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Lot Essay
While Rolex is best known for its mechanical timepieces, the company also developed highly sophisticated quartz movements. Despite popular belief, Rolex's quartz timepieces were more than just a reaction to the demands of the market during the so-called Quartz Crisis. Actually, long before the first Rolex quartz watch was released in 1970, the company had been experimenting with quartz technology.
In the early 1950s, Rolex began researching quartz timepieces, and in 1952, the company was granted its first patent in the field. Rolex collaborated with a group of leading Swiss manufacturers in the late 1960s to create the Beta 21 caliber, which was introduced in 1970. But soon after, Rolex made the decision to work on creating its own entirely in-house quartz movement.
Two proprietary quartz calibres, the calibre 5035 for the Datejust and the calibre 5055 for the Day-Date, such as on the present timepiece, were introduced in 1977 as a result of five years of research and engineering. Many people consider these movements to be among the most exquisitely finished quartz calibres ever made, proving Rolex's commitment to conventional watchmaking standards even in an electronic movement. Production continued until 2001, with the final examples sold in 2003, after which Rolex ceased producing Oysterquartz watches.
The present reference 19148 offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally well-preserved example of the Oysterquartz. Its exquisite champagne 'Jubilee' monogram dial and opulent gem-setting, 44 diamonds on the bezel, 10 diamond hour markers on the dial, and 12 diamonds set on each of the center bracelet links, create a stunning yet harmonious composition that flawlessly captures Rolex's skill in both watchmaking and jewelry.
In the early 1950s, Rolex began researching quartz timepieces, and in 1952, the company was granted its first patent in the field. Rolex collaborated with a group of leading Swiss manufacturers in the late 1960s to create the Beta 21 caliber, which was introduced in 1970. But soon after, Rolex made the decision to work on creating its own entirely in-house quartz movement.
Two proprietary quartz calibres, the calibre 5035 for the Datejust and the calibre 5055 for the Day-Date, such as on the present timepiece, were introduced in 1977 as a result of five years of research and engineering. Many people consider these movements to be among the most exquisitely finished quartz calibres ever made, proving Rolex's commitment to conventional watchmaking standards even in an electronic movement. Production continued until 2001, with the final examples sold in 2003, after which Rolex ceased producing Oysterquartz watches.
The present reference 19148 offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally well-preserved example of the Oysterquartz. Its exquisite champagne 'Jubilee' monogram dial and opulent gem-setting, 44 diamonds on the bezel, 10 diamond hour markers on the dial, and 12 diamonds set on each of the center bracelet links, create a stunning yet harmonious composition that flawlessly captures Rolex's skill in both watchmaking and jewelry.