Does Rolex Make Quartz Watches? Everything You Need to Know
Many watch enthusiasts wonder: does Rolex make quartz watches? The answer might surprise you.
While Rolex is primarily known for its mechanical timepieces, the brand did venture into the world of quartz watches for a period.
Rolex introduced its first quartz watch in 1970 with the Reference 5100, which used the Beta 21 movement.
However, this was a short-lived experiment, with only about 1,000 pieces produced.
In 1977, Rolex launched its own in-house quartz movements with the Oysterquartz line.
These watches included:
- Oysterquartz Datejust (Caliber 5035)
- Oysterquartz Day-Date (Caliber 5055)
The Oysterquartz models featured a distinctive angular case design and integrated bracelets, setting them apart from Rolex's mechanical offerings.
They were known for their exceptional accuracy, with a precision of +/- 0.7 seconds per day.
However, Rolex's foray into quartz technology was relatively limited.
Over the approximately 25-year production run of the Oysterquartz, it's estimated that only about 25,000 quartz watches were made. This makes them quite rare and sought after by collectors today.
Rolex discontinued its quartz line in the early 2000s, with the last models being phased out around 2003.
Since then, the brand has focused exclusively on mechanical watches.
Interestingly, Rolex did develop a quartz perpetual calendar movement and created prototypes, but these never went into production.
A prototype quartz perpetual calendar Day-Date sold at auction in 2020 for over $250,000, highlighting the collectible nature of these rare Rolex quartz pieces.
Today, if you're looking to buy a Rolex quartz watch, you'll need to search the pre-owned market.
Prices for Oysterquartz models can range from about $4,000 to $17,000 or more, depending on the specific model and condition.
So, while Rolex did make quartz watches for a period, they represent a small and intriguing chapter in the brand's history.
Today, Rolex has returned to its roots, focusing solely on mechanical movements that showcase its watchmaking expertise.
About the author
I'm the Head of Research at Cases.gg. With over 5 years in the mystery box niche, I've gained deep expertise in this field. My knowledge comes from years of hands-on experience and close study of the industry. I provide insights based on real-world data and trends in the mystery box market.