THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 17013
YEAR: 1980
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL/18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL/18K YELLOW GOLD
MOVEMENT: QUARTZ
If you close your eyes and picture a 1970s-designed integrated bracelet steel sports watch, the first models that probably come to mind are the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or the Patek Philippe Nautilus—and understandably so. However, Rolex also made a watch that fits this exact description, and in our humble opinion, it's one of the coolest designs the brand has ever produced.
The Oysterquartz Datejust, first introduced in 1977, was Rolex’s answer to the quartz crisis, joining the efforts of other top Swiss watchmakers of the era. This bold yet sleek integrated-bracelet watch stood apart from the brand’s other offerings, featuring an angular silhouette with sharp bevels and chamfers. Avant-garde by Rolex standards, it wasn’t an instant hit. And although it remained in the Rolex lineup until around 2001, production numbers were significantly lower than its automatic counterparts—only about 1,000 units left the factory each year.
A few decades later, however, collectors and enthusiasts have finally begun to recognise this hidden gem, and Oysterquartz models are now receiving the attention they deserve. The Genta-esque integrated bracelet design remains a true unicorn in Rolex’s history.
The present example, ref. 17013, dates back to 1980 and features a two-tone steel and 18K yellow gold case, paired with a rare Buckley dial. The dial is in fantastic condition—all of the tritium lume plots are intact and have aged to a pleasing creamy hue. The printed Roman numerals and text remain sharp, and there are no visible marks on the dial. The case has been polished before, but very lightly, with the original factory-brushed and polished surfaces still clearly visible. The integrated bracelet shows minimal stretch and will fit up to a 19cm wrist.
It comes complete with its original box and guarantee—ready for its new home.