THE OYSTERQUARTZ - Funky, Cool, Rare Rolex

[@dannyg6592]

Loved the 80's intro and the cool retro fonts in it. The Oysterquartz is a very interesting Rolex. I researched the movement and it was overengineered, beautifully finished, built to last a lifetime and the finest quartz movement of its time. I would love to see Rolex re-introduce an updated high accuracy Oysterquartz movement.

[@glennpowell3444]

Same here to go up against Grand Seiko and their 9f.

[@BruceWilliams]

I'd love to see it too

[@atoms4sail]

Rolex would be starting so far behind in electronic expertise it would be like the Amish trying to build a space shuttle

[@navboi12]

​@@atoms4sailnot if you reverse engineer.

[@alphabetaxenonzzzcat]

As much as I love mechanical movements for watches, there's a place for quartz - and I do agree with you that it would be good to see Rolex reintroduce the Oysterquartz.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

What an intro! Awesome, Bruce! I really like the Oysterquartz. Wasn't aware that there are so many versions out there?! A white gold day-date Oysterquartz seems like a great alternative to modern day references. But as you said - you have to factor in all the 'vintage' quirks...

[@BruceWilliams]

100 percent

[@WatchesBeAwesome]

I believe there's 2 spots for a quartz watch in each collection - one from GShock and one High Accuracy Quartz from Grand Seiko.

[@charlyvanbuuren2947]

Yes i would like a reintroduction! Besides Rolex there are more interesting quartz movements from that time and a lot cheaper. I bought a Seiko quartz in 1978 back in the day it was more expensive than an automatic. The movement is a 7546 and the interesting part is that this movement is serviceable and was the bases for the quartz Marinemaster. And it still after 45 years holds perfect time!

[@gshockbabe6144]

I have had my Oysterquartz Datejust in steel since 91 and adore it!No problems with it ever.

[@TheExcks]

Had one and the service cost are a few thousand dollars. Non of my local watch dealers would touch them due to not being able to get parts. Lovely watch though.

[@tombluck]

Hey Bruce, banger of an intro! Awesome editing and sets a great mood for the video. Thanks for some content on a watch I would not normally see.

[@tarasmathers7423]

I just love, this piece. It's funny, because I was just watching, James Doweling (a.k.a. "Mr, Rolex"), talk about his pursuit of these "Oyster Quartz," the prototypes, that are even more rare, than this one, in particular. I would say, that I have a healthy appreciation, for a "well-made," quartz movement. In fact, some of my favorite pieces, are quartz models, and as such, I feel that they will always have a place, and a purpose, in my collection. What a great example of such. Ty for sharing it, Bruce. Always a pleasure.....

[@Stensland55]

Loved that intro!!! Great job.

[@janihellberg6911]

Just bought the 17013. I felt that it's now or never since prices are starting to really rise. Really interesting watch, I have the normal dj and this feels very differen on the wrist. I love it.

[@BruceWilliams]

I agree now or never

[@quirkycollectibles4712]

Could I be cheeky and ask what you picked it up for please? I got my hands on one around 6 months back

[@janihellberg6911]

@@quirkycollectibles4712 I'm Finland so prices in here are bit different, but I payed 4400€ for a servised one. The service is very expensive.

[@quirkycollectibles4712]

Thankyou for your response! I got one last year for £3750 in UK, was just checking to see what people were currently spending!

[@teslapete4461]

let me know if you're interested in a yellow-gold full-set unworn Day-Date Oysterquartz

[@daz311x]

Is this watch for sale?

[@teslapete4461]

@@daz311x it was at my local gray market dealer recently...i can certainly check if you'd like

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

Such a cool piece for sure 👍

[@idonjohnson6999]

It’s Kind of refreshing seeing a ticking Rolex.

[@WatchUnwind]

Love that you threw out that information about mountaineering. I love hiking/outdoors and I am living in Alaska right now so I eat that kinda stuff up. I would like to see them bring back the oyster quartz as well it would be wild if they could meet or surprise a GS quartz on accuracy

[@BruceWilliams]

I got your email. Will definitely set something up soon. I was born and raised in Anchorage

[@WatchUnwind]

@@BruceWilliams sounds good! No rush I know you must have a busy schedule. That’s awesome and will be fun to talk about.

[@enzocarpino9737]

Hi Bruce, great intro and great review, it was nice to have some close ups of this beautiful model! Just a remark about the two additional links: the ones mounted here are the later ones, introduced in the 90s with the references 19018 N and I guess 19019 N. These references have the bracelet built differently: the edges are round, as in these two links and the case does not have the chamfers. The brushing was also changed into a vertical one instead of horizontal. So the links are correct but not for the reference of the video. I don't know though if Rolex still has the old more squared additional links available..

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

This is a classic that I'd love to own! We'll never see this again!

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

Now that watch looks right at home on your wrist!

