The Genesis of Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz
In the realm of horology, Rolex’s Oysterquartz watches, introduced in 1977, are a unique blend of precision and style. These timepieces, based on the best-selling Rolex Day-Date, Datejust, and Date watches, were Rolex’s response to the influx of affordable and highly accurate electronic watches that dominated the market. This wave of electronic watches led to the Quartz Crisis, which saw the downfall of two-thirds of Switzerland’s traditional watchmaking houses by the end of the 1980s.
Rolex had previously experimented with quartz technology, joining forces with around 20 other brands to form the CEH consortium (Centre Electronique Horloger) in the early 1960s. The consortium aimed to develop a quartz movement of their own. The result was the Beta-21, completed in 1969, and launched the following year in watches from more than a dozen different manufacturers, with Rolex’s creation being the ref.
The Birth of Rolex Oysterquartz Movements
In 1972, Rolex broke away from the CEH, retreated to its Geneva compound, and began working on producing a quartz caliber of its own. Five years later, Rolex emerged with two quartz movements. The Cal. 5035 was fitted inside quartz-powered Datejust and Date watches, while the Cal. 5055 was used to power the equivalent Oysterquartz Day-Date.
These movements shared many of the components inside the new generation of traditional calibers produced to power the recently-released mechanical versions of each watch, the Cal. The entire drive mechanism was based on the concept of a conventional escapement, as were the gear train and pallet assembly. With the exception of the pulse motor and electronics, the movements were largely identical.
| Feature | Rolex Day-Date | Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz |
|---|---|---|
| Model Numbers | Various, including 228238 | Various, including 19018, 19019 |
| Production Years | 1956 – Present | 1977 – 2001 |
| Case Material | Available in 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold, 18k Everose gold, and 950 platinum | Available in 18k yellow gold and 18k white gold |
| Case Diameter | 36mm, 40mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Mechanical, automatic (Rolex Caliber 3255 for the current models) | Quartz, battery-powered (Rolex Caliber 5055) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date | Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date |
| Bracelet | President bracelet | Integrated bracelet with unique angular design |
| Water Resistance | Up to 100 meters | Up to 100 meters |
| Bezel | Options include fluted, smooth, and gem-set | Options include fluted, smooth, and gem-set |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant sapphire | Scratch-resistant sapphire |
| Dial | Wide variety of options available | Limited options compared to the mechanical Day-Date |
Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz Models: A New Era of Innovation
The technology was unlike anything the brand had made before, as were the watches containing it. The quartz-powered Datejust, Date, and Day-Date all followed the basic architecture of the Genta-designed ref. However, the in-house calibers were significantly smaller than the Beta-21, and so were able to fit into a specially-devised 36mm Oyster case, with all its water-resistant abilities intact.
Andre Heiniger, Rolex’s CEO at the time, was adamant that no one mistake the electronic versions of his world-famous watches for their mechanical counterparts. As a result, they were given the sharp, angular profiles that were very much of the 70s era, leaving both watches looking far larger and bolder appearance on the wrist.
The Oysterquartz Day-Date was only ever cast in yellow or white gold, with no rose gold or platinum as you will find on the traditional pieces. The premium offering from the brand, it was issued in a number of different varieties, some relatively plentiful now on the pre-owned market, others incredibly rare.
Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz ref. 19018
The ref. 19018 is the most common model you will find. It is a solid 18k yellow gold model, complete with its signature fluted bezel. The dial color selections were primarily champagne, white, and black, along with a few wood dial versions.
Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz ref. 19019
The ref. 19019 is similar to the 19018, but it is cast in white gold. It is rarer than the 19018, being made in an era when yellow gold was king. Dial options were similar too, but with a blue option added.
Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz ref. 19028
The ref. 19028 is another yellow gold piece, featuring eight tiny pyramids on each of the bracelet’s center links, as well as around the circumference of the bezel. Some examples also used the pyramids for hour markers too.
Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz ref. 19038
The ref. 19038 is similar to the 19028, but with the addition of diamonds. The gemstones were used for indexes, and a further 12 set around the bezel above each marker. This reference also sat on the ‘Pyramide’ bracelet.
Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz ref. 19048
The ref. 19048, released later into the Oysterquartz’s run, is a yellow gold model that switched back to the standard President-style integrated bracelet, but had a bezel embellished with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds.
The Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz: A Collector’s Favorite
Quartz movements often get a bad reputation for being cheap, as the majority of examples you will encounter and inexpensive and entirely uninspiring (even if they are remarkably
Despite the prevalence of inexpensive and unremarkable quartz movements, they can be remarkably accurate. However, the quartz movements used to power Rolex Oysterquartz watches are technological marvels that are finished and decorated to the same exacting standards as Rolex’s mechanical movements.
The Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date President is fast becoming a vintage collector favorite, with prices rising rapidly in recent years. For something a little out of the ordinary and sure to garner attention, they are well worth considering adding to your collection.
In conclusion, the Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to precision and quality, even in the face of a changing market. It stands as a unique piece in the Rolex collection, a blend of the traditional and the modern, and a symbol of Rolex’s enduring commitment to excellence.