The Rolex Oysterquartz is one of the most significant Rolex’s of the 20th 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 20th Century to become some of the most iconic watches of all time. The Oyterquartz 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 inhouse 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.
To many 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 where 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, it is a black dial 17000, made in the 1980’s. Condition is outstanding as you can see and it comes with original Rolex box, it isn’t over polished and has had a new battery at Rolex in May of 2019.
Prices have doubled in less than two years so grab this beauty whilst you can.
our stock number 889