[@stoneriverwatches]

Never knew Messner wore a oysterquartz😂. Great video!

[@anthonystevens8683]

A great looking watch that isn't using the 'standard' quartz modules around. While like you I'd like to see Rolex re-introducing quartz models I doubt it would happen. At a guess I would not be surprised if they discontinued this model partly due to component obsolescence. Electronics have got a lot smaller and circuits more integrated. In theory you can always make new mechanical parts again, when an electronic component disappears it would be a lot more difficult if not impossible. So I agree service parts may be a premium or even not possible in the years to come especially as they only made 25,000 of them.

[@FireBlade57]

Such a cool model!

[@roymorrison6713]

I remember chasing a few of those back in the early 2000's and I can tell you that your friends is an absolute mint example. Congrats to 'John'.

[@storck08]

I had no idea Messner wore Oysterquartz. Good to know that. BTW I've hear Rolex has parts for around a decade or so for the Oysterquartz.

[@christopher807]

I would really like to see a modern iteration of a high accuracy quartz from Rolex.

[@b.neallee7042]

Have you seen a Rolex day date 36 mm TRIDOR with white gold. Made from 1986 to 2000 ? I think this watch is made from men from outer space. The band has center links are made of 3 kinds of gold, perfectly done no thought that for years about the oyster quartz is a special watch. Love the band for sure. Great video. But people will say it's fake because it's ticking? You can say you are looking at one of the most rare watch Rolex ever made. Bamm. Neal

[@mazakantc5532]

how to tell which year my oysterquartz day date is from i got the yellow one with a tapestry dial.. thx in advance bruce.

[@juniorgallo8786]

Superb intro! Bravo! Amazing video for an amazing watch!

[@explorerjlc1743]

sick intro, brings me way back!

[@zzeuss87]

One of the very few Rolex models I would be interested in. Even so, I doubt I would purchase one. Love the case/bracelet design.

[@wernerjacq]

* Best intro ever . Nailed it

[@scottlalonde2878]

Great review, Bruce, thank you. I had a crush for the DJ Oysterquartz for a solid year. Had no funds and eventually lost interest. This looks even nicer. Hope owner wears and enjoys it in good health!👍

[@CAJUNAFOL]

I’d love to see a quartz submariner.

[@GarrySkipPerkins]

Best Rolex case ever

[@wolfgangsteinel1243]

Did you call 1981 "over THIRTY years ago"? [at 1:39] Thank you, I'm feeling 10 years younger now :-)

[@BruceWilliams]

It's crazy how fast time goes

[@jose7777777777777777]

Those links look like the N model links, which did not have the chamfers and were brushed vertically instead of horizontally. Rolex likely stopped production of the previouos links. The case brushing and beveling changes as well.

[@GhostRider-xo2hy]

Hell to the yeah. I’ve been thinking for long time there’s place on the market for quality Rolex quartz watch. It’s time lets go Rolex :)

[@jonathana2079]

Michael Caine's oysterquartz is being auctioned off. We will see if that increases popularity enough for Rolex to bring it back.

[@watchingandseeing]

Rolex won’t tick……so I don’t see this going anywhere.

[@DrRolexPhD]

Love it!

[@harleyb.0767]

Love the intro!

[@paultowns9880]

If your a Reinhold Messner fan Bruce, i would highly recommend his book Nanga Parbat.

[@jmv2015]

I have a 17000 Mark 1 from my grandpa, wonder what are the production #'s for MK1's, nice timepiece for sure.

[@josealfonsosuarez1543]

Yo tengo dos Oysterquartz. Se me cayó uno y lo llevé personalmente a la central de Rolex. Me aseguraron cuando recogí el reloj reparado que siempre tendría repuestos, pues Rolex si tiene una pieza descatalogada y sin existencia la vuelve a fabricar. Para mi un HIBRIDO que auna la altíiiiiisima precisión anual de un cuarzo superior con un sistema de escape como los relojes mecánicos (algo rarísimo) es el summun de la tecnología y de la rareza. Es curioso que el tic-tac del Day Date (calibre 5055) sea perfectamente mas audible que el del Date Just (calibre 5055) cuando el tamaño de la paleta de escape es exactamente igual, a pesar del menos de 1 mm que separa el grueso de ambos, que yo atribuyo al círculo de los días de la semana que añade el Day Date. Para mi estos raros y exactos relojes fabricados en el último cuarto del siglo pasado son de lo mejor que ha fabricado Rolex en su historia y sin duda los de mas alta precisión.

