Rolex Oyster Quartz Rose gold and stainless steel

The Rolex Oysterquartz is one of the most significant Rolex’s of the 20^th Century, a bold claim? Well yes and no…..  Rolex are renowned for their prowess, particularly around steel sports watches such as a Explorer, Submariner and Daytona. They have continually evolved these models over the later part of the 20^th Century to become some of the most iconic watches of all time. The Oysterquartz was introduced in the early 1970’s, using a Beta 21 movement, it was outrageously expensive and used the latest quartz technology, the same movement was deployed by Omega and even Patek. In 1977 the company released the 17000 Oysterquartz, with the own in house quartz movement, in total over nearly 25 years they made less than 25000 watches in total.

The watch was special not only because of its remarkable thermo-compensated quartz movement but also its remarkable case design with integral bracelet, a true design classic.

Many people still think that Rolex never made a quartz watch but in fact they did, in the 17000 and later 17013 Oysterquartz. These watches where produced to the highest standard and quality, actually to a much higher standard than their mechanical counterparts. They were the first Rolex to use a sapphire crystal and the unlike their mechanical brethren where accurate to 5 seconds per month (compared to 5 seconds per day for a similar Rolex chronometer automatic)

This particular example is more special than most, as it is  the rare Bi-Metal Rose gold version reference 17013 made with steel and 18ct Rose gold  and is from the early production run in 1979 .

These watches are often found highly over polished, with the original angles removed and heavily stretched bracelet, this watch is non of those things. The watch has clearly been extremely well cared for and this is reflected in the overall condition, it is simply fantastic.

Stock Number 2074