Oyster Quartz

[Earl]

I have never really thought about owning one of these but, are they as accurate as other quartz watches?
If you were to see one would you first say it's a fake cuz "Rolez don't make quartz" or relize it really is a Rolex and seriously look at it?

[Rockrolex]

I almost bought one about 2 years ago, but it got away from me. Now, though, I'm not sure I'd go for one because I wouldn't want to worry about the battery going on me at an inopportune time or at any time, because then you have to take it in to a jeweler to have them change it and maybe do some adjustment on the watch. I'll stick with the automatics, even though it means having to have multiple winders. Right now, for example, I have a quad, a triple, and a single winder running. I have a triple winder that I keep in reserve in case one of the others goes down.

[dman]

I love the bracelet and will probably get one for my collection eventually.

They are said to be one of if not the best quartz movement ever built. I don't know this for a fact though.

[alpet]

I cant really say that they are my cup of tea.
I like the way they look but for me a major part of my love for Rolex is the movement. Not that if you want to get me one for my B-day Earl I wouldnt wear it!!

[Earl]

OK I'll get you one if you get me a DD deal?

[thesharkman]

up close. you'd never know it was a quartz if i covered up everything but the dial if not for the word 'oysterquartz.' it's crisp and clean like any other rolex datejust dial.

< shark >>><

[Tony-GB]

I'd love to get a Rolex quartz at some stage. I've read the movement was quite advanced in it's day.

[DSJ]

I hope to have one some day.

[TempoKing]

The most accurate of all ROLEX watches EVER.

[cody p]

aesthetically, i don't quite like it compared to the classic oyster case and bracelet, but under the hood exists one of the finest quartz movements ever made. (well, maybe the seiko 9f might get the nod here?) i would love to see rolex resurrect it.

[Z-Sub]

I personally don't think quartz watches worth much $$ since the mechanism is so much cheaper than a good mechanical one.

[cody p]

http://www.oysterquartz.net/

[WatchTimes]

OK
I am intrigued and I am looking...
Surely someone has some ideas on where one might find a steal of
a deal on one... Ebay is never the best bet.
Id LOVE the DD BUT I think thats still out of my budget.... Perhaps
a TT. For some reason the SS just still doesnt look like a Rolex to me
(and usually I am partial to SS vs TT)

[Chris in Melbourne]

I find the Oysterquartz to be an absolute cracker of a watch!

For accuracy, nothing comes close. Had an Omega X-33 once but let it go.

My Oysterquartz beats it for accuracy, easily!

The Oysterquartz is a loud watch too. The ticking is very noticeable. While some might think it a minus, I think it gives the watch it's own special character.

On one hand the styling of the Oysterquatz is very retro and on the other, very modern.

Compare the case and bracelet design to IWC Ingenieurs and AP Royal Oaks. Similar huh? Gerald Genta-ish?

Another benefit of the Oysterquartz is that it's every bit as antimagnetic as a Milgauss. Amazing for a quartz huh?

Anyway, while I love my handwinds and automatics, my Rolex quartz has a very special place in my collection!

Kind regards

Chris in Melbourne

[superdelsol]

I was recently offered a TT Oysterquartz for $1500. The novelty of the Oysterquartz is attractive, but I think I'd enjoy a Submariner or Sea-Dweller more. The guy with the Oysterquartz seems to think it will eventually become collectible, but admitted that there isn't much interest in them at the moment. I do find the case interesting, and different than other Rolex offerings.

[JimC]

Very nice, and quite a collectible piece. :D

[Art161]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

Now, though, I'm not sure I'd go for one because I wouldn't want to worry about the battery going on me at an inopportune time or at any time, because then you have to take it in to a jeweler to have them change it and maybe do some adjustment on the watch.

Don't like batteries.

[GradyPhilpott]

Chris in Melbourne

That's a beautiful piece.

It's decidedly Rolex, but distinctively different.

[Chris in Melbourne]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Chris in Melbourne

That's a beautiful piece.

It's decidedly Rolex, but distinctively different.

Thanks Grady! I think so too!

[Tony-GB]

Chris in Melbourne

Now THAT is what I'm talking about. That is a beauty!

Definitely going to get one of those one day.

[Alcan]

I purchased this OysterQuartz about 3 years ago, a 1979 pre-COSC without the billboard on the dial. Unfortunately the seller had not disclosed the scratch on the dial just below the coronet, and the watch was returned. I'd still like to have another some day, I love the case and bracelet design.

