"San Marco" Edition Rotary Tank Watch

Vintage Swiss-Made Small Tank Watch – Two-Tone Elegance

A quiet whisper of 1980s luxury, the Rotary San Marco is a rare Swiss-made collector’s edition, inspired by the classic Tank silhouette and dressed in a harmonious blend of gold and silver tones. Named after the iconic Piazza San Marco in Venice, this piece celebrates architectural grandeur, symmetry, and timeless Italian elegance. Much like its namesake, the watch is a meeting point between old-world artistry and modern sophistication.

✦ The Dial – An Architectural Gem

Framed by a gleaming gold-tone bezel with six nailhead-style rivets — three on the left, three on the right — the case gives the impression of a screwed-in frame, almost like a structural element from a vintage building facade. These rivets don’t mark the hours; instead, they reinforce the watch’s aesthetic of industrial refinement and precision.

The dial itself features a vertically brushed silver base, bordered by twin gold-tone vertical bands that evoke the feeling of colonnades. Nestled within this structured space are sleek gold-tone sword hands, floating freely without indices — letting the form speak louder than the function.

Beneath 12 o’clock sits the bold ROTARY logo, crowned with the winged emblem. Just above 6 o’clock, the inscription “San Marco” adds a poetic signature — referencing the iconic Venetian square, a site known for its harmony, light, and timeless beauty.

At the very bottom of the dial, the proud mark of heritage: SWISS MADE.

✦ The Case – Tank, But Softer

This is a small Tank-style rectangular case, blending sharp geometry with gentle curvature. Unlike the more angular Tanks of classic French design, Rotary’s approach is more sculptural — softened edges, a slightly domed crystal, and a perfect balance between formality and everyday wearability.

The case combines brushed steel sides with a polished gold-tone bezel, creating contrast and elegance. A gold crown finishes the silhouette with a whisper of symmetry.

✦ The Bracelet – Integrated Two-Tone

Extending seamlessly from the case, the integrated bracelet is built in brushed stainless steel, accented by gold-plated center links that mirror the vertical design language of the dial. This visual continuity makes the watch feel like a complete form — not a dial with a strap, but a fully realized piece of design.

The clip-style adjustable clasp allows for effortless resizing, making this piece as practical as it is elegant.

✦ Movement & Function

The watch houses a Swiss quartz movement, currently sold without a battery. There is no visible corrosion, and given Rotary’s long-standing reputation for quality, it is very likely to work once re-batteried — but no functional guarantee is provided.

✦ Condition

Outstanding vintage condition:
– No discoloration
– No fading of the gold or silver tones
– Crystal and case are clean
– Bracelet is tight and well-aligned

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✦ Why It Matters

Rotary’s San Marco line was likely released as a special edition to celebrate the romantic and architectural spirit of Venice. Not many of these survived in this condition. This watch delivers:

– Swiss engineering
– Two-tone 80s/90s styling
– A Tank-inspired form factor
– A unique riveted dial construction that feels almost custom-made

This is not just a watch — it’s a wearable piece of European design history.

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Please note:
– Sold without battery
– No guarantee of functionality, though signs suggest it may work
– Sold as-is, no returns based on movement