[@juancarloskalfaian2977]

Buenos dias, en que servicio Rolex le dijeron eso, ya que me interesa mucho, porque tengo uno que uso a diario y mi miedo es que no haya repuestos , agradecería su respuesta

[@josealfonsosuarez1543]

@@juancarloskalfaian2977 Pues me lo dijeron en su casa central en España, en Madrid, en la calle Serrano. Llevé personalmente el reloj a reparar, e hice varias preguntas. Tardaron un mes en darme presupuesto que incluía cambio de batería y de juntas, pulido, etc. Me explicaron que frente a los Rolex normales que deberían pasar una revisión cada uno o 2 años, los de cuarzo no necesitan ninguna revisión. Me explicaron también que los Oysterquartz son unos rarisimos relojes híbridos, con 11 rubíes ya que tienen un escape mecánico (fork) controlado por cuarzo. Cuando fuí personalmente a recogerlo también hice algunas preguntas y creo que Rolex, un siglo después sigue teniendo el mejor Servicio Técnico a nivel mundial, pues no sólo tienen todas las piezas para un reloj que en unos meses va a cumplir 50 años, sino que tienen también las piezas para los Texanos (Beta21) que superan el medio siglo.

[@kk7sm]

I like that bracelet - it makes me think of a Zenith! :)

[@mitchellsmith1593]

Yes..re introduce!

[@TheDawsonhousehold]

The reason they weren't produced in large numbers was because they couldn't sell them. It was said Rolex were told they had to produce a quartz watch so made it so ugly no-one would buy one. They look retro now, but at the time they gathered dust.

[@TheTimelyFocus]

Great video as always Bruce. Cool looking watch too but I am not a quartz watch fan at all. Even spring drive gives me enough second thoughts it to have bought on yet. There is no soul in a quartz watch and as you mentioned doubtful longevity too. I also really enjoy the sound of mechanical watches, especially 4 and 5 Hz movements. Quartz - no go! Rolex definitely should not make quartz again.

[@TheWatchDoggg]

I always thought the rolex Oysterquartz was a sweet piece. I even considered one, but finding parts in the future us what discouraged me. Especially considering how rolex says that they are going to stop servicing certain models, which is ridiculous IMO. That makes me a little bitter towards rolex. However, I wouldn't mind if they remade this preferably in the same size, or even had an automatic option

[@jayw2798]

It’s life time movements you can still get them serviced to this date

[@mplsmnpi]

Do they have any problems, 25 years later, I like grand seiko quartz, so is rolex quartz a good buy.

[@stevenbriandunn5648]

Beautiful

[@jeffmalm9708]

Where else would you wear a wristwatch but "on wrist"? Pardon me, would you happen to have any grey poupon?

[@Cheungishere]

If they honestly make it non serviceable I will replace the movement with a cal 3155. Call me crazy but I love the look of the case and more importantly the size. Hate these new oversized day dates

[@yz8096]

Makes me want to break out my Ted Nugent "Double Live Gonzo" vinyl and reminisce about these pubescent, early testosterone-laden quartz days!! The closest I got was a Pulsar Quartz in 10th grade in 1983. The smell of perfume and the smell of gasoline dictated priorities back then, but I was still the only geek with a watch back then!!

[@robertschmidt9584]

Love the video but Bruce would still flip this watch on Mt. Everest.

[@BruceWilliams]

Flip em all

[@Jim-qp5tv]

What about the OYSTER PERPETUAL Date Just

[@zachg9065]

Looks nice might pick one up "gets online and they are $5k-$9k" NOPE

[@jayw2798]

5-9k? Bro where you are you looking at. Mines 4500 I paid yesterday but I got a good deal

[@user-jd2zs8ql1v]

Yasssssss 👑

[@jodysilvia2]

The beginning of the intro i though someone changed my ringer, lol

[@rickyromano6659]

I personally not think Rolex should reintroduce an Oyster Quartz or any watch powered by a Quartz movement.

[@almcl9391]

Palet fork engaging? Perhaps a really dated quartz design 🤔

[@andrejensen7837]

The movement is the same in all the watches?, So the ekstra links in white gold most be very rare . Guess the movement can be serviced for years to come. Hope so just bougth one 😂.

[@dadcaniborrowthewatch8572]

Cool design but If this were any other brand, no one would want it brought back. Keep it in the past and leave the high end quartz to GS

[@larsvargas8479]

Well the Tissot PRX is kind of popular now and the style of that watch is very much like the Qysterquartz.

[@jwdepriest]

I have absolutely no interest in Rolex reintroducing the Oysterquartz or the integrated case/bracelet design. Just not for me.

[@xuliuk]

fp journe's quartz models are now in high demand, so I'm sure if Rolex brings back their oysterquartz, there will be more than enough demand. But I would prefer a solar explorer II.

[@christophernichols9387]

I like most of what you say on this channel, but I genuinely find myself questioning your judgement in every video. I think it's really hard to take someone at their word when their hair is so ridiculous. It's so objectively silly that it seems like you must just simply have bad judgement in style. If you spend 15 minutes a day pointing your head towards the sky, how can someone actually take you seriously in any context?

[@BruceWilliams]

Lol you crack me up!