The Quartz Crisis of the 1970s reshaped the watch industry, as inexpensive and highly accurate quartz watches from Japan threatened the future of traditional Swiss mechanical watchmaking. Many historic brands disappeared or were absorbed by larger groups, while Rolex responded with the Oysterquartz—its distinctive angular, quartz-powered interpretation of the Datejust and Day-Date. By the mid-80s, Swiss manufacturers successfully repositioned mechanical watches as luxury products, pulling them out of a near-extinction. As Rolex's only major venture into quartz technology, the Oysterquartz remains an important chapter in the brand’s history and is relatively scarce today due to their limited initial popularity, leading to a smaller production run.

This particular example is a rare 18k white gold variant and houses a sunburst silver dial making for a fantastic monochromatic look. The watch has remained in fantastic vintage condition - it went through a complete overhaul with Rolex in 2013, including a movement service, new luminova dial/hands and more. The bezel/case are fantastic with sharp edges, showing minimal wear and deep, crisp hallmarks. The bracelet is equally impressive, shows minimal stretch from factory, fitting an approximate 7.25 inch wrist. For the discerning collector, this piece retains its original punched warranty papers that remain open, leaving the opportunity for the next collector to make this timepiece truly their own. 

Dial: Is a luminova replacement and remains mint with working lume. We could help source an additional silver, blue or other colored dial in tritium if the next owner so chooses. Bezel: Remains extremely sharp with no distracting wear. Hands: Are matching. Case: Remarkable preservation with crisp edges and deep/highly visible hallmarks. No distracting wear to note of. Correct signed crown. Bracelet: Shows an earlier B clasp code, retains crisp markings and shows minimal stretch. It will fit an approximate 7.25 inch wrist. Crystal: Clear. Accessories: Punched/open warranty papers (no previous owners name are written). Rolex service center receipt showing a full overhaul in 2013. The movement is running well on our timegrapher.

Year/era: 1988 Reference: 19019 Serial: 895XXXX Dimensions: 36mm wide, 42mm lug to lug, 12mm thickness. Movement: Rolex quartz cal 5055.