Launching later this year, the Rotary x MOD Collection brings together new watches created for the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. At its centre is a watch of particular importance to Rotary: the return of the Army Trade Pattern wristwatch originally supplied by the company to the British Army during the Second World War.
This is not simply a collection inspired by military aesthetics. It begins with a genuine chapter in Rotary’s own history.
Others tell the story. We lived it.
During WW2, Rotary supplied wristwatches to the British Army under the Army Trade Pattern specification. These watches were issued as functional equipment and worn by British soldiers during active service.
Built for clarity, reliability and purpose, the original ATP was not designed as a commemorative object or civilian accessory. It was a practical timekeeping instrument made for the demands of wartime life.
While the later WWW watches - now widely known among collectors as the “Dirty Dozen” - have become some of the most recognisable British military watches of the period, the Army Trade Pattern watches preceded them. Rotary’s connection therefore goes beyond retrospective inspiration: the company was already supplying watches for British military service during the early years of the conflict.
More than eight decades later, that watch is returning.
The return of the Rotary ATP
The new Rotary x MoD ATP Reissue preserves the restrained proportions and distinctive character of the original service watch.
A compact 33.5mm case, running seconds sub-dial and highly legible dial maintain the presence of an early military wristwatch. Luminous hands and indices support clear reading in reduced light, while a khaki military-style fabric strap reinforces its practical character.
Although respectful of the original design, the watch has been re-engineered for modern wear. Single-dome sapphire glass, a screw-down crown and 100m water resistance bring contemporary durability to a watch rooted in genuine British military history.
A British Army insignia case back completes the design and marks its place within Rotary’s official collaboration with the Ministry of Defence.
The faithful reissue will be joined by larger interpretations of the ATP in 37mm and 40mm case sizes. These models retain the clarity and functional simplicity of the original while offering more contemporary proportions. The range will also include an automatic three-hand edition, bringing traditional mechanical watchmaking to the historic ATP design.
British Army: heritage carried forward
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