In the world of luxury watches, few names carry as much weight as Rolex. Known for their mechanical precision, iconic designs, and indomitable status symbol appeal, Rolex timepieces are often associated with the mechanical movement par excellence. But in a world increasingly driven by technology, one question continues to surface—does Rolex make quartz watches? The answer is not as straightforward as a simple yes or no. To understand Rolex’s complex and occasionally controversial relationship with quartz, we need to dig deep into the archives, decode the brand’s philosophy, and explore the models that dared to tick differently.
What is a quartz watch?
How quartz movements work
Quartz watches operate using a fundamentally different system than mechanical watches. At their core is a tiny quartz crystal, which vibrates at a precise frequency—32,768 times per second—when an electric current passes through it. These vibrations are then converted into regular pulses, driving a stepper motor that moves the hands of the watch.
Unlike the intricate dance of gears, escapements, and springs found in mechanical timepieces, quartz technology is all about efficiency and accuracy. It’s why most modern electronic watches—including cheap digital ones—use quartz. They’re reliable, require minimal maintenance, and keep time with astonishing precision, losing only a few seconds per month.
Differences between quartz and mechanical watches
The key differences between quartz and mechanical watches go beyond technology—they define two philosophies of watchmaking. Quartz watches are celebrated for their accuracy, low maintenance, and affordability. Mechanical watches, by contrast, are prized for their craftsmanship, complexity, and emotional appeal.
Mechanical movements have a heartbeat, a rhythm born of pure mechanics. Each component is assembled by hand or machine with microscopic precision. In contrast, quartz watches are more industrial by nature, often associated with mass production and functionality over soul. For luxury brands, this distinction matters—not just for horology purists, but for brand perception on the global stage.
Did Rolex ever make quartz watches?
The Rolex Oysterquartz line (1977–2001)
Yes, Rolex has indeed made quartz watches—and not just as an experiment. The most notable chapter in this history is the Oysterquartz line, introduced in 1977. After several years of development, Rolex unveiled a collection that housed quartz calibers specifically designed in-house: the 5035 for the Datejust and the 5055 for the Day-Date.
These watches didn’t just feature a different movement—they had a distinct design language. The cases were angular, the bracelets integrated, and the overall aesthetic was clearly influenced by the era’s emerging “luxury sports watch” trend, as made famous by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Produced until 2001, the Oysterquartz line represented a fascinating blend of Rolex’s mechanical prestige with quartz precision. Yet despite their technical brilliance and unmistakable Rolex quality, these watches remained a niche chapter in the brand’s history.
Rolex's experimental quartz prototypes
Before the Oysterquartz, Rolex had already dipped its toes into quartz development. In the early 1970s, it was one of several Swiss brands involved in the Beta 21 project—a collaborative effort to counter the Japanese quartz wave initiated by Seiko. Rolex released a handful of watches based on the Beta 21 movement, notably the Rolex Quartz Date 5100, which today is a rare collector’s gem.
However, the Beta 21 was bulky and energy-hungry—not quite in line with Rolex’s long-term vision. This led the brand to pursue its own quartz path, culminating in the launch of the refined Oysterquartz calibers mentioned above.
Why did Rolex stop making quartz models?
The decision to discontinue the Oysterquartz line wasn’t abrupt—it was the result of a long-term strategic shift. By the early 2000s, mechanical watches had made a strong comeback, and Rolex, always tuned in to long-term value and brand image, chose to double down on its core identity.
Quartz technology simply didn’t fit Rolex’s vision of luxury. Mechanical movements, with their intricate assembly and hand-finishing, align better with the brand’s promise of timeless craftsmanship. In the eyes of Rolex, quartz was too cold, too impersonal—too… ordinary.
What quartz Rolex models exist today?
Are there any modern quartz Rolexes?
No. As of today, Rolex does not produce any quartz watches. The brand’s current catalog is 100% mechanical, featuring automatic calibers across all its collections—from the Submariner to the Sky-Dweller.
This decision is not due to a lack of technical capability—Rolex could easily build a state-of-the-art quartz caliber—but rather a deliberate choice rooted in brand positioning. For Rolex, quartz belongs to the past.
Rolex Cellini Quartz (discontinued)
Beyond the Oysterquartz, another lesser-known quartz model in Rolex’s history is the Cellini Quartz, part of the brand’s elegant dress watch line. These models, often smaller and more refined, were offered with battery-powered movements during the 1980s and 1990s. Today, they are discontinued and largely forgotten—except by vintage watch enthusiasts.
