The Rotary Regent Special Edition is a color-led variation on the Regent Automatic, not a ground-up redesign. For the black edition, reference GS05459/04Y, Rotary lists a 40 mm case, automatic movement, sapphire glass and 100 m water resistance. WatchReport’s 2022 hands-on review adds useful dimensions and movement details for the Special Edition it covered, but those extra specifications are review-reported rather than confirmed on Rotary’s page for this exact reference.
What is the Rotary Regent Special Edition?
Rotary identifies GS05459/04Y as the “Rotary Sport Automatic Black Edition Watch” and describes it as a Regent special edition. Its matte black, multifaceted stainless-steel case is paired with a tapered integrated black leather strap with a yellow underside. The black dial uses yellow accents, luminous applied hour markers and a date window.
WatchReport’s Don Evans reviewed the wider Special Edition launch on July 7, 2022, including colorful PVD variants. He described the new versions as sportier and more casual than the earlier, more classical-looking Regent. His assessment was that “This Rotary Regent Special Edition isn’t really a refresh as much as a few new color options.” The review says the case, crown and movement largely carried over, while the Special Edition added a 24-hour subdial and used a faux-alligator strap with a color-matched backing. Those launch-family details should not automatically be treated as a complete description of every reference.
Specifications for GS05459/04Y
| Specification | What is established |
|---|---|
| Reference and identity | GS05459/04Y; Rotary calls it the Sport Automatic Black Edition and a Regent special edition. Rotary |
| Movement | Automatic, according to Rotary. WatchReport identifies a Miyota 8217 in the Special Edition it reviewed; Rotary’s GS05459/04Y page does not name the caliber. Rotary · WatchReport |
| Case | Rotary lists a 40 mm multifaceted matte black stainless-steel case. WatchReport also reports a 40 mm stainless-steel case for its review subject. Rotary · WatchReport |
| Thickness, lug-to-lug and weight | 12 mm thick, 48 mm lug-to-lug and 95 g, as reported by WatchReport for the reviewed Special Edition. These measurements are not listed on Rotary’s GS05459/04Y page. WatchReport |
| Crystal and water resistance | Sapphire glass and 100 m water resistance, listed by Rotary for GS05459/04Y; WatchReport reports sapphire crystal and 100 m for its review subject. Rotary · WatchReport |
| Dial and functions | Rotary lists a date window and a black dial with yellow details. WatchReport describes a 24-hour subdial on the Special Edition it reviewed. Rotary · WatchReport |
| Strap | Rotary describes a leather strap with yellow underside. WatchReport calls the strap on its review subject faux alligator with matching color backing. Rotary · WatchReport |
How it wears and what the design is trying to do
The black case and dial make the GS05459/04Y more assertive than a conventional silver-and-white dress-leaning Regent, while the yellow details keep it from reading as an all-black tool watch. The integrated tapered strap reinforces the streamlined look; its bright underside is a small but conspicuous contrast when the wrist moves. Luminous applied markers add practical legibility in low light, though the available descriptions do not establish hands-on performance or lume duration.
#1 Best Overall
- The "Tsuyosa" Automatic, from the NJ015 series, brings ultramodern sports styling right to your wrist. Executed in a versatile 40mm footprint, the sophisticated design of the watch makes a strong impression via a silver-tone stainless steel case and a seamlessly integrated, matching bracelet.
- Underneath an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the sporty timepiece makes use of a sunray black dial, with a 3 o’clock date window and contrasting silver-tone details adding to its classic aesthetic. Powered by an automatic movement and offering up to 50 meters of water resistance, the refined timepiece is a daily wearing choice ready for work, play, and everything in between. Caliber 8210.
- 3 Hand with Date, Automatic, 42 Hour Power Reserve
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
The 40 mm case is a familiar middle-ground diameter, but diameter alone does not determine fit. WatchReport’s 48 mm lug-to-lug figure is a useful sizing clue for the wider Special Edition it reviewed; wrist shape and the strap’s fixed integrated appearance also affect how the watch sits. Because that length is not specified by Rotary for GS05459/04Y, treat it as review-reported family information rather than a guaranteed measurement of this exact reference.
