Here we have a 1979 Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz MK1 reference 17013, with the serial 5833XXX. The dial is Champagne with a sunburst finish. It has gold baton hour markers with the Rolex cornet logo at 12. It has the date window to the right-hand side, with the acrylic crystal with date magnifier sitting above. It has a gold fluted bezel surrounding the dial, with a stainless-steel case of angular design with bevelled edges. To the right is the gold screw down Oyster crown. The integrated bracelet is formed of steel, with 14k gold central bands. It is original to the watch, with all 12 links. The clasp code VD dates it to 1979. The serial number and reference number are on the rear of the lugs at 12, with the signing ‘Stainless Steel’ & ‘Registered Design’ at 6 O’clock. Inside it is signed with the Rolex text, with the reference 17000B. Inside is the legendary and excellent quality Rolex calibre 5035 Quartz calibre. It has been recently serviced and comes with a two-year warranty.
The Oysterquartz has been a model which has traditionally divided opinion amongst collectors. However, they have aged like a fine wine, with their build quality, innovation and design standing the test of time.
The Oysterquartz range was introduced in 1978, making this an early example of the first generation. There were approximately 25,000-30,000 examples produced between then and 2001.
Born out of the innovation of the 1970s haut-de-gamme, but distinct from typical Rolex fashion. This was the era of the AP Royal Oak, the IWC Jumbo Ingenieur and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Integrated bracelets represented the cutting edge of horological design.
The double banded centre, with contrasting gold links, very much resembles the design of the bracelet on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
This remains (along with the automatic version) the only Oyster case to include an integrated bracelet. The bracelet is a chunkier Jubilee style, composed of flat solid steel links, with 14k gold central banding. The result is a sturdy and stylish bracelet. The clasp has the date code VD, which dates it to 1979.
The case maintains the fluted bezel and the classic Oyster screw-down crown and rear. Yet the design was bold and modern, with the immense cushion case with bevelled edges and angular block lugs. The design, combined with the lug-to-lug measurement, makes the watch appear much larger than its strict 36mm width.
The Champagne dial has applied baton hour markers, formed of solid gold. They have the Tritium luminous plots to the base, whilst the gold tone baton hands also have Tritium luminous in-fill. The dial lacks the Chronometer signing of the later models, which presents an uncluttered layout.
Inside is arguably the finest Quartz movement ever produced, having been significantly over-engineered. The only real competitor at the time was Omega’s 2.4Mhz 1516 movement, used in their Marine Chronometer range.
It utilises a high frequency oscillator and analogue Thermocompensation. Oscillator stability over varying temperatures was accomplished using a thermistor to sense ambient temperature. Data from this is sent to the electronic control module, which then regulates the voltage to the Quartz crystal.
There is also a rate trimmer on the circuit board which enables the movement to be manually fine-tuned, during Rolex’s internal testing, adjustment and subsequent servicing.
The movements were designed to be serviceable, just like their mechanical calibres. Apart from the electronics and the pulse motor, the mechanics are the same as the 3035 automatic movement.
The drive mechanism is very similar to a traditional mechanical watch escapement. The pulse motor drives a pallet fork which moves the pallet wheel. The wheel drives the second hand at a 1:1 ratio with one tick per second. The hour and minute hands are driven off of this pallet wheel. The audible “tick” every second is the pallets engaging with the pallet wheel. This also means that the second-hand steps around the dial without any lag, with the hand locking into place between beats.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in good condition with no marking or scratching to the finish. The hour markers and Rolex cornet have a bright, even shine, with only some light marks. Lume plots are missing at 5, 8 and 9 o’clock. There is some reaction around the lume plot at 4 O’clock. The date window is good, with the champagne tone and clear black signing.
Hands:
The hands are of baton style and are a gold tone. They are original and in very good condition. The lume in-fill is original and intact with an aged tone.
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is original and is in excellent condition with no marking.
Crown:
The screw down crown is gold and is original. It has some light marking but is in good condition. It screws down well and functions as it should.
Case:
The case is formed of stainless steel and has the original brushed finish to the top. The fluted bezel is good and well defined. The sides of the case have a polished finish which shows signs of wear with light marking and some more noticeable nicks. The rear of the case is good and well defined with original brushed finish and clear engraving to the rear of the lugs.
Caseback:
The case back is formed of Steel and has the classic coin edge finish. The coin edge has some light marking but is still well defined. The face has had the finish re-brushed in the past. There is some light marking, with other marks to the polished surround.
Bracelet:
The watch comes on its original 17013 bracelet. It has the full 12 links and is completely original with the VD clasp code. It is stainless steel with 14k gold centre links. The bracelet is in good original condition. It appears unpolished, with the original brushed finishing. It has marking associated with age and wear, but no ugly marking. The clasp has a clean brushed finish with defined cornet logo.
Movement:
The movement is a Rolex calibre 5035. It is a Quartz calibre, with a jewel count of 11. It benefits from thermocompensation and is anti-magnetic. It has hacking seconds and quickset date. The movement is keeping accurate time, having been recently serviced. It comes with a two-year warranty.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 36mm
Case width with crown: 38.5mm
Case length: 35.5mm
Case length lug to lug: 42.5mm
Case Depth: 12.5mm