The bi metal Oysterquartz is possibly the coolest Datejust Rolex ever made. Model reference 17013
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the rear of the case we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1982. The bracelet clasp is a factory genuine replacement, denoted by the letter S rather than the date code these normally carry.
CONDITION
Reference 17013 was not the first quartz Rolex. There was reference 5100, made in very small numbers and utilising the Beta 21 movement co developed by many Swiss brands including Patek Philippe, Omega, Piaget, IWC and others. In 1977 Rolex introduced their first in house quartz movement, caliber 5035 (and 5055 for the day date). Those early watches are now called Mk1 movements, as after a few years the design was refined slightly and the later watches were sent for Chronometer testing. We have the later, COSC watch here. Remarkably the same movement was in production for decades and it wasn’t until 2001 that the Oysterquartz stopped being produced. It is estimated that fewer than 25,000 were made over the 24 years of production, which is very rare by Rolex numbers (they now make in excess of a million watches a year in total.) Of course the watch is working correctly, including the quickset date (with open sixes and nines on the calendar wheel). We will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner. The easiest way to spot an Oysterquartz is that the bracelet and case are substantially different to almost all automatic Datejust models, and the bracelet on an Oysterquartz can not be swapped for a leather strap. The integrated bracelet was high fashion at the time, helped by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak launched in 1972 and the Patek Philippe Nautilus from 1976, but you do have to check the length will fit your wrist. The bracelet on this example, steel and gold centre links, is quite long and our sister website, SpareLinks.com, may have extra links if required. The dial is very good, with just a few small marks. The case may have had a polish in the past and still has some marks. Likewise the bezel, made from gold, has some wear but is still perfectly wearable. There is a small scratch on the crystal that doesn’t warrant changing it as well
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
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 38.3 mm
Width without crown 35.8 mm
Lug to lug length 42.1 mm
Case Thickness 12.6 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 196 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate.
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.
