Rolex Datejust 17014

Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust 17014 Blue Dial Box and Papers

During the onslaught of the Japanese-led Quartz Crisis of the 70s and 80’s, Swiss watchmakers for forced to adapt to remain competitive in the market, or let themselves be swallowed up by their competition. As a way to deal with the Quartz Crisis, Rolex decided to release their own quartz timepiece in 1977, the Oysterquartz. In 1970, Rolex had released the precursor to the Oysterquartz, the Quartz Date 5100, powered by the Beta 21 movement, the result of a large-scale Swiss collaboration. While the Oysterquartz was loosely based on the ref. 5100, the Oysterquartz’ movement was in a league of its own. With 11 jewels, the latest CMOS circuitry, a 32000-hertz oscillator, and analog thermocompensation to regulate the quartz crystal, the Oysterquartz’s movement was held to just as high a standard as Rolex’s more typical mechanical movements. Besides its unusual movement, the Oysterquartz also features a unique construction in terms of its case shape and bracelet design, with an integrated bracelet attaching to a tonneau-shaped case. Offered as an Oysterquartz version of the Datejust, the ref. 17014 that we have here features a five-link Jubilee-style bracelet, a fluted 18kt white gold bezel alongside its entirely stainless steel construction and a rich blue dial that is sure to pull at the heartstrings of any Rolex collection. With Rolex’s signature cyclops lens over its 3 o’clock date window and its unique design, the ref. 17014 is a rich piece of Rolex’s history that has finally garnered the plaudits from collectors that it deserves. Brand : Rolex Dimensions : 36mm Model : Oysterquartz Datejust Movement : Quartz cal. 5035 Reference : 17014 Bracelet : Stainless steel integrated five-link bracelet Year : 2002 Condition : Near-Mint Material : Stainless steel and 18kt white gold Included : Watch, box, papers and original purchase receipt Dial Color : Blue THE DIAL Featuring a blue dial that adds a subtle pop of color to the ref. 17104's 18kt white gold fluted bezel and stainless steel construction, this Oysterquartz is a wonderful balance of style, substance, and sophistication. THE CONSTRUCTION Bearing a construction style that is quite uncommon for Rolex, the ref. 17014 features an integrated bracelet that allows its 36mm case to wear larger than its measurements suggest. THE PROFILE More angular than Rolex's typical designs, the Oysterquartz featured the same tonneau-shaped case and integrated bracelet design that had been been popularised throughout the Quartz Crisis.