sought-after by vintage watch enthusiasts.
 
Why It’s a Collector’s Piece:
This watch is a piece of history. Rotary, founded in 1895, was known for elegant, accessible luxury watches during the mid-20th century. Their 1950s ladies’ watches, especially with manual movements and patterned gold-tone bracelets, are increasingly rare. The aesthetic—a mix of Deco-inspired geometric textures and understated glamour—makes it not just a timepiece but a statement jewel.
 
Styling Notes:
Pair with a crisp white shirt and gold studs for understated sophistication.
Layer it with fine gold bangles or a tennis bracelet for a modern twist.
Ideal for evening wear—its gold-toned bracelet doubles as jewelry, making it perfect for cocktail parties or formal dinners.
 
Condition:
Well-preserved for its age, with expected patina and minor signs of wear that only add to its authenticity and charm. A perfect gift for a discerning collector or anyone who treasures heritage pieces with timeless appeal.
 
- 1950s
- ROTARY (signed on the dial, at the back)
- Model no: 164963 (find it as the back of the dial)
- Fully working condition, manual winding
- Gold plated stainless steel and Americ Metal
- Very good vintage condition. Please see  close up videos for quality assurance.  
- Measures: 15cm long with extra 3 cm long hooks to fit larger wrists;
Dial size -1.5 cm x 1.8 cm; Band is 1.5 cm wide near dial and tapers down.
- Sourced from a vintage fair in London, UK