For sale we have an undeniably 1980s Rotary tank/tonneau shaped watch with excellent Tri-colour dial with gold foil striping. It is the reference GS 3982. It is a New Old Stock example, with the original sticker on the Steel case back and the original sales hang tag. The gold-plated case measures 29mm x 29mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 35mm. It is a gents watch, but it is equally at home on a ladies wrist with modern tastes. The inside of the case is marked Steel and signed ‘SD’ for Sylian Dreyfuss, Rotary’s founder. The 4 jewel Ronda Quartz movement is in perfect condition and functions properly, after the original was exchanged for the modern equivalent.
The watch is presented on a period pig-skin watch strap in a tan colour fitting with the period.
The standout aspect of this watch for us is the dial. A totally 1980s design with salmon, baby blue and champagne stripes, separated by gold foil bands. It is an eye-catching dial which shows off in the light as it flashes gold and brings the colours to life.
The next point of difference is the new old stock condition which makes this a time warp example. It is also a reference that we have not been able to find another example.
Treat yourself to a rare, cool and original example of 1980s design.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is in new old stock condition. It is completely original. It has some very small scratches.
Hands:
The hands are original and are a gold tone with black line to the centre. They are in great condition.
Glass:
The glass is original and is in good condition. It has some light marks from storage.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in new old stock condition.
Case:
The case is yellow gold plated and is in new old stock condition. it has light surface scratching associated with storage.
Caseback:
The snap on case back is Steel and is new old stock. It has a polished finish with light surface scratching associated with storage. It has the original Rotary sticker attached.
Strap:
The watch comes on a period real leather pig skin strap. It is in good condition for the age, with some marks.
Movement:
The watch has had a module exchange with the ETA 978 002 having been replaced with the modern equivalent, the Ronda HQ751E. It is a new movement and is working perfectly.
It is a 4 jewel quartz movement, supporting an hour and minute hand.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 29mm
Case width with crown: 31.25mm
Case length: 29mm
Case length lug to lug: 35mm
Case Depth: 6mm
Lug width: 16mm