Rolex Quartz Movement: History, Models, and Buying Guide
The 1970s brought about the Quartz Crisis — a major shift in watchmaking sparked by the introduction of the first quartz movement in 1969. While some Swiss brands quickly embraced quartz technology, Rolex was initially hesitant to produce a quartz watch. However, within a year, the brand introduced its first Rolex quartz movement watch, though it was quickly retired.
This guide covers:
- The First Rolex Quartz Watch – Beta 21
- The Rolex Oysterquartz
- Quartz Movement Mechanics
- Discontinuation of Rolex Quartz Watches
- How to Buy a Rolex Oysterquartz Today
The First Rolex Quartz Watch: Beta 21
Rolex’s first quartz watch appeared in 1970. Instead of developing an in-house quartz caliber, Rolex joined the Centre Electronique Horloger (CEH), a consortium of about 20 Swiss manufacturers including Omega, Piaget, and Patek Philippe, to create the Beta 21 movement — a Swiss-made quartz movement designed to compete with Japanese quartz watches.
Rolex’s Beta 21 model, reference 5100, was produced in only about 1,000 units before being discontinued. The quartz caliber’s large size required a unique 39mm case, thick and angular, with an integrated bracelet. This design was unlike any other Rolex at the time and is rumored to have been designed by Gérald Genta. The 5100 was also the first Rolex to feature a sapphire crystal, produced mainly in yellow gold, with a few examples in white gold.
Rolex 5100 and Patek Philippe Beta 21
The Rolex Oysterquartz
After leaving the CEH in 1972, Rolex spent five years developing an in-house quartz movement. In 1977, the brand released the caliber 5035 for the Oysterquartz Datejust and the caliber 5055 for the Oysterquartz Day-Date. These movements were more accurate than any Rolex mechanical caliber at the time, with a deviation of just ±0.7 seconds per day.
The first Oysterquartz models included the references 17000 (steel Datejust), 17013 (two-tone Datejust), and 19018 (yellow gold Day-Date). All featured a more angular case with an integrated bracelet, although the size was based on the classic 36mm Oyster case.
Yellow Gold Oysterquartz 19108
Quartz Movement Mechanics
Both the 5035 and 5055 movements used 11 jewels and a 32 kHz oscillator. Features included quick-set date/day functions and hacking seconds. The Day-Date 5055 was COSC certified from launch; the Datejust 5035 received certification later, with early “Mark I” dials lacking the ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ text.
Oysterquartz 19028 with Pyramid Bezel and Center Links
Discontinuation of Rolex Quartz Watches
Rolex experimented with a quartz perpetual calendar prototype in the late 1980s but never brought it to market. Over 25 years of Oysterquartz production, the brand made only around 25,000 quartz watches. COSC certification ended in 2001, and the last two-tone Datejust Oysterquartz remained available until about 2003.
Rolex two-tone Oysterquartz 17013
Buying a Rolex Quartz Watch
Today, Rolex quartz watches — especially the Oysterquartz — are considered rare collector’s pieces. Datejust models typically range from $4,000 to $8,000, while gold Day-Date versions are $14,000–$17,000. Gem-set and pyramid-link variants command even higher prices. Inventory moves quickly, so browse our current Rolex collection if you’re seeking an Oysterquartz.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rolex Quartz Watches
Did Rolex ever make quartz watches?
Yes. Rolex produced quartz watches from 1970 to the early 2000s, starting with the Beta 21 reference 5100 and later the in-house Oysterquartz models.
What is the Rolex Oysterquartz?
The Oysterquartz is Rolex’s in-house quartz watch line, launched in 1977 and produced in Datejust and Day-Date versions until about 2003.
How accurate is a Rolex quartz movement?
The 5035 and 5055 calibers were accurate to ±0.7 seconds per day — far better than Rolex’s mechanical watches of the era.
Are Rolex quartz watches rare?
Yes. With only about 25,000 pieces produced over 25 years, Oysterquartz models are highly collectible today.
What is the most valuable Rolex quartz model?
Prototype quartz models, gem-set Day-Dates, and early reference 5100 Beta 21 watches are among the most valuable, sometimes selling for six figures.
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