Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz

The Datejust is one of Rolex's most popular and extensive collections. One model that flies under the radar of the masses is the Datejust Oysterquartz, which in turn makes it one of the most interesting watches in this series.

Rolex launched the Datejust Oysterquartz at the same time as the Oysterquartz-powered Day-Date in 1977. The 36-mm watch is slightly barrel-shaped and, therefore, much more angular than watches with standard Oyster cases. Another stand-out feature is the integrated bracelet; it's clear that Rolex took inspiration from classic sports watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak here.

The dial, on the other hand, is identical to that found on the mechanical Datejust. The same applies to the bezel, which is available in a polished or fluted version. As is customary for the industry giant, the former is made of stainless steel, while Rolex uses white or yellow gold for its fluted bezels. The case of the Datejust Oysterquartz is made exclusively of stainless steel.

The in-house caliber 5035 ticks away inside the case. This movement has held chronometer certification since 1981, meaning it only deviates from the reference time by a maximum of +/- 0.2 seconds per day. The 5035 is beautifully finished, which sets it apart from conventional quartz movements.

The most affordable Datejust Oysterquartz is the two-tone ref. 17013. The average price for this model comes in at around 5,300 USD, but it is possible to find examples for closer to 4,000 USD.

If the two-tone look doesn't appeal to you, you can opt for one of the two monochrome references. Models with a polished stainless steel bezel (ref. 17000) run between 6,400 and 8,800 USD, depending on the exact version and the watch's condition. If you're interested in the ref. 17014 with a fluted white gold bezel, you can expect to spend between 6,200 and 8,100 USD.

The Datejust Oysterquartz was in production for almost 25 years. In this time, Rolex released three different references: the fully stainless steel ref. 17000; the two-tone ref. 17013, which features a yellow gold bezel and crown, as well as gold middle links on the bracelet; and the ref. 17014, which features a white gold bezel. The ref. 17000 is the only model in this series to feature a polished bezel, the two other references boast a fluted bezel, a classic design choice from Rolex.

Another difference between the ref. 17000 and the two other models is the bracelet. While the references 17013 and 17014 are paired with a five-piece link bracelet fashioned in the popular Jubilee style, the ref. 17000 comes on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet. However, unlike the conventional Jubilee or Oyster bands, the Datejust Oysterquartz bracelets appear much more linear, which is due to the somewhat unusual case shape of these Oysterquartz watches.

The angular cases are barrel-shaped with distinctive lines. The bracelets are integrated into the case, giving the timepieces that typical 70s sports watch flair. Rolex uses scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to protect the dial, which is equipped with the Datejust's characteristic date magnifier at the 3 o'clock position.

As with all Oyster models, the Datejust Oysterquartz is well armed against moisture penetration. Models from the first few years of production are water-resistant to 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft), while watches produced after 1980 have a depth rating of 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) thanks to their Twinlock crown.

Dial Designs for the Datejust Oysterquartz

There are many different dial configurations to choose from when selecting your Datejust Oysterquartz. Black or white lacquered dials have a particularly classic feel and are available for all three references. If you prefer sunburst dials, you can pick between silver, champagne, or blue. The two-tone watches are also available with a gold dial.

No matter which dial color you opt for, you can take your pick from a number of different hour markers, including narrow baton indices, Roman numerals, and even diamonds.

The caliber 5035 ticks away inside the Datejust Oysterquartz. This movement was in development for five whole years, resulting in a mechanism that was very advanced for its time. The Rolex engineers used the mechanical caliber 3035 as a basis for the newer quartz movement, leaving the gear train for the time display virtually untouched. However, this is not moved by a balance wheel, but rather by a specially developed stepping motor, which in turn is controlled by a quartz crystal.

What's more, the movement is thermocompensated, meaning it has a small sensor that permanently monitors whether the quartz has changed its frequency due to temperature fluctuations and corrects it if necessary.

Rolex did not initially have the caliber 5035 certified as a chronometer. It wasn't until 1981, when the brand unveiled a second generation known as the Mark II, that the caliber received the title. This version has a quartz crystal in the shape of a tuning fork, and thus offers an optimized rate of oscillation. The movement passed the COSC test, which allows a maximum deviation of +/- 0.2 seconds per day, with flying colors. You can easily tell whether a watch has a caliber from the Mark I or Mark II series by the inscription on the dial: If only the word "Oysterquartz" appears at 6 o'clock, it is a Datejust with a Mark I caliber. On Mark II models, however, you'll find the two-line inscription "Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified" in the same position.

In addition to its technical sophistication, the caliber 5035 is also a feast for the eyes. All surfaces are refined and partially decorated with ornamental engravings, which makes the movement look more like a mechanical caliber at first glance. Unfortunately, in true Rolex fashion, the movement is hidden behind the watch's stainless steel case back.