Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust 17013 Luxury Watch Review
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This Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust deserves a place in any discerning collector's watch box. As an historic reference and true rarity, the importance of the Oysterquartz has only begun to dawn on enthusiasts - even those who bleed Rolex green. But look closer, and the Oysterquartz carries more than the Rolex crown; this 36mm steel and gold machine is the grail watch you never expected.
The Rolex Oysterquartz wasn't the first quartz watch - or even the first quartz Rolex - but it set and remains the gold standard for the class.
Launched in 1977 and blanket-certified as quartz chronometers from about mid-1979, the caliber 5035 Oysterquartz Datejust and its cal. 5055 Day-Date cousin were designed to ensure Rolex joined the dawning quartz era at the top of the food chain.
The design was characteristic of the 1970s haut-de-gamme but entirely distinct from typical Rolex fashion. In the era of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, IWC Jumbo Ingenieur, and Patek Philippe Nautilus, integrated case-bracelet watches represented the cutting edge of high style. Rolex resolved to launch its revolutionary caliber 5035 in a case that would declare its vanguard status for the Geneva giant.
The Oysterquartz series assumed the appearance of a continuous faceted metal bracelet -- almost a continuous run of metal planes. While the traditional Rolex fluted gold bezel was retained, it straddled an immense cushion case that appeared far, far larger than its nominal 36mm. Consider that number pure fiction; the striking Rolex Qysterquartz Datejust can go lug-to-lug with 40+ sports watches and appear just as imposing.
This Rolex Oysterquartz features a black dial with gold gilt-style text. Gold hands, baton-style hour indices, and lightly aged tritium lume dots enrich the imagery. There's magnetism - figurative - in the effect of this dial. The look unmistakably screams Rolex, but with a distinguished charm potent enough to rival even the most revered GMT-Master, Daytona, and yes, Submariner.
The matching two-tone 17013B bracelet feels more substantial than any Oyster, Jubilee, or President counterpart from the N-series (roughly 1992) production date of this Rolex Oysterquartz. In fact, the bracelet is so solid that it feels at least three generations removed from the others. Even Rolex sports watch bracelets didn't become this refined until the mid-2000s, and the feel of this 17013B evokes thoughts of the Patek Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak bracelets rather than any Rolex model from the early 1990s.
Inside the 100-meter (330-foot) water resistant Oyster case sits the main event: the legendary Rolex caliber 5035. Thermocompensation and anti-magnetic hardening ensured a level of precision and toughness unheard of then and rare even today. COSC Swiss Chronometer certification is standard, and while that may seem like an elementary distinction for a Rolex Datejust, COSC quartz is another world and an extreme rarity. Rolex internal memos cite precision in the realm of less than 50 seconds of timing deviation per year. And with autonomy of 24 months on a single battery, that precision is more than academic.
Want more? You got it; the Rolex Oysterquartz cal. 5035 is built like a legitimate mechanical movement. In fact, it's that and much more. Rhodium-plated brass bridges with chamfered edges and cotes de Geneve anchor a gear train and pallet assembly that would look at home in a Submariner. Eleven jewels - including two pallet jewels - ensure long life and smooth operation.
The quartz oscillator drives a stepper motor, which, in turn, alternates the anchor bearing the pallets. A classic escape wheel completes the Swiss lever assembly, and the hands are controlled directly by the halting 1hz progression of the escapement. All in all, the 3,600 VpH system is more precise, slightly more audible, and infinitely more soulful than a conventional limp system of quartz circuits and ropey steppers.
With production spanning the years from 1977 to 2001, the total pool of 25,000-30,000 Oysterquartz units is a drop in the sea of millions of Rolex watches built during that time.
The Oysterquartz Datejust is distinctive, technically alluring, and so rare that its discovery by collectors is only a matter of time. Discover it before speculators wield their corrupting influence; own the Rolex Oysterquartz for the pure love of a quirky but charismatic classic.
See this Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust 17013 in high resolution images on:
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Video and content by Tim Mosso.
Пікірлер: 56
they should bring back this bracelet!!! it looks amazing
@the1916company
8 жыл бұрын
+prince of beirut Agreed. This bracelet is effortlessly cool, remarkably different from anything else Rolex offers, and the design still looks sharp enough to take the fight to heavyweights above the typical Rolex market point (e.g., VC, Patek, AP integrated bracelet sports watches). Considering how solid the circa-1977 design still feels today, I'd imagine a version built to Rolex 2015 standards would feel like a Rolls Royce on the wrist. Best, Tim
@KarimKhatoun111
8 жыл бұрын
watchuwantinc that would ne crazy! we could always dream!
Now I really want one of these Oysterquartz watches. They go for around $3000 I believe.
Hi Tim, with your deep dive knowledge in horology, you are the best watch reviewer in KZread. keep up the good work.
