The Rolex you've never heard of... | Lug2Lug
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You know the easiest way to tell if a Rolex is fake? If the second hand ticks.
No, Mr. Authority on vintage Rolex. This is the OysterQuartz -you're wrong and. its. awesome.
Let's talk about quartz and what I think is, the bad wrap it gets. Quartz watches are powered by a battery, they're hyper accurate and often times, they're extremely inexpensive - they were marketed as the future of time telling. Due to their accuracy, futuristic narrative and relative affordability, they reached enormous retail success - they changed the wristwatch world. For the mechanical houses, It was catastrophic. Everyone From small guys to top shelf - were suffocated, many into failure. They were too expensive, old school and inaccurate - they were no longer the choice of the public.
In 88, Swiss watch houses employed less than a third the people they did not even 2 decades before.
So yes, the incredible success of the quartz movement caused much pain in the mechanical world. But not all that ticks is evil, let's dive in.
This Rolex Oysterquartz, a reference 17000 is a prime example of the goodness I speak of. Manufactured in 1978, just a year after the introduction of the reference, it's an early one.
It's powered by the 5035 caliber, a movement that took Rolex nearly five years to fully develop. It includes 11 jewels and a 32khz oscillator and its existence was praised - one of the few truly high-quality quartz movements to date.
Let's jump into my favorite element here: the design. It's angular, decisive and as sharp as the ticking it does. It takes fundamental cues from Genta's Royal Oak but it's executed in a very fresh Rolex way,
And since this example is so incredibly crispy, minty and fresh (damn, that sounds like a toothpaste slogan) that remarkable design has remained clear, unmolested. I've only held a handful of OysterQuartz'es and this example, not to pat myself on the back, stands above them all.
And how about that dial? An untouched, unstained, bright white Buckley dial accented by powdery custard Tritium lume. Holy cow.
In the 25 years, the OysterQuartz line was in production, less than 25000 examples are said to have been produced. By Rolex standards, considering they produce about 700,000 watches per year, that's a very small number.
Quartz didn't almost kill the mechanical watch industry, consumers did. They knew what they wanted and no matter how much I disagree, their money was green and I can't hate them for not sharing my passion for craftsmanship. But to look on the bright side, without that technological advancement, this never would have happened. This razor sharp, oddball, extremely well but vintage Rolex would never have been a thing and I would never have been able to say this: I am incredibly proud to own it, and even more so proud to be officially offering it for sale at the watch shop at theoandharris.com
Music in this video:
Intro song: “Like Apollo” by jimmy square / jimmysquare
“50 $tants” by Clapp & the Bass Physician / clapandthebassphysician
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Theo & Harris is an online wristwatch news and retail platform. We cut the bullshit, we’ll bring you the raw and unfiltered material that other wristwatch news sites are paid not to write. We are dedicated to delivering value to you, our audience. We also sell watches. We love what we do.
Пікірлер: 83
the way the second hand misses literally every index from 0-30s ticks me off (pun intended)
@ianmedium
7 жыл бұрын
Thats down to whoever serviced it last time and how they replaced the hands. These OQ´s are famous for hitting the markers bang on from the factory.
@TheoandHarris
7 жыл бұрын
ianmedium you're absolutely right!! We noticed that before recording but, due to our timeline, had to power through. But, if the the buyer of this watch doesn't mind waiting a few extra days, this little problem is being fixed right now!!
@ianmedium
7 жыл бұрын
It is actually something I think can be positive in a way as it shows it has been serviced! It is a 15 minute job for your watchmaker, no big problem and so worth it on this one as the gear train moving it is so super precise it is like a Grand Seiko quartz in its movement. I find these really well made quartz watches seconds hands tick like mechanical dead beat seconds, there is that cushioned tick if you know what I mean. Keep up the great work, I really think you are an example to all watch dealers on how it should be done. I know after over forty years of being into watches I am going to be starting on a much smaller scale my own vintage watch business and it has been inspired by you as you have shown that the way I have always wanted to sell watches is not only possible but very successful. Enjoy all the plaudits you are getting, you have earned them all.
@tomasinacovell4293
7 жыл бұрын
I would like to see that! LOL
@ariakowsarian9057
7 жыл бұрын
ianmedium if you love this piece so much buy it
Here's a Rolex people actually haven't heard of: the Reference 1530. This is one of my grail watches, and I finally got one. When I first got into vintage Rolex watches, I immediately noticed the strikingly different and angular design of the Oyster Quartz. I love the way the case and band flow together like one rigid piece on the wrist. But I like mechanical watches, so I did some research. Did Rolex ever make an automatic watch in the same case that I loved on the Oyster Quartz models? Turns out, yes, they did. Between 1975 and 1977 they made about 1500 or so Oyster Date's with an automatic movement in the same case as the Quartz. I think the Ref. 1530 is the real "Rolex you've never heard of". I love it. I do wish they made mine with that crisp white dial though...
