THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 17000
YEAR: 1981
CASE DIAMETER: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: QUARTZ

The Oysterquartz Datejust, first introduced in 1977, was Rolex’s answer to the quartz crisis, joining the efforts of other top Swiss watchmakers of the era. This bold yet sleek integrated-bracelet watch stood apart from the brand’s other offerings, featuring an angular silhouette with sharp bevels and chamfers. Avant-garde by Rolex standards, it wasn’t an instant hit. And although it remained in the Rolex lineup until around 2001, production numbers were significantly lower than its automatic counterparts—only around 1,000 units left the factory each year.

The present example, reference 17000, dates back to 1981 and features a smooth bezel and silver dial, kept in amazing condition some 45 years later.