Cellini Quartz watches never achieved the same cult status as the Oysterquartz line, but they remain a testament to Rolex’s brief willingness to explore different formats.
Second-hand market and collectibility of Oysterquartz
While modern Rolex fans may ignore quartz, collectors have started to re-evaluate the Oysterquartz era. These watches are gaining popularity on the pre-owned market—not just because of their rarity, but because they represent a unique chapter in Rolex history.
With fewer than 25,000 Oysterquartz units produced across all references, they’re scarce. Prices have been steadily rising, especially for models in mint condition with original papers and boxes. Far from being the “black sheep” of the Rolex family, the Oysterquartz is now an emerging collectible.
Why does Rolex focus on mechanical movements?
Brand identity and prestige
Rolex has always positioned itself at the intersection of tradition and innovation—but never at the cost of its core identity. Mechanical movements are central to the Rolex mystique. They represent craftsmanship, exclusivity, and heritage. Quartz, despite its merits, simply doesn’t evoke the same emotional connection.
Luxury isn’t just about performance—it’s about story, legacy, and artistry. And in that story, mechanical timepieces remain the protagonists.
Craftsmanship and horological tradition
The assembly of a Rolex movement is a technical ballet. Every rotor, jewel, gear, and bridge is designed, finished, and tested to exacting standards. The brand’s in-house calibers are COSC-certified chronometers—often exceeding industry benchmarks.
Quartz movements, though technologically efficient, require less manual labor and fine tuning. For a brand like Rolex, whose entire mythology is built on the art of precision mechanics, switching back to quartz would dilute the very essence of its horological tradition.
Marketing and customer expectations
Rolex customers don’t just buy watches—they buy into a legend. The tick of a mechanical Rolex is a sound of status, a subtle reminder that you’re wearing not just an object, but a legacy.
Marketing plays a key role here. Rolex has spent decades educating its clientele on the value of mechanical excellence. Reintroducing quartz into the lineup could undermine that message and create confusion in a market that demands clarity, not compromise.
Should you buy a quartz Rolex?
Pros and cons of the Oysterquartz models
There’s no denying that the Oysterquartz watches offer something unique. They combine the reliability of quartz with the iconic Rolex look and feel. For those who want a Rolex without worrying about winding or time drift, they’re a solid option.
However, they come with caveats. Servicing a Rolex quartz movement isn’t as straightforward as with mechanical models, and parts are increasingly scarce. Moreover, they don’t carry the same brand cachet—yet.
Value on the pre-owned market
The pre-owned market for quartz Rolexes, especially Oysterquartz models, has been heating up. Once dismissed as oddities, they are now considered entry points into vintage Rolex collecting. Prices are still relatively accessible compared to their mechanical siblings—but that may not last.
A clean Oysterquartz Datejust can fetch anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 depending on condition and originality. Collectors are waking up, and as demand grows, so will prices.
Collector’s perspective on quartz Rolexes
From a collector’s point of view, the value of a quartz Rolex lies not in its movement, but in its rarity, historical significance, and aesthetic uniqueness. The angular case, the integrated bracelet, the ticking second hand—all stand in contrast to the classic Rolex look.
For those seeking something off the beaten path, a quartz Rolex tells a story few others can. It’s a conversation piece and a sleeper hit in the vintage market.
Alternatives to quartz Rolex watches
Other luxury brands offering quartz models
If you're looking for luxury quartz, there’s no shortage of alternatives. Brands like Omega, Cartier, TAG Heuer, and Grand Seiko offer high-end quartz models with exceptional finishing and durability. Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive and 9F quartz calibers, for example, are among the most accurate and finely finished quartz movements on the planet.
These watches offer the convenience of quartz with a premium touch—often at a more accessible price point than a Rolex.
Rolex’s sister brand: Tudor and quartz watches
Interestingly, Rolex’s sister brand Tudor has been more experimental with quartz. In the 1980s and 1990s, Tudor produced several quartz models, including chronographs and dive watches. While Tudor has now shifted its focus toward mechanical movements, vintage Tudor quartz pieces can still be found on the secondary market.
For those who appreciate Rolex’s design philosophy but want a quartz option, vintage Tudor is worth exploring.