Very good salesman, he will say anything to sell his vintage watches 👍👍👍😆
Christian, great watch and video! Don't forget about the 1954 Cal. 1040 Ref. 6556 Rolex Tru Beat with Tiffany & Co. selling them retail and also having their name on the dial too! Oyster Perpetual Officially Certified Chronometer that beat once a second and know as a Doctors watch or dead beat seconds made it easier to get an accurate pulse reading but after only selling a handful it was discontinued. Its a beautiful piece that i'm sure commands a small fortune and just think if you were lucky enough to find one at a garage sale and passed on it because it was ticking!!! Imagine a Mechanical Rolex that ticked!
It's actually based on the ref5100 "texano" that was designed by... Gerald Genta! A year before he came up with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak!
It has a nice retro modern look. I've almost bought one at an ad when it was still for sell. The price nowadays went up by twice to three times average of original price if I'm not mistaken. But I'm glad I didn't buy it back then. It doesn't feels the same flair as I'm looking at it now. Still has a nice look and historical place for this sample.
Awesome piece, but If you like old school Quartz try the King of Quartz the Seiko 7axx series for a fraction of the "Rolex" price tag and built as as well or even better!
one of my favorites so far!
I have one of this New never used. How much Does it cost?
How much did the watch end up going for? Does anyone know?
I know this watch is sold but wanted to know if there is any white gold used on this reference? Maybe in the applied Rolex logo on the dial?
How much it costed in his website? Did anyone see?
These are beautiful. I'm convinced in years to come, the Osyter Quartz will be very sought after rolex models
@leomedina5614
3 жыл бұрын
They already are. They are getting more and more recognition due to the Tissot PRX.
I own a 17013 and I love it!
Rolex Oysterquartz > AP Royal Oak
@carlojaimelizzeni2171
6 жыл бұрын
Sir Alfred Powell Rolay oak > the rest of the watches
@nubian3655
5 жыл бұрын
@@carlojaimelizzeni2171 royal oak is absurd expensive
How in the world did you afford a datejust as a senior in high school? I'm a freshman in college and I would love some advice because I'm saving for a luxury watch but I don't see how I can get one without saving for 5 years or putting my entire paycheck into it for a couple of months, neither of which I would prefer
"and how about that unstained dial?" ...except for all the corrosion on the date wheel (3:00)
Speaking as someone who grew up around the quartz revoloution I of course completely understand younger generations attitudes to quartz watches being watches of the masses as that is what they became just as before them the mechanical wrist watch became the watch of the masses. But back then these wonders were looked on in more awe by real watch entusiasts than old hat mechanical watches and were regarded just as equally in emotional terms as mechanical watches are today. I remember my cousin selling his speedmaster in the 1970´s so that he could purchase a Girard Perregaux Beta 21. I remember everyone looked in awe at this marvel of technology and how everyone thought what a forward thinking cool man my cousin was! The 1970´s produced some phenomonel quartz movements. I have two ESA prototype watches in my collection, one a tuning fork which was destined for Eterna and the other a quartz which was made for IWC to test. The quartz forty odd years later is accurate to +6 seconds a year! What you should know about this gorgeous Oyster Quartz also is that is is a high accuracy quartz. Normal quartz watches gain around +15 seconds a month, this beauties specs were +/- 2-5 seconds a month! I feel that these early quartz watches are now finding their place in horological history so if you still want a bargain buy one now!
@j0nnY77x
7 жыл бұрын
ianmedium Im not a rich man but reading this and imagining myself in your shoes during this time makes me want to save up for an oyster quartz before I have to go to college.Also thank you for the info about accuracy I though old quartz was terrible compared to the movements today.
@ianmedium
7 жыл бұрын
Your welcome Jonathan. Actually in the 70´s/80´s and 90´s there were a plethora of high accuracy quartz watches all capable of +/-5-20 seconds a year. You should google this movement as it is such a beautifully made one. In the more affordable end of vintage quartz with high accuracy movements you should look at Longines VHP line, I often see good ones sell on eBay for around the $500 mark. Also Seiko´s Twin Quartz from the 70´s/80´s are wonderful watches and maintain that accuracy to this day.
@michaelhorn8962
5 жыл бұрын
Do you remember when the Pulsar with red LED display first came out? (around 1970) They cost as much as a Rolex did then. After just a few years, they couldn't give them away!
I love mine. The Buckley dials are the best!
I would buy the 17013 without the Superlative chono.... But just with the oysterquartz it will increase its value in a few years ... Since they are the earlierst Models and collectors Love it
Price?
Absolutely beautiful....!
@TheoandHarris
7 жыл бұрын
MPW KIWI right??
Do you know much about Harold Pinchbeck watches?
thats a real quartz watch!! no cheap plastic gears..like the grand seiko 9f
GS 9F Get that quartz diploma
what is this model No. ?
that thing is amazing!!!
I forgot , with the glasses , i imagine you in my previous statement
@TheoandHarris
7 жыл бұрын
Daniel Katz hahahahahahhahaha Fellini!!!
"unmolested"
Amazing case and dial, but I hear they are a nightmare to service.
