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1987 Rolex OysterQuartz 17000 - Stainless Steel White Roman Dial

Details

The Source of Inspiration To Modern Rolex Design

The OysterQuartz occupies a unique space in Rolex history. It was the brand's answer to the quartz crisis, but it was executed with the typical Rolex approach of over-engineering. The result was a high-precision quartz movement housed in a design that was a radical departure from the classic Oyster case. The sharp, angular lines and integrated bracelet were a product of their time, but they also laid the groundwork for future designs. This reference is the direct aesthetic precursor to Rolex's modern integrated bracelet watches, proving its design language was decades ahead of its time.

A Sharp Case And A Classic Dial

This example from 1987 features a clean white dial with applied Roman numerals, offering a more traditional look that contrasts perfectly with the watch's aggressive case geometry. The combination is what makes this particular watch so versatile. It has the sharp, angular presence that defines the OysterQuartz, but the classic dial keeps it grounded and legible. It's a watch that stands out for its shape, not just its power source.

Clearly Preserved And Not Often Worn

The watch is in very good overall condition. The case retains its sharp bevels that are often lost to polishing. This example has clearly not been worn much. The mint white dial is flawless, and the original lume remains in great shape. The integrated steel bracelet is in good, tight condition. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.

A Design That's Relevant Again

This is for the collector who appreciates Rolex's more experimental designs. The OysterQuartz was an outlier for years, but its influence on modern watchmaking is now undeniable. With its robust build and a design that feels entirely current, it offers a unique ownership proposition combining vintage character with the accuracy of a quartz movement.

Key Specs

Reference: 17000

Model: OysterQuartz Datejust

Year: 1987

Movement: Quartz

Case Size: 36mm

Bezel: Stainless Steel, Smooth

Bracelet: Integrated Steel Bracelet

Bracelet Length: Fits up to 6.5in

Dial: White with Roman Numerals

Metal: Stainless Steel

SKU: 663

History

The OysterQuartz was Rolex's answer to the quartz revolution that threatened to make mechanical watchmaking obsolete. Introduced in 1977 after nearly a decade of development, the reference housed a high-precision quartz movement that Rolex engineered entirely in-house — a decision that reflected the brand's refusal to rely on third-party calibres even when the technology was new. The result was one of the most accurate and over-built quartz movements ever produced, set inside a case design that broke sharply with the rounded Oyster silhouette that had defined the brand for half a century.

The angular, integrated bracelet design of the OysterQuartz was a radical departure for Rolex. The sharp facets, the flat bezel, and the tight integration between case and bracelet gave the watch an architectural quality that was entirely absent from the rest of the catalog. It was a product of its era in the best sense — a watch that took the dominant design language of the late 1970s and executed it with the level of finishing and material quality that only Rolex could deliver. The Datejust and Day-Date variants were produced in steel, gold, and two-tone configurations, with dial options that ranged from conservative to genuinely unusual.

For collectors, the OysterQuartz has moved from an overlooked footnote to a reference of genuine interest. The limited production numbers relative to the mechanical Datejust and Day-Date, the distinctive case design that influenced later Rolex aesthetics, and the quality of the in-house quartz movement have all contributed to a reappraisal. Examples in precious metal with uncommon dial configurations are particularly sought after, as they represent a moment when Rolex committed fully to an idea that was both technically ambitious and stylistically unique.

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Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!