During the onslaught of the Japanese-led Quartz Crisis of the 70s and 80’s, Swiss watchmakers for forced to adapt to remain competitive in the market, or let themselves be swallowed up by their competition. As a way to deal with the Quartz Crisis, Rolex decided to release their own quartz timepiece in 1977, the Oysterquartz. In 1970, Rolex had released the precursor to the Oysterquartz, the Quartz Date 5100, powered by the Beta 21 movement, the result of a large-scale Swiss collaboration. While the Oysterquartz was loosely based on the ref. 5100, the Oysterquartz’ movement was in a league of its own. With 11 jewels, the latest CMOS circuitry, a 32000-hertz oscillator, and analog thermocompensation to regulate the quartz crystal, the Oysterquartz’s movement was held to just as high a standard as Rolex’s more typical mechanical movements. Besides its unusual movement, the Oysterquartz also features a unique construction in terms of its case shape and bracelet design, with an integrated bracelet attaching to a tonneau-shaped case. Offered as an Oysterquartz version of the Datejust, the ref. 17013 that we have here features a two-tone five-link Jubilee-style bracelet and a fluted 18kt yellow gold bezel alongside its bright white dial with applied yellow gold Roman numerals that are sure to pull at the heartstrings of any Rolex collector. With Rolex’s signature cyclops lens over its 3 o’clock date window and its unique design, the ref. 17013 is a rich piece of Rolex’s history that has finally garnered the plaudits from collectors that it deserves.

Watch is in near-mint condition. Watch has likely never been worn, but has small signs of handling visible along the polished sides of the case. Some oxidation visible on the bezel teeth. Engraving on caseback with Coca-Cola logo and 25 year personalization. Bracelet has 13 links total, 3 of which are removable. The red strip sticker is still present, and the bracelet fits a 7 3/4" wrist with no signs of stretch.

In typical Rolex fashion, their response to the Quartz Crisis was to completely over-engineer their quartz movement and the watch that it would be housed within, and so this has resulted in the quartz cal. 5035, and the Oysterquartz it powered, remaining completely modern and effectively unaged all these years later.