Rolex Datejust OysterQuartz 17000 "MK1" quartz 36 mm Full Set 1984

The story

While many brands struggled to survive the quartz crisis of the 1970s, several leading Swiss companies introduced their own version of quartz watchmaking to remain competitive in this new era of watchmaking against the Japanese giants. Rolex launched its first quartz watch in 1970, a limited edition model in 18-carat gold. This “Date” model, reference 5100, was powered by the Beta-21 movement. This caliber was developed thanks to the Centre Electronique Horloger, a group of twenty Swiss brands who joined forces to develop the movement. However, due to the Beta-21's large size and impractical dimensions, Rolex was unable to use its famous Oyster case, and thought it undesirable to have watches equipped with the same movement as other brands. The brand therefore decided to leave the CEH in order to develop its own quartz movement.

To this end, Rolex recruited René Le Coultre, who was technical director of the Fédération Horlogère. His mission was to set up a highly qualified laboratory of 13 people, with the aim of developing a quartz movement with superior precision to other contemporary quartz movements and virtually infinite durability. Development began in 1972.

Five years later, Rolex introduces the “5035” quartz caliber for the Datejust and the “5055” for the Day-Date models. Unlike other quartz movements of the time, the caliber 5035 featured eleven jewels and looked more like a traditional watch movement. Eighteen months after its release, the caliber 5035 was certified by the COSC.

The Rolex Oysterquartz was produced for 25 years and enjoyed a resurgence of interest after it was discontinued in 2001. It is estimated that only 25,000 timepieces were made for the market, making this model uncommon to find.

A seventies design

This “17000” reference features a 100% vintage, 100% seventies look. It features an angular, tonneau-shaped case 36 mm in diameter, with prominent edges and the famous break at the handles. The Oyster bracelet, reference 17000B, is perfectly integrated into the case and fits snugly around the wrist. It is one of the very first Rolex bracelets to feature “solid” links, which explains its longevity and good fit.

The classic champagne dial is in absolutely “Mint” condition and the hands match the Tritium studs perfectly. This watch is an MK1 version, often nicknamed “Single Line”, as it only features the “OYSTERQUARTZ” wording, unlike the MK2 versions which offer an additional “SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” line.

It should be noted that MK1 models are much rarer than MK2s, as they are produced for only 18 months of the Oysterquartz's 25-year lifespan.

An exceptional caliber

The 5035 caliber that powers this Oysterquartz was ahead of its time, as it is a quartz movement inspired by mechanical calibers. Indeed, it has a fork as well as a wheel like on a mechanical movement, all powered by a classic quartz caliber construction.

This movement offers exceptional precision, as it features a 32 KHz oscillator as well as thermo-compensation to keep the quartz crystal at a constant temperature. Its accuracy was around 1 minute per year, which at the time of its launch was a record. In terms of “power reserve”, the Oysterquartz can run for up to 5 years without changing the battery!

Furthermore, this “5035” caliber receives a finish worthy of mechanical movements, with Côtes de Genève, circular-graining and even chamfered bridges! This is undoubtedly one of the finest calibers developed by Rolex, and it has been designed to be maintained and serviced like its other mechanical movements.

The package

This Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz reference 17000 is in absolutely exceptional condition. It will be delivered Full Set, with its case, box and Japanese warranty dated 1984. This watch was serviced in 2012. Please note that the watch has a slight chip on its sapphire crystal at 9 o'clock.

This model and has been authenticated and checked by our Rolex-approved watchmaker and thus benefits from a one-year Lepage Vintage warranty. A free engraving on the caseback is available on request.