Dissident
Quick facts
Brand: Rolex
Model: Oysterquartz Datejust
Reference: 17014
Year: 2001 (was produced 1977-2001)
Case: Stainless steel, 36mm
Caliber: In-house caliber 5035, quartz
What about it
Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, the Rolex quartz movements were constructed as much as possible along the same lines as the mechanical counterparts.
The bridge, gear train and pallet assembly would be recognizable to anyone with a familiarity of the inner workings of a Submariner or Explorer. In fact, the entire drive mechanism of the Caliber 5035 is based very much on a traditional escapement. And, with the exception of the pulse motor and electronics, the movement is almost identical to the mechanical Cal. 3035 both launched in 1977.
Available for ca 25 years, from 1977 to 2001, with some dealers selling until 2003 most estimate the production of Oysterquartz models stood at around 1,000 units per year, for a total of around 25,000 pieces from COSC certification numbers. But some experts estimate it's more likely the total production numbers were close to 50,000 as some of the production was outside of COSC. Whatever the exact production numbers, it is safe to say that Oysterquartz is the rarest mass produced Rolex model ever made.
36
Diametermm
N/A
Lug widthmm
32khz
Frequencyvph
3-5 years
Power
Sapphire
Crystal
Pricing philosophy from Rolex
The pricing was intriguing to say the least, especially according to todays standards. For example - The white gold ref. 18039 on a President bracelet was $8,800 as the Oysterquartz ref. 19019 was $10,250, so the quartz was priced above the mechanical equivalent.
Market
Availability: Good
ca 60 available (most in rough condition)
Pricing: 4,500 - 12,000 €
(Apr 2024)
References
I have found many articles about these models.
