ROLEX | OYSTERQUARTZ DAY-DATE, REF 19018 YELLOW GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH DAY, DATE AND BRACELET CIRCA 1978

Lead by a succession of plummeting sales for most of the market players, the 1970s proved to be a tough period for the Swiss watchmaking industry as the quartz technology threatened the traditional way of delivering timekeeping. Following the use of the co-developed Beta 21 calibre in the elusive references 1530 and 1630, Rolex issued their own quartz calibre after 5 years of research and development. The Oysterquartz was therefore born in 1977, acting as the brand’s forefront soldier against the overwhelming implementation of the cheaper and more accurate quartz technology.

Rolex produced the quartz calibre 5035 for the Datejust and the quartz calibre 5055 for the Day-Date, both movements beautifully crafted and rivaling mechanical competitors in elegance and beauty. The two versions were produced until the early 2000s and since then, Rolex has not produced any other Oysterquartz models. The present example is a Day-Date reference 19018 with attractive champagne dial and crisp case and definitely a piece that enhances one's collection.