1971 Rolex Beta 21 Texano White Gold Ref. 5100/9

The Rolex 5100 aka ‘Beta 21’ or ‘Texano’ was introduced in 1970 and the result of research and development of the Centre Electronique Horologer which united 21 of the most important watchmakers together in a consortium with the mission to develop an entirely Swiss Quartz movement. The 5100 was at that time the most expensive Rolex on the list and was full of novelties. The avantguard 40mm solid gold watch was equipped with a state of the art Quartz movement, a synthetic Sapphire crystal and a quick set date. Buying a Texano in 1970 was like buying the first iPhone after having a Nokia 6110, it was a technological masterpiece. The production run lasted until 1972 when Rolex decided to develop an independent Quartz movement which then resulted in the Oysterquartz. Numbers wise we are safe to say that the 5100 is among the rarest Rolex watches out there. Only 1000 examples have been produced in total of which the vast majority are in yellow gold and only about 100 examples in white gold. The watch on offer is in excellent condition and still fully bears the sticker on the case back. It is accompanied by Rolex Service Papers. A truly rare watch for collectors who love a solid gold 40mm Rolex on their wrist.