RolexOysterquartz

KEY FACTS

● A rare reference in the context of Rolex production

● This example is presented in steel and yellow gold with an eye-catching sunburst blue dial

● Historically significant for housing a quartz movement - a feature not seen before or since in Rolex production

● Offered by a trade seller located in Menton, France and presented as a watch-only lot

● Reported to be in good working order by the vendor and graded ‘A’ for condition

FUNCTIONS

● Time and date  

● Powered by the quartz chronometer-certified calibre 5035 movement

SUMMARY

The first in-house quartz movement from Rolex, the 5035 appeared in 1977. Unlike its competitors, Rolex’s quartz looked more like a traditional mechanical movement but with a higher standard of finishing. It had 11 jewels and thermal compensation. Chronometer records tell us that only 25,000 Oysterquartz watches were made over 25 years. Even allowing for the early non-rated watches that is a very low number compared to models such as the Submariner. Rolex’s pioneering work in high-quality quartz is now being recognised and the Oysterquartz with its distinctive case shape is becoming sought after.

All watches offered for sale are searched and cleared against The Watch Register database and a certificate is available to the winning bidder upon request.

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