One of the rarest modern Rolex models, the Oysterquartz Datejust is now more sought after than ever. Model reference 17014.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the back of the lug we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1981. However we also have the original papers, punched with the watch serial number and stamped for Bayer of Zurich, showing it was sold in July 1986. So the watch was made in 1981, and sold in 1986. This sort of gap wasn’t uncommon in the 1980’s for Rolex, as there were not the waiting lists that exist today. We also have a undated sales receipt from Bayer for this watch reference for CHF3,475, and a Rolex service guarantee dated 2001 for the same watch serial number. We don’t have the box, but boxes are available online – papers are not.
CONDITION
Fewer than 25,000 Oysterquartz models, across all varieties, were produced in a nearly 25 year production run so they do not come up for sale all too often. Rolex knew that their customers wanted to the option to buy the latest and popular quartz technology, but only if the watch was built to their high Swiss values. So they designed their chronometer certified calibre 5035, exclusively for the Datejust version of the Oysterquartz. Technically it is finished well, with all metal plates, and the 11 jewel movements were thermo compensated to improve accuracy. The watch is currently running at +0.05 of one second per day, or it gains just 1.5 seconds per month. On top of great accuracy and convenience, you also got quick set date and sapphire crystal, neither of which you would find on the automatic Datejust. You also get an unusally loud tick for a quartz watch, and that is because this movement has a pallet fork more akin to mechanical watches than quartz. The case is more angular than the automatic version too, and the integrated bracelet also nods to the 1970’s influence of Genta’s Royal Oak and Nautilus. And of course the new Rolex Land-Dweller has a similar bracelet design too. The black dial is clean, and the white gold fluted bezel isn’t too worn at all. We will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner. The bracelet, reference 17010, is quite long and our sister website, SpareLinks.com, may have extra links if required. The bracelet has been polished previously, not to the highest standard. The watch is signed on the dial, case, movement, crown and clasp.
This watch will be supplied with our branded and reusable zipped travel case, original Rolex papers, our Certificate of Authenticity and cleaning cloth.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 38.2 mm
Width without crown 35.5 mm
Lug to lug length 41.5 mm
Case Thickness 12.5 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 192 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
