Rolex Datejust OysterQuartz 17013 Rolesor quartz 36 mm Full Set 1986

The story

While many brands struggled to survive the quartz crisis of the 1970s, several leading Swiss companies introduced their own version of quartz watchmaking in order to remain competitive in this new era of watchmaking against the Japanese giants. Rolex launched its first quartz watch in 1970, a limited edition model in 18-carat gold. This "Date" model, reference 5100, was powered by the Beta-21 movement. This caliber was developed thanks to the Centre Electronique Horloger, a group of twenty Swiss brands who joined forces to develop the movement. However, due to the Beta-21's large size and impractical dimensions, Rolex was unable to use its famous Oyster case, and thought it undesirable to have watches equipped with the same movement as other brands. The brand therefore decided to leave the CEH in order to develop its own quartz movement.

To this end, Rolex recruited René Le Coultre, who was Technical Director of the Fédération Horlogère. His mission was to set up a high-qualification laboratory staffed by 13 people, with the aim of developing a quartz movement with superior precision to other contemporary quartz movements and virtually infinite durability. Development began in 1972.

Five years later, Rolex introduced the "5035" quartz caliber for the Datejust and the "5055" for the Day-Date models. Unlike other quartz movements of the time, the caliber 5035 featured eleven jewels and looked more like a traditional watch movement. Eighteen months after its release, the caliber 5035 was certified by the COSC.

The Rolex Oysterquartz was produced for 25 years and enjoyed a resurgence of interest after it was discontinued in 2001. It is estimated that only 25,000 timepieces were made for the market, making this model uncommon to find.

Funky design

This "17013" reference features a 100% vintage, 100% seventies look. We find an angular tonneau-shaped case 36 mm in diameter, with prominent edges and the famous break at the handles. The jubilee bracelet is perfectly integrated into the case and fits snugly around the wrist. It is one of the very first Rolex bracelets to feature "solid" links, which explains its longevity and durability. The fluted yellow gold bezel adds that little "Rolex" touch to this Datejust.

The classic champagne dial has taken on a lovely patina, and the hands retain an even cream color throughout, matching the Tritium studs. This watch is an MK2 version, recognizable by its "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" line.

An exceptional caliber

The 5035 caliber that powers this Oysterquartz was ahead of its time, as it is a quartz movement inspired by mechanical calibers. Indeed, it has a wheel like on a mechanical movement, all powered by a classic quartz caliber construction. This movement offers exceptional precision, as it features a 32 KHz oscillator and thermo-compensation to keep the quartz crystal at a constant temperature. Its accuracy was around 1 minute per year, which at the time of its launch was a record.

Furthermore, this "5035" caliber receives a finish worthy of mechanical movements, with Côtes de Genève, circular-graining and even chamfering finishes on the bridges! It's undoubtedly one of the finest calibers developed by Rolex!

Le package

This Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz reference 17013 is in very good condition and will be delivered with its original case and warranty. This model was manufactured in 1986 and has been authenticated by our Rolex-approved watchmaker and thus benefits from a one-year Lepage Vintage warranty. You can benefit from a free engraving on the caseback on simple request.