History of the Rolex OysterquartzBefore the Oysterquartz was introduced in 1976, Rolex released their first limited-series 18-karat gold quartz watch in 1970. The Rolex Date Reference 5100 was powered by the Beta-21 movement and used a 40mm case to house the caliber. This caliber was developed as a result of the Centre Electronique Horloger, a group of twenty Swiss luxury watch brands who united to develop the movement. However, due to the Beta-21’s large size and awkward dimensions, Rolex was unable to use their renowned Oyster case. This led the brand to leave the Centre Electronique Horloger to pursue the development of their own quartz movement. Show
In 1972, Rolex began to conceptualize the Oysterquartz. Five years later, they introduced the quartz caliber Oysterquartz 5035 for the Datejust and the 5055 for Day-Date Oysterquartz models. Unlike other quartz movements at the time, the caliber 5035 featured eleven jewels and resembled more of a traditional watch movement. Eighteen months after the caliber 5035 was released, it was certified by the COSC. The Rolex Oysterquartz was produced for 25 years and saw a surge in interest after its discontinuation in 2001. It’s estimated that only 25,000 timepieces were made for market, making this model uncommon to find. Oysterquartz ModelsThe Oysterquartz was vastly different from other watches in Rolex’s catalog. With an angular case and integrated bracelet, it resembled models like the Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet. The Oysterquartz Datejust was produced in three 36mm models: Reference 17000 in stainless steel, Reference 17013 in stainless steel and yellow gold, and Reference 17014 in stainless steel and white gold. Learn more about Reference 17013 when you read this review. Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date models were available in two main models: Reference 19018 in yellow gold and Reference 19019 in white gold. Special edition Oysterquartz Day-Dates were released with precious jewels and unique design elements. How much is a Rolex Oysterquartz worth?Because Rolex Oysterquartz watches were discontinued in 2001 and there are a limited number of models available on the pre-owned market, it makes sense to invest in one—they are a rare collectible. However, because of its quartz movement, they are not as expensive as other Rolex watches that feature in-house mechanical movements. Currently, our inventory of Oysterquartz watches ranges in price from $5,950 to $13,950. These prices may fluctuate based on demand, condition, material, and other factors. Purchasing Pre-Owned Rolex Oysterquartz Pieces from WatchBoxWhether you’re seeking uncommon models like the Rolex Oysterquartz or interested in highly sought-after timepieces, WatchBox offers an unrivaled assortment of Rolex watches. Browse our collections of iconic Submariners, in-demand GMT-Master IIs, and stainless steel Rolex watches. Or, learn more about WatchBox and why we’re the world’s leading platform for the buying, selling, and trading of pre-owned luxury watches. Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust and Day-Date models: Watches with nostalgic charmRolex Oysterquartz models date from the time when the Swiss watch industry was threatened by cheap digital watches from the Far East. They also have a place in the record books thanks to their involvement in the first successful ascent of Mount Everest. To this day, the Oysterquartz Rolex movement is reckoned by experts to be the best battery-powered movement ever. Discover rare, vintage examples of the Rolex Oysterquartz for sale at attractive prices in our online store. An overview: which models had the Rolex Oysterquartz movement installed?While other luxury watchmakers bought in quartz movements from external suppliers, the Geneva-based company remained true to its ethos of doing everything in-house, developing its own custom-made technology. You'll find this battery-powered movement in vintage models of the Rolex Oysterquartz. In particular, the company updated two of its most successful series, the Datejust and the Day-Date. As it turned out, this was a vital decision. In the course of a few shorts years, bankruptcy loomed for all those companies that refused to accept the quartz trend or couldn't bear the development costs on their own. Rolex Oysterdate Dayjust models- Reference 17000 - Reference 17014 - Reference 17013 Rolex Oysterdate Day-Date models- Reference 19028 - Reference 19018, 19048, 19148 - Reference 19019, 19049 Special features of the designThe design of Oysterquartz models is quite different from a classic Rolex in some respects. These quartz watches can keep up with mechanical models in terms of water resistance up to 100 metres, and you can also expect features such as a fixed bezel, screw-down crown and screw-down case back. However, the company gave the bracelet a distinct look. The classic Oyster bracelet with folding clasp was redesigned into one that's more integrated into the watch case and angular in profile. More specifically, the Oysterquartz Datejust was available in white and yellow gold with a bracelet reminiscent of the iconic five-piece Jubilee band from 1945. Meanwhile, the Oysterquartz Day-Date also came in white and yellow gold with a band similar to the President bracelet that's generally reserved for very high end models. The captivating history of Rolex's OysterquartzUntil the 1960s, the Swiss watch industry focused on perfecting its mechanical movements. Initially, they hardly noticed that a new technology from Japan was just around the corner. In the meantime, brands like Seiko were working intensively on perfecting a battery-operated clockwork. Quartz movements would have unprecedented accuracy and be almost maintenance-free, changing the watch industry forever. In the early 1970s, these new, initially expensive quartz movements appeared on the market and quickly became all the rage. Thanks to their high precision and modern appearance complete with LED and LCD digital displays, quartz watches felt like a bold step into the future. Mechanical models, on the other hand, were hardly in demand any more. Instead, they seemed stale and old-fashioned to the majority of the general public. This change in taste brought well-known companies to their knees. In Switzerland in particular, the number of people employed in traditional watchmaking plunged from 90,000 to 30,000 during this period. Numerous factories reported bankruptcy. The turbulent times demanded quick action, and thankfully Rolex's deep financial development budget enabled it to sure-footedly change course. Adapting its portfolio of classic timepieces to these new trends, it launched its first quartz model under the name Rolex Oysterquartz in 1977. in this way, the Geneva-based firm was able to survive a crisis that took down many other big names. Today, vintage examples of these models enjoy a cult status as fascinating transition pieces in the history of watches. Are Oysterquartz collectible?Less Than 25,000 Oysterquartz Watches Were Ever Produced
Remember, Rolex now makes over a million watches per year, so the fact that there are less than a total of 25,000 Oysterquartz watches makes them relatively rare Rolex models to own.
When did Rolex stop making Oysterquartz?Rolex stopped producing its Oysterquartz around 2001, and it's believed that the brand made around 25,000 of them over their 24-year lifespan. Today, the Oysterquartz watches are largely overlooked, but present a side of Rolex that many people have forgotten.
How long does Rolex Oysterquartz battery last?Some Oysterquartz owners have reported batteries lasting as long as five years. Two to three years seems to be about the average life of the battery, however.
How accurate are Rolex Oysterquartz?The accuracy of the OysterQuartz is no more than 1 minute per year. Even though Rolex never had an official accuracy claimed for the OysterQuartz movements, it's been told that the movement shouldn't differ more than 1 minute per year.
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How much is a rolex oysterquartz worth
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