The Rotary Jura GS90500-19 Les Originales is a celebration of everything Rotary. This will very possibly be love at first sight for many a watch lover. This timepiece is a classic and the stamped sunray on the dial is such a soft touch that makes it subtly stand out that much more. The Jura showcases all the touches of classic craftsmanship that has characterized the last century of watch making.
Rose Gold and Black Sunray Dial
The dial on the Jura GS90500-19 is a sight to behold. The features on the dial such as the indexes and hour, minute and second hands are all a polished rose gold colour. This gives the watch a really luxurious look when set against the black dial. The hands are sword styled and the numbers are in a bold Arabic so everything is easy enough to see. The only numbers missing here are 7 and 8, and no it isn’t because of a plot twist where 9 turned the tables on the old adage. Where 7 and 8 usually sit we see the stunning open heart showing the 21 jewel heart beat powering this watch. The open heart is also coloured in a rose gold and has a dash of purple in the form of the jewel in the middle.
The sunray stamped onto the black dial isn’t overpowering and is mainly there it seems to create a bit of terrain contrast. The dial is covered by a sapphire crystal on both sides which helps reduce all that glare you might get when showing the Rotary off to your friends or colleagues but more importantly it ensures that you always have a clear view of the time.
Lastly, but something important to keep in mind is the Rotary brand just under the 12 o’clock with the Les Originales just below it which identifies the Rotary as an original.
GS90500-19 Crown and Case
The crown is a classic style domed crown which sits really well on the side of the watch and is immaculately polished. The mechanical movement is Swiss made but possibly suggests some collaboration with another movement maker although I can’t tell without opening up the case. This movement is housed inside the polished stainless steel case which comes in at 14mm thick which is a little bit thicker than your average piece and the diameter is 40mm so not too cumbersome on the arm. The case is ridged along the side and has a bit of a protruding dome where we have a fixed bezel holding that sapphire crystal snug.
The back of the case has an open display so that we can see into the heart of the intricate craftsmanship that has helped Rotary establish itself. Around the edges you will find the Rotary name engraved around the edges as well as the waterproof stamp which signifies the Rotary Dolphin Standard. This means that if you find yourself out on the water with this watch still on and you feel like going for a dive you can and can do so still looking classy.
Protruding Lugs and Genuine Leather
The lugs pop out from the case quite intentionally as you would see this in many of the classic timepieces. These lugs connect to a genuine leather strap that can be adjusted to fit 5.75 – 7.75 inches and is not resizable. The use of a pin buckle might seem archaic but is characteristic of the older design style and leather bands.
The brown leather is perfect for the purpose because even though it may be able to dive with you it is not intended for such use. This will rather accompany you as a dress watch or a watch that you take with you to the more formal office environments.
Final Thoughts
This piece of craftsmanship has probably been one of my favourites to date. You are able to appreciate the true dedication to design and classic watchmaking in the little decorative touches that show up here and there. When it comes to a watch that has some intricate designs on it you need to be careful of doing too much some times and I think the balance was found here.
The dial on this Rotary Jura GS90500-19 Les Originales is really attractive and if you don’t have larger than usual wrists then this piece will fit you quite comfortably for long wearing times. The movement keeps time quite accurately but the main draw for this piece is definitely its good looks and not the way it moves. The watch is also on the more affordable side of the spectrum when looking at a piece of this quality but I think that this also alludes to the movement and the possibility of a partnership in putting it together. I could be wrong and if I am then that gives even more credence to the value for money you would be getting here.
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