@the1916company
8 жыл бұрын
+raden joko Hi raden, thank you! Sharing these watches and chatting with our viewers is the highlight of my job, and I hope to offer entirely new classes of watch videos soon. Some exciting stuff is in the works, and I'll work hard to keep the quality high and the videos fun. Best, Tim
I love how you can tell a story about every watch. Keep it up
@the1916company
8 жыл бұрын
+sylexx Hi sylexx, thank you! Each watch does have a wonderful history of how it came to be. Even the most anonymous model is the product of imagination, design, engineering, and craftsmanship/assembly. I try to unpack this because it adds value to the experience for us as enthusiasts. Context ensures more enjoyment, and it helps me to reinforce my knowledge of the industry. Best, Tim
They should bring bk the Rolex quartz Model in many different designs
OMG! I didn't know this one was so unique. My Dad recently gave me his Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust 17013 that he bought in 1988. The watch feels amazing on my wrist. Hands down, the most comfortable watch I ever wore. The one he gave me is similar to yours, but it has a blue face.
@243wayne1
8 жыл бұрын
Enjoy the timepiece. They are INCREDIBLE!
I enjoyed your eddifying program.i have heard people condoncend Rolexes that tick vs.the continuous gliding seconds hand Rolexes.Appreciate you confirming my opinion on the matter.
Thanks for putting this review up. I've been on the fence about getting an oysterquartz as my first Rolex and this review helped me make up my mind. I'm gonna get it
@243wayne1
8 жыл бұрын
Please. Get off the fence. I own both Rolex Oysterquartz and Rolex mechanical timepieces. The Oysterquartz are always my go to pieces!
@adonian
8 жыл бұрын
+243wayne1 thx. I am getting one. I like the way the band looks. And it's a really unique Rolex. So I'm off the fence.
@levinwonderland
6 жыл бұрын
Did you, eventually?
I wonder if the automatic movement would fit inside the quarts case
I would love to see that movement. I'm not usually a fan of quartz watches, but this one is an exception
@the1916company
8 жыл бұрын
+Roelf van der Merwe Hi Roelf, we might be able to get a few movement shots of this one for the product listing once I'm back at the office. I've been traveling for a few days, so it's been out of my hands. But in my opinion, the photos should add maximum value for the clients and tell the story of the watch... the Oysterquartz story isn't really complete unless we SHOW how different that movement is. Give me a day or so to work on it. Best, Tim
I love 17013's body shape. So much. It is indeed beautiful. Not like other common Rolex collection, I hardly to find a fake one of this Oysterquartz model and I believe it never been cloned by Chinese Rolex cloners. If you wear this model, then it is genuine. Want a smooth Swiss movement and smooth second jump with this exactly the same model? Take the Oyster 1630 analog (batteryless) with automatic movement. Of course is more pricey since 1630 Oyster are very rare item. As for me, I am enough happy just to own 17013, and never want to sell it in my life. Hopefully I can get the 1630 in the next hunting.
Thank you for this superb in-depth review! I think it's a very rare and cool piece and absolutely love the bracelet design. And also if I understud correctly it has a tough case like a Millgaus? Wow! 25.000 or so in 24 years?
@stevo4066
3 жыл бұрын
the problem with this is that rolex only has some replacement parts of the movement left in stock.. for example I paid for a full service of my osterquartz 2800 EUR.. So I think like in 10 years it will not be possible to get the watch serviced by rolex anymore.. especially the E-Modul of the watch has to get a change after some years.. so if you have a problem with your watch in the future, the watch is worthless, so I doubt that the prices will go up like that.
nice i've never seen quartz rolex
Nice watch. I was not aware of this model.
@the1916company
8 жыл бұрын
+Captain Zed Hi Captain Zed, I'm glad you could discover the Oysterquartz on our channel! There's an even less common Day-Date version that can be truly spectacular with the right combination of dial, bezel, and case colors. That one uses the COSC quartz Rolex Cal. 5055. Best, Tim
I have a chance to own one of these for a really good price. But I am still on the fence on this one.
100% agree with you...I've got a 17013 and it's not leaving the collection
@243wayne1
8 жыл бұрын
Exaaaaaaaaaaaaactly...
@80sruler
6 жыл бұрын
Alex Schneider you know I started looking at these and pulled the trigger on a 17014
@leomedina5614
2 жыл бұрын
Do you still have it?
These watches are great wish I could afford one, not to mention the history back when Seiko put the fear of god into Rolex.😂
Hello, Tim, great video as always! I wonder why you never get Tag Heuers to show us. I know some snobs like to say Heuers aren't valuable or not real swiss watches or something, but I have a TAG Heuer Link that was a gift from my father and to say the truth - it's one of the most comfortable, beautifully made watches I've ever seen. It feels better than Omega Seamaster on wrist and it's clasp is better made! The bracelet is a beauty, all the good things you say about watches like Rolex or Omega are present, some things may be even a bit better. The polishes, the feel, the detail. An absolute joy. Also, though it doesen't look like much of a sports or rugged watch, I was in a motorcycle accident and I fell right on them, broke my arm and of course I had to change the sapphire crystal, but the case, the bracelet remained intact with just some scratches, most of which got polished away. I would also love to see a review of Breitling with a bullet bracelet, cuz I have one and haven't seen a video of one here.
