ROLEX DATEJUST OYSTERQUARTZ REF:17000

Being a mechanical watch aficionado, one can't help but simply be impressed by Quartz Technology in watch movements.

This technology almost brought the Swiss watch industry down on it's knees.

This piece that I recently acquired is an awesome quartz watch.

A piece that was said to be "overengineered" and "ahead of it's time"

It's the Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz Ref:17000.

The 1st noticeable feature of the Datejust Oysterquartz is that the case and bracelet is not like the usual run of the mill Datejust.

The angular case and integrated bracelet gives away a modern feel for a watch of this age.

The integrated oyster bracelet is well made and nicely finished.

It's finished in a higher level than the usual oyster bracelet imho.

Due to the integrated nature of the bracelet, the watch wears bigger than the 36mm size.

Watch have been worn on a regular basis but some of the sharp edges and beveled angles is still around.

This particular Oysterquartz of mine is a white dial with roman applied numerals.

Hands are without lume.

It plays well with the light reflections that even in low light, under certain conditions, the hands are still visible.

Personally, I would like a black dial.

Who knows? One might be available if I am patient enough.

A closer shot of the applied roman numerals.

One single line under the Rolex Crown on the erm... Crown...

Twinlock... Water resistance rated at 100m.

Movement powering this Oysterquartz is the Caliber 5035, a certified quartz chronometer.

The movement ticks at quite a high volume.

Sitting at the office with this watch when there's no one around and you can actually hear the ticks.

Checks online seems to suggest that the last known serial for the Oysterquartz is K (2001)... But guess what? This example of mine carries a Y (2002) serial.

After owning it for a couple of months, I do like the watch.

To me, it's the perfect "grab and go" watch.

It's also a piece that signify a change in the horology landscape.

Where cheap quartz watches flooded the market and some brand jumped on the bandwagon of the so called quartz revolution.

Some brands did not recover.

Those who did, came back stronger.

I personally would love for Rolex to release a more modern iteration of the Oysterquartz, reviving this awesome angular case and integrated bracelet.

It's a long shot I know but in the meantime, this Oysterquartz may very well keep me company while I dream away.