Why This Watch Matters Rolex went all in with the Oysterquartz, developing a quartz movement that could be adjusted and serviced by a traditional watchmaker. Additionally, its sober black dial means that this watch was produced among the very first examples. The Full Story It took Rolex more than five years to come up with an in-house quartz movement that the manufacture could be proud of, and in 1977, the Oysterquartz was born. Coming as a surprise to no one, the calibers 5035 (with date) and 5055 (with day and date) were indeed pretty spectacular, allowing for fine tuning and regular servicing just like their mechanical predecessors. The first Oysterquartz watches did not bear COSC certification; watches produced from late 1978 until 2001, when the Oysterquartz line retired, featured this certification. As a result, the first execution – bearing a cleaner dial without mention of the certification – is more rare and, some would say, more balanced. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: Datejust OysterquartzReference: 17000Year: Early 1978Case No: 5487XXXMaterial: Stainless SteelDimensions: 36 mm diameter; 12 mm thicknessSapphire Crystal: YesLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: High-end quartz Caliber 5035 with date indicationBracelet/Strap: Later integrated bracelet reference 17000B in great condition Lug Width: NABox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The condition of the case is the most important thing to look at on an Oysterquartz – here, it exhibits all of the sharp angles you should expect from this reference. The black dial appears to be in fantastic condition, with matching patina on the lume plots and the handset. Similarly, the date disc is original, while the crystal was replaced during a later service at Rolex – and as expected bears the laser-etched crown near 6 o‘clock. The later integrated bracelet reference 17000B is tight, as it should be, and does not suffer from excessive scratches.
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