1980 Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust (Ref. 17000) Black "Spider" Dial

This Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz is one stylish and uniquely designed piece. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Quartz timepieces were dominating the market and yes even Rolex was affected by what is now known as the "Quartz Crisis" of the late 1970s and of the early 1980s.

It would be a mistake to think that quartz watches were an afterthought for Rolex, even despite Rolex's strong dedication to mechanical movements, Rolex began to realize that this product type could establish itself on the market, and this was proved to be a fact in the following years to come. The Rolex Oysterquartz production range having lasted less than 3 decades makes the entire range of Rolex Oysterquartz highly sought after and extremely collectible. It has been estimated that in all less than 25,000 total Oysterquartz watches were ever produced by Rolex.

The design of the Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust is far removed from the classic Datejust models and carries design characteristics of the period from which it hails. The angular case and the integrated bracelet are utterly unique, almost architectural in appearance. The case and integrated bracelet are unquestionably remarkable. The Rolex Cal. 5035 11 jewel quartz movement is built and finished as one would expect from Rolex and is of technical advancement but of bespoke build and finish.