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The quartz adventure was brief for Rolex, but the result entered the legend with reference 5100.
First watch produced by Rolex in the 1970s, this Oysterquartz is the result of the joint venture of Rolex with some twenty other Swiss manufacturers within the Centre Electronique Horloger (Electronic Watchmaking Center). Founded in 1962, its goal was to develop an electronic movement for wrist watches.
The result is the launch of the Beta 21 prototype in 1967 after 5 years research.
The 5100 makes its start on June 5, 1970 with a limited edition of 1000 copies, all in or 18K with a individual number on the back of the box.
It was the most expensive Rolex watch in the catalog but all watches have been pre-sold before their production.
A club was created at the Rolex headquarters in Geneva, the Rolex Quartz Club, to invite the lucky owners to come and sign the gold register and visit the manufacturing.
To accommodate this rather huge quartz movement, Rolex used a 40 mm case, literally cut in a gold bullion.
That's why Italians call it TEXANO, the watche of the rich texans in the 70's.
The adventure ended in 1972 when Rolex left the Centre Electronique Horloger to concentrate on its own quartz movements that gave birth to the 5035 and 5055 calibers from 1977 onwards.
This watch is quite a part of the history of Rolex and the small amount produced make it an excellent investment.
Assume this watch and wear it proudly