@TheoandHarris
7 жыл бұрын
chillwill120 just had to serviced! Actually, a painless process. But we also used an expert on these so that probably explains it
@chillwill120
7 жыл бұрын
Does Rolex still produce replacement parts?
@willsmith1170
7 жыл бұрын
chillwill120 yes but they won't sell them to an independent watchmaker .
@TheoandHarris
7 жыл бұрын
Will Smith he's right! To get them directly from Rolex (which we do about 75% of the time) a watchmaker would need a Rolex Parts Account. Which is quite rare. Otherwise, watchmakers have to pay premiums on the market for the same parts!
I've said it on Instagram and I'll say it here again, just so god damn gorgeous! Keep up the amazing content Christian!
@TheoandHarris
7 жыл бұрын
Shan Swea thank you, brother!!
Why do Roman numerals turn off people, plus , ....I imagine you in a Fellini film, sitting outside a cafe( that would make you older than dad) Having a chat with famous actor Mastrianni, somewhere nice in Milan
@TheoandHarris
7 жыл бұрын
Daniel Katz that's the dream!!!!
@danielkatz7516
7 жыл бұрын
Hahaha
@eriks9417
3 жыл бұрын
I prefer the Roman numerals, especially the bold Roman numerals.
Oscillators you should use in synthesizer, the watch is junk and the on and of proximity effect annoying.
Hi Christan! I came across an article on hodinkee about a new micro brand called unimatic, thought it would be a cool micro brand for you to look at. They're honest about their origins without creating fake history, and they run on a reliable Seiko nh35. It'd be great to hear your opinion on them!
@ryanmanak4129
7 жыл бұрын
Saurabh Chowdhry over priced
Imagine when the circuit fails
@ianmedium
7 жыл бұрын
This is one of the old chestnuts against quartz and in over forty years of owning them and owning quite a few from the 1970´s now in actuality it really is a non-issue. There are only two real enemies to quartz one of which is shared with mechanical. Water ingress and battery corrosion. These movements built back then are not like a dollar store quartz movement, they were massivly over engineered with a lot of metal bridges protecting the circuit boards.
@tomasinacovell4293
7 жыл бұрын
Yeah, but imagine when the circuit fails, again.
damn I swear, T&H's video content and cinematography is always pure fire.
@TheoandHarris
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you, buddy!!
doesn't do anything for me. also, you won't be putting that on a leather strap because the bracelet is integral with the case. a watch design I stay clear away from I hate integral bracelets. they have a way of breaking over the years and there's no way to get a replacement
Theo and Harris killed themselves because of Christian's bad puns
2:23...Bloody Hell! Couldn't they make that cyclops any bigger? Looks like they stuck a cheap magnifying glass on the front of it! Butt F Ugly. Hate the cyclops and I think this is the worst I've ever seen.
it's not that rare or uncommon it's just a oysterquartz..
Chris--I love your vids. But you're a young guy and you've redefined the word "ticking," as applied to watches! You keep saying that the quartz watch is "ticking," as opposed to a mechanical watch. Actually, it's the other way around. "Ticking" refers to the SOUND that a mechanical watch makes. Like a "ticking time bomb." Or the ticking stopwatch that's the trademark of "60 Minutes." Back in the day, Timex had a slogan for its mechanical watches: "It takes a licking, but keeps on ticking." When a lot of old watches didn't have second hands, the way you would tell right away if a watch was working was to hold it up to your ear! (and listen for the ticking). When quartz watches came out, what disconcerted some people was that they DON'T tick. If you hold one up to your ear, it's silent.
@michaelhorn8962
5 жыл бұрын
...unless you hold it to your ear for longer than one second.
For all the German speaking people.. here's a German review of that watch :) kzread.info/dash/bejne/X41n27dqmZeep6g.html
Even HODINKEE said Rolex doesn't make quartz.
@mrvivalatang
6 жыл бұрын
Troll / 10 🐸
Not a natural sales man, needs more class and bite
Annoying and obvious misses on the second hand to index is so obtrusive to everything else one might like on this. Not a fan of oysterquartz, at all. I think Patek even made them, horror. Then there's the service issues. Come on Christian, quartz really. Your better then that and anyway mechanical watches rule, period!! I can appreciate quartz in a Seiko, not in a Rolex, sorry. Your videos and enthusiasm is exceptional, I'll give you that.
Those sunnies look a bit too small on you Christian
@TheoandHarris
7 жыл бұрын
ditbot hahahahahah I like them!!
Quartz are for poor people.
@MrBoardstupid360
6 жыл бұрын
Ronald Nixon really? Pretty sure a Grand Seiko isn't
@glendaly6367
5 жыл бұрын
@@MrBoardstupid360 Isn't a Grand Seiko automatic?
@Treviscoe
5 жыл бұрын
@@glendaly6367 Some are, but they also make quartz models. Here's a high end example; deployant.com/opinion-grand-seiko-sbgx069-sgbx269-quartz-watch-need-collection/