Maybe, you are thinking of buying a Rolex watch. As you dive deeper into the lineup of Rolex watches, you might wonder, which Rolex models are quartz?
Rolex is a big name in the watchmaking industry. For a long period of time, Rolex has been producing numerous watches. Although they are mostly mechanical watches, there are some lineups with quartz watches.
Here is a related article that might interest you on Top 8 Best Watch Roll And Case For Rolex | Travelling & Home.
Now, follow along so that you can have a clear idea regarding which Rolex watch models are quartz.
Which Rolex Models are Quartz?
The most prominent Rolex quartz watches are the Rolex Oysterquartz series. However, this is not the first attempt Rolex had at making quartz watches.
Rolex started their journey with the series Date 5100. Then after a variety of tests and research, Rolex introduced their Oysterquartz series.
Are Rolex Watches Automatic or Quartz?
Currently, almost all the watches made by Rolex are automatic. This means the watches need the movement of the user’s wrist to keep functioning.
When you look at the catalogue, you will not find a single quartz watch in there. All the advertised watches are automatic. That’s because Rolex does not make quartz watches anymore.
However, Rolex did make some quartz watches. The first lineup of quartz watches Rolex released in the market was the Date 5100. They have only distributed around 1000 units of this watch. From 1977 to the early 2000s, Rolex produced Quartz watches under their Oysterquartz lineup.
Is Quartz Watches Good?
Yes, quartz watches are good. Compared to mechanical watches, they give way more precise time. Quartz watches lose or gain a few seconds per year. On the contrary, mechanical watches lose time much quicker.
Again, quartz watches are significantly cheaper. Maintaining quartz watches is also very easy compared to mechanical watches. Although they do not last longer than mechanical watches, they have quite a long lifetime.
Lastly, repairing a quartz watch is easy. If you can’t seem to repair it, you can easily replace the faulty parts.
The only major downside to quartz watches is that they don’t have any detailed craftsmanship like mechanical watches. But as the pros overweigh the cons, it can be said that quartz watches are good.
Also, make sure to check out my post on Is A Quartz Watch More Accurate Than A Rolex?
Top Rolex Watch Models That Are Quartz
Rolex made their Oysterquartz watches to compete in the quartz watch market. This model had two series of watches: one being the Datejust series while the other was the Day-Date series. The models are mentioned below:
Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust Series:
i) Oysterquartz Datejust 17000: This watch is equipped with a 5035 calibre quartz movement. It has a steel bezel and an oyster bracelet with steel integrated into it.
ii) Oysterquartz Datejust 17013: The steel case has a yellow golden crown, a jubilee bracelet and a bezel made of yellow gold. Similar to the Datejust 17000, it has a 5035 calibre quartz movement.
iii) Oysterquartz Datejust 17014: This watch has a white gold bezel and a jubilee bracelet with steel integrated into it. It also has a 5035 calibre quartz movement.
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Series
i) Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018: Its main attraction is the president’s bracelet with integrated yellow gold. It also has a fluted bezel made with yellow gold.
ii) Oysterquartz Day-Date 19019: This watch has a president bracelet just like its predecessor. But, the bracelet is made of white gold. It also has a fluted bezel although it’s made with white gold.
iii) Oysterquartz Day-Date 19028: This watch has a pyramid bezel made with yellow gold. The president’s bracelet has pyramid-shaped centre links.
iv) Oysterquartz Day-Date 19038: It has a similar build to the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19028. But, it has 12 diamonds embedded in the bezel.
v) Oysterquartz Day-Date 19048: This watch is very similar in design to its predecessor, the Oysterquartz 19038.
vi) Oysterquartz Day-Date 19049: The watch also has a bezel with diamonds set in it. However, both the case and bracelet are made of white gold.
vii) Oysterquartz Day-Date 19058: This one comes with a case made of yellow gold. Not only that, this watch has baguette-cut gems embedded in it. The President’s bracelet is also made of white gold.
viii) Oysterquartz Day-Date 19068: This watch is almost similar in design to the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19048. However, the President bracelet has pyramid centre links.
ix) Oysterquartz Day-Date 19078: Both the case and bracelet of this watch are made using yellow gold. Additionally, there is a rainbow gem set embedded in the bezel.
x) Oysterquartz Day-Date 190148: The bezel of this watch is diamond-shaped. The president’s bracelet also has centre links with a diamond set in it.
xi) Oysterquartz Day-Date 190168: This watch has both the casing and bracelet made out of yellow gold. The bezel also comprises baguette-cut gems. Moreover, there are gems set in the president bracelet.
xii) Oysterquartz Day-Date 190188: The centre links of this watch have diamonds set in them. The bezel also has a ruby set in it. Both the case and bracelet are made of yellow gold.
When Did Rolex Stop Making Quartz Watches?
Rolex stopped making quartz watches in 2001. They produced quartz watches for almost 30 years, starting from 1972.
The reason why Rolex stopped making quartz watches is still unknown to all. However, there was the appearance of an unmarked Oysterquartz at an auction in 2004. Although we don’t know what that implied, rumours say that Rolex will begin producing Oysterquartz once again.
Frequently Asked Questions [ FAQs ]
What Year Did Rolex Make Quartz Watches?
Answer: Rolex first started making quartz watches in 1972. The first model was produced using Beta 21 quartz calibre. But after 5 years, Rolex made their own quartz movement.
How Long Can A Rolex Last?
Answer: With proper service and maintenance, there is no limit up to which a Rolex watch can last. Rolex watches generally last a lifetime. They can also be passed down as family heirlooms.
Verdict
In this article, we have tried to answer your questions regarding which Rolex models are quartz.
Rolex made about 25000 quartz watches in the 30 years timeframe. The number is considerably less than its competitors.
However, it is understandable why they did so. Rolex mainly makes mechanical watches and is preferred by many for this reason. But, Rolex showed the world that they can produce quartz watches with great quality. Such was the case for their Oysterquartz models.
Also, you have to check out my post on Do Rolex Watches Have Batteries? Which Models?
We hope that we were able to satisfy your queries regarding this topic.
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