When all you need is everything.

[Chronocrass]

Learned something cool from the guys at analog/shift today.

During the quartz crisis in the 70s, Rolex released the Oysterquartz in response to a changing industry. Love it or not, it's apparent this watch was blessed by Gerald Genta in its sleek, angular case and bracelet.

But did you know this watch design was also available with an automatic movement?


The Ref. 1530. A marriage of the Oysterquartz case design with the caliber 1570 automatic movement. Photo credit to analogshift.com.

According to Hodinkee, Rolex always intended this design for the Oysterquartz. During the 5 years it took to create the movement, they outfitted and sold it with an automatic movement. Once the Oysterquartz was unveiled, the 1530 was discontinued with an estimated 1500 units produced.

For those who fancy this rare oddity but have a quartz aversion, this should check all the boxes.

CC






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[Old Expat Beast]

Yes, they come up for sale on TRF occasionally, and there's usually a few for sale on eBay and Chrono24.

That case design predates Genta though, IMO. Plenty of vintage Rolex DNA there.

[Chronocrass]

Thank you Adam for your insight on the topic. Cool reference pics too.

[haven_seeker]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Yes, they come up for sale on TRF occasionally, and there's usually a few for sale on eBay and Chrono24.

That case design predates Genta though, IMO. Plenty of vintage Rolex DNA there.

Hey Adam are those pics of your references? I know you're a big fan of vintage Rolexes...

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by haven_seeker

Hey Adam are those pics of your references? I know you're a big fan of vintage Rolexes...

No. I wish!

If you do a Google image search for Rolex Viceroy or Imperial, you'll find many watch cases that look like the ancestor of the Oysterquartz.

[brandrea]

I love these threads. I'm always humbled by the knowledge that some of our members share. Thank you

[locutus49]

Love the "modern" Oysterquartz design.

[V10K]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Love the "modern" Oysterquartz design.

+1 I have a 2001 white Roman dial which to me is the epitome of modern OQ. So nice to have a grab and go Rolex with nothing to worry about.