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.

ROLEX LADY DATEJUST REF: 178274

This year, me and my wife is celebrating our 10th Anniversary.
Yes it has been that long.
We went thru thick and thin and the ride is not always rosy.
We managed to pull thru and in celebration of our decade together, I bought her a gift.

Although our Anniversary is not due until September, with Rolex's frequent price increases, it would be a good idea to pick one up now rather than later.
The Rolex Lady Datejust ref: 178274.

As you all know, Rolex Datejust are the most widely available models in the Rolex lineup.
The available dial variations are too much to be listed.
To start it off, my wife went for the stainless steel model with white gold fluted bezel, rhodium dial and white gold applied roman markers and polished white gold hands.
There is no lume present.
A very classic setup that won't break the budget sky high.
Case size is a very ladylike 31mm...
She considered the 36mm men's sized datejust as well but decided against it as it just looks too big.
I am glad she picked this one.

The dial really is a beauty.
Brushed to a sunburst effect.
The white gold roman applied numerals plays nicely with the light to provide enough bling and contrasts.
The dial itself appears almost white under normal lighting conditions but can quickly change to grey (like the above picture) or from a distance, could even look pink.
Maybe it's just a reflection from other sources.

The white gold fluted bezel provides an additional bling factor to the watch.
Beautifully finished.
Girls just love bling... more so if it's diamonds... but can't afford that yet... lol

There was a choice of either going with the oyster bracelet or the jubilee bracelet.
Jubilee bracelet won at the end of the day simply because of it's bling factor.
Did I mention girls just love bling? :-)
These newer jubilee bracelets are now all solid and should not stretch like the jubilees of old.
The absence of the clasp is welcomed as now when the bracelet is fastened, only a small Rolex Crown is seen.
Outer 2 lanes of the bracelet is brushed while the centre 3 lanes is polished.
Very comfortable to wear according to my wife.

Classic looking watch from an iconic brand.
Just suitable for a milestone celebration.
She is extremely happy with this watch and will be for a long long time... well, at least until our 20th Anniversary celebration that is... lol
Like my friends say... "Wife happy = Life happy"
Can't say I disagree.

I am not a fan of the men's datejust so I am sticking with my Submariner at the moment.
Still makes a good pair in my opinion.