The Rolex Oysterquartz was first released in 1976 amid the quartz 'hype’ as the demand for precision timepieces was on a surge. To stay relevant then, the Swiss manufacturer introduced their calibre 5055 with over five years of research and development to execute. In production for over 25 years with only an estimated 25,000 examples produced.
The present Rolex Oysterquartz ref. 19018 is a true revelation as it is not an ordinary time-only battery-run wristwatch but is equipped with a day and date indication, not to mention an enchanting wood dial. Each unique with its own personality, wood dials require the most skilled artisans to execute as their process of extraction is painstakingly difficult, given their fragility. Taking diamond-set dials to a new level, the present wooden canvas is enthralled with 84 round diamonds, brilliantly aligned in a radial formation. Extremely rare, extravagant and a testament to one of the most daunting periods of haute horology, this ref. 19018 from circa 1981 is preserved in excellent overall condition and is most definitely a desirable timepiece to acquire for both the discerned lady and modern gentry.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.