The Rolex Oysterquartz reference 17000, launched in 1977, is a Datejust in an angular steel case with an integrated Oyster bracelet. The case is 36 mm and is rated water resistant to 100 metres. It runs Rolex’s own quartz calibre 5035, a thermo-compensated movement certified as a chronometer, with a day-date variant, the 19018, running the 5055.

It followed the Beta 21 Texano and was Rolex’s response to the quartz wave on its own terms: a robust, high-accuracy movement made in-house, in a case that echoes the sport-luxury designs of the decade. The 17000 stayed in production until about 2001, when Rolex ended its quartz line.

For years the Oysterquartz was overlooked beside the mechanical Rolexes. The community now treats it as a cult favourite and a distinctive 1970s design, valued for its build quality, though the movement is more demanding to service than a mechanical one. It is no longer produced.