30 Rolex Extremely Well Preserved and Very Attractive Large Oyster Quartz Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Reference 5100, Beta 21 With Center Seconds, Date, Bracelet, Original Box and Papers

Estimate: €12,000 –⁠ 25,000

Model: Oyster Quartz
Material: Yellow Gold
Reference N°: 5100
Year: 1970s
Case N°: 72
Caliber: Beta-21
Movement type: Quartz
Bracelet: Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: box and papers

While Rolex is known for its mechanical timepieces, throughout the 1970s and 1980s, in the light of the quartz fever, it channeled its resources in creating its very first quartz watch. That’s how was born the limited-series Date 5100 powered by the Beta21 movement, result of the conjuncted efforts of more than 20 Swiss watch brands, including Rolex, to form the Centre Electronique Horloger whose mission was to create electronic watch movements. This special caliber has been used by many other brands (iconic is the Piaget Beta21). Of the very rare reference 5100, Rolex produced only 1000 examples between yellow and white gold. Thanks to its special design and the elevated accuracy of the caliber, it was an immediate success and initial pilot series production was completely sold out prior to delivery. This model is also important because is the only one with a caliber produced in conjunction with other brands since soon Rolex quitted from the Centre Electronique Horloger in order to develop its own quartz movements. The present watch is the number 72 of the whole production, as demonstrated by the engraving on the case back and strikes today as in the past for its new and revolutionary case design, with a much more angular architecture in its shape which little has in common with the standard Oyster case. In virtue of its exuberant style and generous dimensions, this model is affectionately nicknamed “Texano” by Italian collectors. The sapphire crystal equipped on this model is a first time in Rolex’s history since it has never been used before. The present example is in excellent condition with a very tight band which is the most important condition factor on this model. The champagne dial has absolutely no signs and presents the classical applied yellow gold baton numerals, outer 1/5th seconds/minute track and window for the date at 3 o’clock. Designed to be made in very limited quantities only, watches like the present one are definitely precious to find in such a good conditions. They became even more sough after when offer with the original box and paper of the time, with written the date of purchase 25.09.73.