Notes: The Rolex Datejust 17013 is an important model because it is one of the few Rolex watches that contains a quartz movement. The caliber 5035, 11-jewel movement was one of the few quartz movements ever made by the company, making ref 17013 a rarer Datejust version. Outside, the watch is very similar in appearance to other Datejust models. The stainless steel water resistant case is topped with a milled gold bezel which flows seamlessly into a two-toned stainless steel and gold Rolex bracelet. The gilt brushed dial beautifully displays applied baton numerals, luminous hands, and a date window. The scratch resistant sapphire crystal is enhanced with a magnified window above the date for better visibility. If you are a fan of quartz watches but want the durability and luxury of a Rolex, the Datejust 17013 is a great option for you.

Mechanism: In 1977, the Cal. 5035 Oysterquartz emerged, an 11-jewel, 32khz caliber designed solely to sit inside the newly created quartz version of the Datejust. Rolex worked for five painstaking years to craft an exceptional quality quartz movement which could exceed the Japanese movements in accuracy and durability. As you would expect, while it was clear Rolex was only getting involved with this new technology under sufferance, what they came up with became the standard for others to follow.

Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, the Cal. 5035 was constructed as much as possible along the same lines as the mechanical movements Rolex had been dominating the industry with for decades. The bridge, gear train and pallet assembly would be recognizable to anyone with a passing familiarity of the inner workings of a Submariner or Explorer. In fact, the entire drive mechanism of the 5035 is based very much on a traditional escapement and, with the exception of the pulse motor and electronics, the movement is almost identical to the mechanical Cal. 3035 launched the same year.