Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust 17014

The Oysterquartz Datejust was issued in three distinct versions: the fully stainless steel ref. 17000, the two-tone yellow gold and steel, the ref. 17013 and the steel with white gold bezel, ref. 17014. The 17014 is the most distinctive of the three: stainless steel case and bracelet paired with an 18k white gold fluted bezel, a combination that gives the watch its sober luxury. The sharp, slab-sided case and the way the bracelet locks into the case are pure 1970s Genta DNA, a design language that produced, in the same decade, the Royal Oak and the Nautilus. With an estimated total production of around 25,000 to 50,000 units across 25 years, the Oysterquartz remains the rarest mass-produced Rolex model ever made. The calibre 5035 at its heart is, as usual with Rolex, one of the most solid movements of its category, and unexpectedly a rather well decorated caliber. This MK3 example, identifiable by its “T Swiss Made T” inscription at 6 o’clock, was sold in 1990 in Hong Kong and has been kept in excellent condition over time. Indeed, the watch has never been polished, making it a true time capsul.