It has been a good long time since The Time Bum had a Rotary Watch through its doors. This venerable British brand is common on the other side of the Atlantic, but a relative rarity here in the states. That’s a shame, because they make some fine pieces at very reasonable prices, like the Rotary Super 7 Scuba they gave me in exchange for this review. This handsome diver is a WatchNation.com exclusive and can be had for just £229 (about $292 US).
Right out of the box, I could tell the Super 7 was going to be fun. The stainless steel case measures 42mm wide, 48mm long, and a mighty 14mm thick. Yes, I know I usually go on about how great thinner watches can be, but I don’t mind a bit of size in a sport watch if it suits the overall design. The Super 7’s generous proportions give it appropriate dive watch heft. I particularly like how the watch carries a good deal of that thickness in a distinctive bezel that flares at its base, offering a clear view of its broad and aggressively fluted edge.
In contrast, the case sides are curved and polished, a design choice that masks thickness and prevents it from appearing too heavy or slab-sided. The top surface is brushed, as are the tops of the bracelet links. Their sides are polished to match the combination on the case. I’ve come to appreciate a bit of polish on a tool watch. For one thing, I always enjoy the way combined finishes highlight case geometry, but there is a practical aspect as well. While I fully expect my tool watches to take some hits, I can’t help but feel a little crushed when that first scratch or nick appears. On a brushed surface, you are pretty much stuck with it, but if the surface is bright, you might be able to eliminate or at least minimize lighter knocks with a gentle hand polishing.
My watch was an S7S003B “Hulk” decked out in a gorgeous shade of bright green on both the steel bezel insert and dial. A slight metallic sheen accentuates the lush color by creating an eye-catching shimmer. WatchNation also offers the watch in Navy/Pepsi, and Orange or Black with black ceramic inserts. The dial has a very traditional diver’s layout featuring tall, applied dots-and-bars markers, a chapter index with printed white hash marks, a lollipop second hand, and broad sword hands. A beveled frame surrounds the 3 o’clock day and date window. Rotary packs a lot of text in here and does so very well. The large logo and stylized “Super 7” name up top balance the three lines of text below. Squint at the very bottom, and you will find it is flanked by “British Design.” By printing the two parts of the model’s name in orange instead of white, they managed to mute those lines a bit while simultaneously adding a pleasant accent that complements the orange minute hand. As a result, nothing looks crowded even though it is actually rather well filled.
The case back is simply, yet tastefully done, bearing little more than the Super 7 name. Underneath, beats a 21.6k bph, 21-jewel, Miyota 8205 automatic. It may not be as smooth and sexy as the 9000 series, but this reliable workhorse is less expensive, and you can still hand-wind it. I’m not sure if it was the construction of the case or a quirk of the movement, but I was pleased to find that this unit seemed free of the usual Miyota rotor noise.
Of course, a proper dive watch must be up for the job, especially if you put “Scuba” right in the name. Rotary’s Super 7 does not disappoint. It’s got a sapphire crystal and a 120-click unidirectional timing bezel that operates with positive action and nary a trace of wobble. The signed crown screws down, as does the case back, ensuring 300m water resistance. They don’t specify what lume they used, but whatever it is, it’s generously applied, long-lasting, and crazy bright.
The “B” in the model number stands for “bracelet,” and while you can save a few bucks by opting for a rubber strap, I’d recommend plumping for the bracelet. Indeed, I always say that. In this case, the extra £30 buys you a three-link oyster-style secured by a signed, flip-lock clasp with push-button release and a diver’s extension. The end links are solid, and the whole thing is nicely finished. Don’t want to fiddle with pins or links? Not to worry, WatchNation will do it for you.
On my 6.75″ wrist, the Super 7 Scuba was big, but not overly so. Let’s call it “dive watch big,” which is to say, appropriately sporting but well shy of making me look like I was compensating for something. Pretty as this watch may be, I would have a hard time dressing it up with a jacket and tie, but I’ll bet a larger fellow would have no such problem. As it was, I liked its presence and would happily wear it all weekend.
The Rotary Super 7 Scuba can be purchased directly from WatchNation.com, and indeed only at WatchNation. Remember, it’s an exclusive model. For just a tick under $300 US on the bracelet or just over $254 on rubber, it’s an easy recommendation for me to make. I’d suggest you check it out. ⬩
