Exceptionally excellent Datejust Oysterquartz by Rolex, reference number 17014.

Introduced in 1977, after five years of research and development, the Oysterquartz is a testament of the quartz crisis era, in which the new technology that was pummeling the mechanical watch industry. The Oysterquartz’s design is a complete diversion from anything else Rolex has produced before or since. It is perhaps Rolex’s most under-appreciated yet over-engineered watch with maximum durability, rarity and precision.

Like their more classically-styled siblings, these timepieces are incredibly versatile for everyday use, and can easily be dressed-up for formal occasions or dressed-down and worn as a sporty everyday companion. The time and date are always right even after long periods off-wrist, courtesy of the 5035 quartz movement! Please read the condition report carefully and refer to the high resolution pictures to help you assess the overall condition of the watch.

MODEL / REFERENCE: Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz reference 17014. The serial number 8’395’xxx dates it to 1984.

DIAL+ HANDS: The monochromatic black dial remains flawless with a sharp and complete printing throughout and no blemishes. The applied coronet, as well as the highly-polished white gold stick markers are incredibly preserved, each index is coupled with an intact Tritium luminous plot. The silver handset is original and in very good condition presenting perfectly matching lume inlays to the hour dots.

CRYSTAL: The scratch resistant sapphire crystal comes with its iconic magnifying Cyclops at 3 o’clock.

CASE: Rolex introduced an entirely new, 70s styled case in which they introduced their new caliber. The 36mm stainless steel case appears larger than the regular Oyster case, without being obtrusive, helped in part by the integration of the bracelet. The applied a combination of the concentric brushing of the lugs, the vertical brushing of the area where the bracelet meets the case and the polished sides of the case / bevels, topped by the 18-karat, fluted grey gold bezel manages to capture light without appearing brash. This example has certainly seen a polishing mop before but overall, the case is in good condition, showing only lights signs of use consistent with age of the watch.

CASEBACK: The stainless steel case back is in good condition, with light signs of use and intact knurling. The inner case back is clean and stamped with all the period correct engravings including the 17000B reference number.

MOVEMENT: The COSC certified in-house caliber 5035 features 11 jewels, a 32 kHz oscillator which had a higher frequency than the Beta 21 movement. It also features a quick-set date function as well as hacking seconds for accurate time setting. The watch has been fully checked by our watchmaker and a new battery has been fitted. At the time, this quartz movements had a standard of +/- 0.7 seconds per day compared to the -4/+6 for mechanical movements.

CROWN: The original Rolex crown displays a crisp coronet and a straight line underneath it, symbolizing the infamous twin lock system patented by Rolex. The crown screws down tightly, pulls out to time setting and quick-date setting positions perfectly.

BRACELET: The integrated flat-link bracelet comes in a 5 row design with satin finish and polished elements. The signed Rolex clasp carries the correct stamps. This stainless steel bracelet carries the reference 17010 and comes in full length with 13 links and minimal stretch / scratches consistent with its use and age.

ACCESSORIES: Saffiano Leather watch roll. The Oysterquartz is without a doubt a quirky choice that ticks differently from its Rolex siblings. A child of the 1970s, this technological piece of wonder awakened from its slumber thanks to the market heat around the integrated bracelet steel watches dictated by the sporty Genta-inspired design language. It is said that only 25,000 watches with the Oysterquartz movement were produced over a quarter of a century for every metal in every color.

WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch. We also provide a 12 months guarantee for the correct function of this timepiece. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and conditions Please feel free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer. Virtual or face-to-face viewing is available by appointment.