Rolex Oysterquartz 17000

[oysterquartz17000]

Hi, I bought a Rolex Oysterquartz 17000 from I believe 1979. It looks like a pretty decent watch. It even comes with the oysterquartz silver seal. What do you all think? The bracelet looks like a service bracelet from 1994, I have a warranty card that came with this piece indicating a service took place in 1995.

[oysterquartz17000]

Some more photos

[belligero]

Looks great. Cool that it has the original non-COSC dial, too. 1979 would make it one of the last ones to have that version.

The 17000 is a personal favourite. That one doesn't seem polished to death, either. Give it a proper cleaning and it's good to go.

[oysterquartz17000]

Thanks, how rare are those silver OQ seals? I dont see them much?

[watch-guy.com]

forgive me for asking but what is the silver OQ seal?

[oysterquartz17000]

Is the special seal that came with OQ's for a short time?

[GTS Dean]

Congrats! I've been a big fan of the OQ since 1984 when I got my first. The closeups of your watch reveal the need for a little warm, soapy water and a soft brush.

[marmite2005]

Beautiful watches

[oysterquartz17000]

Thanks I think it has a great looking case for a '79. I think the only negative (if it is one) is its on a 1994 service bracelet, but it comes with a service card from '95. Still it has the full 13 links.

[offrdmania]

Looks great OP, I like that it still has its 78-79 dial

[Old Expat Beast]

MKI dials on the 17000 ran from around 5.2 to 5.8 serials as I recall, or 1977-78. What is yours?

[t65tampa]

Cool watch. I’ve always liked them.


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[oysterquartz17000]

Hi, I thought it was from 1979 given the serial number was 6274***, however upon closer inspection the serial is a actually 5274***

It is still in transit, so I do not have the chronometer papers (or the watch) to confirm 100%.

[oysterquartz17000]

Close-up of the serial.

So this is a mk1 dial?

[Old Expat Beast]

Yes, MKI dial. I also a 5237413 from 77 and that is the earliest OQ serial I have seen.

[oysterquartz17000]

Really thats pretty interesting, it is literally the earliest serial you have seen?

I am curious as to why the bracelet was swapped out at the service, given the condition of the case, it looks like this watch was worn lightly and only ever serviced by Rolex. I already own another OQ and the bracelets are rock solid.

[Old Expat Beast]

My 523 is the earliest, yes.

[oysterquartz17000]

Nice, I intend to make this my daily, I am not a bi-metal guy and these stainless models are hard to find as a complete set.

[Old Expat Beast]

Does yours have the open 6 and 9 datewheel? RSC swapped mine out during service and I had to go back and ask them to put it back.

[oysterquartz17000]

I am not sure just yet, I will let you know in a week or so. Did you get your date wheel back?

[Old Expat Beast]

Yes they reinstalled it.

[oysterquartz17000]

well I will be sure to check mine as soon as it arrives

[belligero]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Really thats pretty interesting, it is literally the earliest serial you have seen?

I am curious as to why the bracelet was swapped out at the service, given the condition of the case, it looks like this watch was worn lightly and only ever serviced by Rolex. I already own another OQ and the bracelets are rock solid.

It could be only the clasp that was replaced, no?

[oysterquartz17000]

Yeah you are right, perhaps it was dented or scatched too deeply to be buffed out.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by belligero

It could be only the clasp that was replaced, no?

Almost certainly, since only the earliest bracelets were stamped 17000 like the one above. By the 1980s they were stamped 17000B.

[oysterquartz17000]

ha, you guys! OK well thats great news. Thanks for all of the information!

[belligero]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

I am not sure just yet, I will let you know in a week or so. Did you get your date wheel back?

Like the 3035 with which it shares many components, the 5035 movement has a quickset date. So it’s easy to advance it to check, in case you’d like to know immediately.

Good excuse to post a photo; here’s mine just before it was serviced. :)

[zapokee]

That case is razor-sharp. Looks unpolished.

[oysterquartz17000]

Really? woo hoo! The OQ is one watch you cant buy if its been polished. They just dont look right

[oysterquartz17000]

Well I finally received my 1977 Oysterquartz 1700. I mean this watch is in impeccable condition for its age. It doesn't appear to have ever been polished, the bracelet is still very tight. Also, unlike most OQ's I have seen, the case hasn't suffered from any impacts and looks to be in a very well preserved state.

I also received the most complete set of items I have picked up with a Rolex. The original chronometer papers, quite a few small documents and oddly a Certified Chronometer document which was issued to this watch in 1985 after its first service. I will upload photos this evening, but I was unaware Rolex was COSC certifying the initial batch of Oysterquartz watches.

Anyhow, you can probably tell, I am extremely happy with this watch and its accessories. They dont come up that often, I can tell you.