The Oysterquartz is probably the least celebrated wristwatch from Rolex. Demand for Rolex to create a quartz watch led to a quartz movement rather than the celebrated mechanical movement used in other Rolexes. It didn’t sell well but the quality of the watch was such that there were still two models created.
Have you ever heard of the Quartz Revolution? This happened in the 1970s when it was discovered that quartz could vibrate at a rate that allowed for electric rather than mechanical timekeeping. In Switzerland, it’s not called the Quartz Revolution. It’s called the Quartz Crisis and it almost put the entire Swiss watchmaking industry out of business. Fortunately, the industry, let by Rolex and Omega as well as by jewelers such as Cartier, pivoted effectively; making a mechanical watch something artisan and more than quartz. However, pressure to have a quartz watch available impacted the mechanical timepiece companies.
The Oysterquartz Datejust is an interesting (and interestingly popular) choice among buyers of pre-owned Rolexes in San Diego (and I imagine elsewhere, too.) It was released in stainless steel as well as two-tone steel and gold. Ten round cut diamonds were set in the dial. It looked like a Rolex. It just had quartz rather than mechanical movement. The Rolex Oysterquartz Day Date came next. It offered more customization options. Yellow gold or white gold for the bezel. A bezel with or without diamonds. Dials with precious gems. Bracelet options.
The Rolex Oysterquartz made a mark. It’s important in the history of wristwatches, and if you have one of these watches, I’d very much like to buy it from you. I sell a great many pre-owned Rolex watches in San Diego. I also sell a great many to my customers throughout the country and the world. My staff and I are committed to offering you a fair deal, and if you drop by, you’ll discover why so many San Diegans are happy with their Bert Levi Family Jewelers experience.
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