1980 Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz Blue Tropical Dial Ref. 17000

Gold Dust

Offered here is a lovely example of the Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust reference 17000. The 17000 has been produced over a period of approx. 25 years starting in 1978 and was Rolex’s answer to the Quartz revolution and it was a very good one. The Oysterquartz, in all different metals and references got a dedicated case and bracelet design so it can easily be distinguished from the traditional Oyster models. Though the case design with the geometric lines makes us think about Gerald Genta, it has not been designed by him.

The watch offered here dates back to 1980 making it one of the early examples produced. The watch is overall in a very attractive condition bearing sharp lines and bevels along the silhouette. The Oysterquartz is a watch which looks best when it is in crisp and strong condition showing all bevels and edges.

The dial is magical. Over the last 45 years it has developed a beautiful natural specking on the surface of the blue dial that almost looks like gold dust, consistently over the entire dial. Dials that discolor to an attractive new color/pattern are called Tropical dials. Some very important vintage watches that have such a phenomenon fetch record prices at auction as the dial becomes sheer unique. The original lumes on the dial have aged to a light brown color and enhance the tropical feel of the dial.

Overall the market for Oysterquartz models is pretty hot right now, not only following the launch of the new Land Dweller but also because they have been underappreciated for the longest time and collectors embrace unique retro designs in today’s market.

This Oysterquartz bears a great wrist presence and will be a head turner for sure, one of the best Tropical examples we have ever offered for sale.