[padi56]

Pre Rolex own quartz movement there was about 16 Swiss companies involved in the development of the first Beta 21 quartz movement.And Bulova Accutron paid a high part in development of the step motor,the battery life then was around 12 months.And at this time Rolex could not alter the design of the beta 21 movement,to fit there Oyster case,so only stated the 5100 was water resist and not waterproof this was the first Rolex with sapphire crystal.Later they started around 1972 to develop there own movement,and the design was very still close to the beta movement,but now designed to fit a oyster type case.





The Thermo-compensated Quartz watches made by Rolex:

Caliber: Rolex 5035 (and 5055 for the Day-Date model)
Technology: single 32 kHz crystal using the forced constant frequency (TCVCXO) method
Annual accuracy: around ±60 seconds (Rolex has never stated an official accuracy specification.)
Rate adjustable?: yes, via trimmer condenser (user adjustable)
Watches that use this movement:

Rolex Oyster-quartz (1977 to 2001)

Note 1: We are unaware of any other watch using TCVCXO technology.
Note 2: While discontinued, we have heard that Rolex plans to introduce a new quartz movement with update technology and perpetual calendar. More can
Ref http://www.oysterquartz.net/

Selected Grand Seiko quartz model now these were very accurate quartz model but very expensive then.


Note 1: Seiko re-issued a limited edition of the "Astron" in 2000 that used a special version of the 9F movement that was rated to ± 2 seconds per year after adjustment.
Now certainly by the Japanese movement accuracy was much better than the Rolex movement
Note 2: The 9F movement is reportedly designed to run fifty years before it needs servicing.
Note 3: Other Grand Seiko quartz models use the 8J movement. Even less is know about this movement.
Source of information: Japanese retail sites

And just a little bit more its possible that the new Oysterquartz could be reborn 2009 Basil Show.


The Next Oysterquartz?

In 2004, an Oysterquartz watch was offered at auction by Antiquorum that looked like an ordinary 17014 stainless model with the white gold bezel. Upon closer examination, however, it was clear this watch was something unique and many wondered if it was a genuine Rolex. There was no reference number on the back of the watch where one would expect to see it engraved on a typical Oysterquartz. And the watch contained a heretofore unheard of 23 jewel quartz movement marked "5335" with a date function that employed a perpetual calendar mechanism that could be completely adjusted using the crown.

This mystery watch was never sold because it was pulled when Rolex told Antiquorum officials that it had been stolen from them. A civil lawsuit ensued in Switzerland between the owner of the watch and Rolex. Rolex lost this suit largely due to the testimony of former and current Rolex employees who testified that it was common practise for Rolex to dispose of prototype watches by giving them to employees. Also, the fact that Rolex had never reported the watch to the police as stolen didn't help their case. The publicity surrounding the trial served to confirm the authenticity and provenance of this watch and ensure its value as a collector's piece when it is eventually offered for sale again.

Prototype Oysterquartz Day-Date Perpetual Calendar

Thanks to a former Rolex insider (who no longer works for Rolex), I am able to confirm not only the existence of the Oysterquartz Perpetual Calendar, but give some details about this watch, which is without doubt the rarest Oysterquartz ever produced by Rolex.

Approximately eleven prototype Oysterquartz Perpetual Calendar watches were produced.

They were produced in Datejust and Day-Date versions.
All prototypes were encased in 17014 SS cases with white gold bezels.

No external reference numbers were engraved on the cases.

The movement used in the Datejust model was designated the 5335 and had 23 jewels.

The movement used in the Day-Date model was designated the 5355 and had 23 jewels.

The movement is silent, with no audible tic (a marked difference from the original Oysterquartz).

The perpetual calendar function of this watch was patented by Rolex: Swiss Patent number CH 672 222 G A3.

The 5335 movement used in the Oysterquartz Perpetual Calendar, the lack of a battery compartment,and a Rolex coronet on the gold battery contact.



Now don't forget there are quite a lot of mechanical parts in a quartz analogue watch.The same drive train as the cal 3135 less the balance and escapement and main spring.Its main spring is the battery and escapement the quartz crystal. And the quartz movement is more expensive than its mechanical brother.

[DSJ]

Nice read, Padi.

[Mr. K]

Loved mine before I sold it. Had all the boxes, papers and tags. I think the full package deal is where this watch will hold collectibility in the future.

But sold mine for a couple reasons, one I heard overhauls were expensive and unsure how long Rolex will service it.

But the other reason is I like to wear my watches without worring about them. As the OQ case has sharp edges, if you were to need a polish, you will lose the crisp lines. I didn't like this and did not like having to be "careful" when wearing it.

[fliskov]

Ohh,That's a beautiful piece.

[rmwill]

OQ Day Date is on my bucket list.

[pk552502]

I never cared for the oysterquartz. The styling just never did it for me. I love the sweep second hand of the mechanicals.