The Oysterquartz is in many ways the anti-Rolex. It has a battery. The case is fully integrated, with a lug akin to nothing except the Beta 21 Texano (I'd argue this is more handsome) and identical automatic 1530. They've always been watches for collectors who think for themselves, purists be damned. The Oysterquartz is Rolex on the back foot, which paradoxically is when they've created some of their most interesting designs. It featured a degree of over-engineering that really asks for an analogy to Mercedes of that era. Incredible finishing (truly, google it), ability to self-regulate for ambient temperature, 11 jewels, and eventual COSC certification. The Oysterquartz was available as both a Datejust with calibre 5035 and halo-product Day-Date with calibre 5055. This set has both.
But these three, they come from one gentleman who simply loved the Oysterquartz, wore them for decades, and didn't care for a single other Rolex. As a result of his love, we are proud to offer this window back into the late 1970s. This is an entire collection of a sole category, with enough diversity to span life's range of occasions.
For casual, an all-steel 17000 with a nuanced Pre-COSC certification dial. For the first ~2 years of OQ production, Rolex did not send the 5035 movement to COSC. This early dial lacks a second line of text at 6 instead simply reading 'Oysterquartz' in a larger font. It's cleaner, less common, and has always been my pick of the Oysterquartz dials. That it's in this set is just the cherry on top. The Oyster-style bracelet is the sportiest of the bunch.
For dress casual or 80s Miami vibes, a bimetal 17013 with champagne dial. Two-tone has seen a remarkable resurgence in popularity in recent years, as the associations with 90s vulgarity have waned, forward-dressing and thinking watch enthusiasts have been dressing two-tone to great effect. This dial is still relaxed, with indices over numerals and slightly sartorial fluted gold bezel. Its bracelet construction is more intricate, with dual gold links interrupting the steel.
And for the formal dinner, a solid gold Day-Date with a gold dial sporting undersized, discreet Roman numerals. There's a lot love here in the details. First, its case (they're all crazy sharp) has a beautiful rosy patina developing as so many 80s 18k alloys do. Then, it's also a Spanish day wheel (guess where this guy was?). Its bracelet (and case) have a contrast between mirror polish and brushed gold, which shows off the taper. This is quartz in black tie.
The Oysterquartz's calibre and history are special in every respect, one of the most creative and different offerings we've ever seen from Rolex. Seeing this trio together is magical. You just know they've always been loved, they're all worn, but carefully. This is a diverse OQ set from an OQ person, for an OQ person. And that's not something you're likely to see again any time soon.
