The Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust Ref. 17013 is a fascinating and increasingly collectible timepiece that represents Rolex’s bold and technically sophisticated venture into quartz watchmaking during the late 1970s and 1980s, masterfully blending the brand’s iconic Datejust design with a distinctive angular, cushion-shaped 36mm two-tone case crafted from stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, and crowned with a signature fluted yellow gold bezel . This reference features a classic silver dial, offering a refined and timeless aesthetic with applied gold baton hour markers and hands that ensure exceptional legibility, while the practical date window at 3 o’clock is magnified by the iconic Cyclops lens integrated into the sapphire crystal . At its heart beats the legendary Rolex Caliber 5035, an in-house, COSC-certified quartz movement renowned for its exceptional precision, thermocompensated stability, and robust construction—a testament to Rolex’s rare yet significant foray into high-accuracy quartz technology that set new standards at the time . The watch is completed by its distinctive integrated two-tone Oysterquartz bracelet, which features a folding clasp and a unique, architectural design that sets it apart from traditional Jubilee or Oyster bracelets, providing both a secure fit and a bold, angular aesthetic that captures the spirit of the era . Produced from approximately 1977 until 2001, the Oysterquartz Datejust 17013 remains relatively rare, with total Oysterquartz production numbering only around 25,000 units across all variants, making this reference a highly collectible piece that bridges Rolex’s rich mechanical heritage with its pioneering quartz innovation, and offers the discerning collector a compelling fusion of horological history, technical sophistication, and the unmistakable prestige of the Rolex crown . Key specifications: 36mm stainless steel and 18K yellow gold case; fluted yellow gold bezel; silver dial with baton markers; Rolex Caliber 5035 quartz movement; integrated two-tone Oysterquartz bracelet; 100m water resistance; sapphire crystal with Cyclops.
