In 1972 Rolex began to independently develop a quartz watch, breaking away from its shared project with the Centre Electronique Horologer which had led to the creation of the Quartz ref. 5100. Thus, in 1977 the Oysterquartz line came into being; this line was equipped with calibres 5025 and 5055 with an oscillation frequency four times faster than the earlier calibre Beta 21.
The frequency of the quartz crystal is calibrated on the basis of the external temperature measured by a special sensor; however it can also be adjusted manually in anticipation of its inevitable ageing.
In 1978 the high level of precision obtained by the quartz crystal was rewarded by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) with the inscription of ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ on the face of the watch at 6 o’ clock.
The Oysterquartz is produced in both Datejust and Day-Date versions with an elegant polished case, a bracelet modelled on the case and the respective punchings positioned under the shoulders. Both models of the Oysterquartz line are made with sapphire crystal and have their reference and matriculation numbers engraved on the back.
The Datejust Oysterquartz is made in three versions:
-Ref. 17000 in steel with a smooth bezel and integrated Oyster bracelet
-Ref. 17013 in steel/gold with a ridged bezel and steel/gold Jubilee bracelet
-Ref. 17014 in steel with a white gold ridged bezel and steel Jubilee bracelet
The Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz is available in two versions
-Ref. 19018 in yellow gold with integrated President style bracelet
-Ref. 19019 in white gold with integrated President style bracelet
All models of the Oysterquartz line come with special boxes which carry, on the lid or in the inside, hexagonal quartz crystal insignia stylised with the name of the model.
Rolex not only guarantees free replacement of the watch battery but can also boast the endorsement of the tenor Placido Domingo and the mountain climber Reinhold Messner.
Despite all technical and promotional efforts, the Oysterquartz models did not have much commercial success, probably because at that time it was possible to buy quartz watches at a lower price.
Nevertheless Rolex continued production for 25 years, until 2001, making around 1000 watches a year without significantly changing the model; with the exception of the recent replacement of the crown tube.
An exclusive model of the Oysterquartz appeared in 2004 in a well-known auction house, arousing interest and curiosity amongst collectors. It was one of the very few prototypes used by Rolex to test electromechanic calibres (5335 and 5355) equipped with the innovative perpetual calendar function and a new system for adjustment based on the ambient temperature.
These models have a case Ref. 17014 and do not have a reference of association engraved on the bottom plate.
Rolex Oysterquartz References
Legend:
Steel | Steel and gold | Gold bezel | |
Gold | Sapphire crystal | ||
The colour yellow represents gold in all its variants: Rose, White and Yellow. For more information contact our experts: drg@dellaroccagioielli.com |
REFERENCE |
CASE MATERIAL |
CRYSTAL |