@richardramirez2557
8 жыл бұрын
+John Maze trouble with Tag really does seem to be their resale - they do go down in value quite significantly but mainly, as they are really mass produced, they are quite hard to shift. I've been trying to sell mine, though not desperately, for best part of a year and though it isn't bargain price, it's a really nice and contemporary watch and no bites. Conversely, I sold my used Hermes which had constant interest for what it was bought nearly 10 years ago (quartz) and a quartz Longines went almost instantly, also at purchase price. If I was a second hand watch reseller, based on my experience, I wouldn't go near TAG.
@Niki-kr4gg
8 жыл бұрын
+V Cccc One can never really tell I guess, these things are circumstancial. Anyhow, I always thought that buying something you really like for example and keeping in mind that you would at some points sell it - not such of a good idea, I mean it's not a car. And TAG's don't cost too much to be reselled for a good price. It will be with me forever, it has a history and a character, I love it, why would I sell it? Anyone who finds himself in need to sell his watch, shouldn't buy an epensive watch in the first place if he can't really afford it. Anyway, it's just an opinion.
@richardramirez2557
8 жыл бұрын
John Maze it's not a need, I've just outgrown it. Not to sound snobbish but Breitling is the bottom tier I now wear, purely because I have more watches than opportunity to wear them and Breitling makes a more solid beater. I don't dislike tag, it's just not my brand anymore.
@Niki-kr4gg
8 жыл бұрын
+V Cccc The watch is what it is, and not what's the name behind it. I personally don't like IWC and AP because I've seen people say some really upsetting things about those brands and Royal Oak offshore series is a real shame, like Hublot or big and ugly IWC's. I have my Breitling Chronomat for about 15 years now and it runs perfectly, absolutely beautifully done and doesn't look old at all. Brands like Rolex, AP, Vacheron and Patek make me sick. I like Cartier watches because of the amount of detail and really interesting history in it. I like Bell & Ross because they simply make something of a joy, I can't think of a manufacturer that makes such stylish versions of war and vintage watches.
@richardramirez2557
8 жыл бұрын
+John Maze people sell and buy watches, it's quite a normal activity. I have the luxury of having ten amazing watches, for which I am thankful, and the TAG no longer really has a place in my collection considering I wear a watch twice a week. The brand is a little too low end compared to my other watches and as a beach or a beater watch the Chronomat is vastly superior. You could have a tank drive over it and it wouldn't even scratch whereas the TAG scuffs and scratches. I have enjoyed and loved the TAG and now it's time for somebody else to have the joy from it. I'd rather send it off to a new home than have it collecting dust. Though, as I said in my first reply, it's a really difficult brand to sell which is why I suspect a lot of watch companies avoid it.
it does look like an AP... and it tic-tocs :)
@the1916company
8 жыл бұрын
+V Cccc It definitely tic-rocs. Like a beast. I usually regret not having a better camera to capture the images, but in this case, my real regret was the lack of a better microphone. The sharp and crisp "TIC-TOC" of the Oysterquartz sounds like a conventional mechanical watch at 1/8 speed, and it gives the caliber 5035 a truly distinctive voice (I LOVE that). In person, you can occasionally hear it from arm's length in a quiet room. Best, Tim
rolex should use that case shape and bracelet again id definitely be interested but not quartz, i can definitley see how this is collectable tho
@leomedina5614
2 жыл бұрын
They make a automatic version which is the 1630
@msquared6695
2 жыл бұрын
@@leomedina5614 very interesting I’ll have a look,does it contain a Rolex in-house movement?
@leomedina5614
2 жыл бұрын
@@msquared6695 yes the movement was made in house. There is a couple KZread videos of this specific model and honestly it looks good.
@msquared6695
2 жыл бұрын
@@leomedina5614 so I checked out the 1630 “thanks for mentioning it” but I’m sad to see that it has a different bracelet than the quartz,it’s not that I don’t like the bracelet on the 1630 but I already have a date just on a jubilee bracelet and I do think the quartz bracelet suits the case better
@leomedina5614
2 жыл бұрын
@@msquared6695 what model do you have if you don’t mind me asking?
A quartz Rolex? Now iv seen it all
Soon u won’t find them even for 10k
a lot of misinformation here. Citizen makes a temp adj quartz watch for about $1000 and the seconds jump exactly the same way. a quartz movement to meet COSC is not the "thing" you make it to be. this watch is about $3950 used! (gold price influence?) truth be told...nearly nobody wanted "an expensive quartz watch" and that sir is the ONLY reason Rolex didn't make more.
@leomedina5614
2 жыл бұрын
It’s one of the most accurate watches in the world. The fact that it’s literally mostly mechanical is different than any other quartz watch literally anyone can wear. You’ll have to have one to really appreciate it. It’s special. I get your point because I used to think the same way but to own a rare piece that a lot of people don’t have is really underrated.
just doesnt look right