What the review says about value
WatchReport gave the Special Edition a review-era price of $479 in 2022 and said it cost roughly $10 more than the original Regent. Evans characterized the PVD editions as online exclusives at that time. These are historical launch-context claims, not a current price, offer or statement about present marketplace stock.
Rank #2
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 155 grams
- Stainless steel band, 210mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Diver stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
Rotary’s reference page now states that GS05459/04Y is no longer available to purchase from Rotary. It remains useful as a specification reference, but it does not establish current resale value or the availability and condition of third-party listings.
How it compares with a current Regent Automatic
Rotary’s GB05490/06 is a separate Regent Automatic, not a successor listing or substitute identity for the Special Edition. It offers a useful point of comparison for the collection’s more conventional presentation.
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Rank #3
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- Ensuring ideal legibility and functionality, a high-contrast black dial with a date display and luminescent hands and markers is complemented by a matching rotating 60-minute timing bezel.
- The Caravelle Sea Hunter is powered by a 21-jewel automatic movement with a power reserve of 42 hours.
- Paired with a 3-link stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and rated to 200m water resistance, this watch can go wherever you do so you can do whatever you want.
- Experience an icon remade with the mens Caravelle Sea Hunter.
| Detail | GS05459/04Y Black Edition | GB05490/06 Regent Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Case | 40 mm, multifaceted matte black stainless steel (Rotary). Source | 40 mm stainless steel; 12.2 mm height (Rotary). Source |
| Movement | Automatic (Rotary); Miyota 8217 reported for the WatchReport Special Edition subject. Rotary · WatchReport | Automatic; caliber not stated on the comparison page. Rotary |
| Crystal and water resistance | Sapphire glass; 100 m (Rotary). Source | Sapphire glass; 100 m (Rotary). Source |
| Dial and display | Black dial with yellow details and date window (Rotary); WatchReport describes a 24-hour subdial on its reviewed Special Edition. Rotary · WatchReport | Silver dial with day/date window (Rotary). Source |
| Bracelet or strap | Integrated tapered leather strap with yellow underside (Rotary). Source | Bracelet (Rotary). Source |
| Availability and listed price | No longer available from Rotary; no current price stated on the reference page. Source | Rotary listed a sale price of £299 on the page reviewed; it is a different model and not a current US price for GS05459/04Y. Source |
Should you buy the Rotary Regent Special Edition?
GS05459/04Y makes the most sense for someone drawn to the black-and-yellow styling and who wants an automatic Regent with sapphire glass and a 100 m water-resistance rating. Its appeal is principally visual: the case treatment and contrasting strap details distinguish it from a conventional bracelet Regent. The available evidence does not establish that every detail in WatchReport’s broader review applies identically to this black reference.
If considering a pre-owned or remaining-stock example, verify the reference on the watch and compare its condition, strap, dial layout and seller’s photographs with Rotary’s GS05459/04Y description. Other Regent Special Edition listings may have different colors or details, and the existence of a listing alone does not confirm availability or condition.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CASIO EDIFICE presents a EFK-110D timepiece, the sports car enthusiast’s favorite. This automatic, three-hand beauty brings sophisticated, refined style to your wrist.
- The sporty, yet refined watch design features a slim, compact case measuring just 38mm and a richly textured dial crafted with a special electroforming technique. High-transparency, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal delivers clear visibility, while raised indexes as well as a sharp bezel and case complete the dynamic, yet sophisticated design.
- The automatic movement, crafted in Japan, offers a power reserve of around 42 hours. With a see-through case back that reveals the movement’s meticulous motion, you will truly understand the unique appeal of a mechanical watch.
- Water resistance up to 10 bar leaves you free to focus on more exciting things, whether outdoor activities, watersports, or just enjoying your day-to-day.
Rank #4
- Seiko 5 Automatic Black Arabic Dial Men's Watch SNKP21J1
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