Exclusive Timepieces 20 –⁠ 21 April 2024 | Monaco

Auction Details

Auction sessions:

  • Session I – Saturday, 20 April, 2:30 PM – Lots 1 to 101
  • Session II – Sunday, 21 April, 10:30 AM – Lots 102 to 178
  • Session III – Sunday, 21 April, 2:30 PM – Lots 179 to 278

99 Rolex Highly Rare and Attractive, Oysterquartz Day-Date, Wristwatch in White Gold, With Electric Blue Dial, Reference 19019, Published in “Collecting Rolex Wristwatches” by Osvaldo Patrizzi

Estimate: € 15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Sold € 23,400

Model: Day Date Oysterquartz
Reference: 19019
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: White Gold
Year: 1978
Movement: Quartz
Caliber: 5055
Case N°: 5576006
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Literature: This Specific Watch is Published in "Collecting Rolex Wristwatches" by Osvaldo Patrizzi, at page 273 This specific watch has been sold in the famous “The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wristwatches” Auction of 14 May 2006 as lot 127 for 14.160 CHF

While Rolex has long been synonymous with precision mechanical movements, the 1970s and 1980s marked an era of innovation as the brand ventured into the realm of in-house quartz movements. The result was the creation of the Rolex OysterQuartz series, featuring the caliber 5055, a quartz movement that rivaled the accuracy of its automatic counterparts. Among these remarkable timepieces is the present Rolex Day-Date OysterQuartz reference 19 019. The OysterQuartz series showcased Rolex’s commitment to innovation, introducing quartz movements that maintained the precision for which Rolex is renowned. What sets this OysterQuartz apart is its audacious and eye-catching dial. Rolex produced a variety of distinct dials, ranging from those fitted with wooden-made dials, to others further embellished with precious gemstones, or even a “Pyramide” motif and the present variant boasts an electric blue hue, elevating its aesthetic appeal. The applied baton indexes add a touch of refinement, while the German calendar further enhances the watch’s international allure. Encased in full 18k white gold, this Day-Date OysterQuartz is a rare gem. The choice of white-gold sets it apart, as the more common variation is found in yellow gold. The case and the integrated bracelet, both in very good condition, suggesting that this timepiece has been cherished and gently worn sparingly throughout its life. During its era, the OysterQuartz model struggled to find widespread appreciation, resulting in limited production quantities and the majority manufactured in yellow gold. Which means that the rarity of this white-gold variant adds an extra layer of exclusivity, making it a sought-after collector’s item. In the symphony of Rolex timepieces, the OysterQuartz Ref. 19 019 in white-gold stands as a unique note, an embodiment of innovation and distinctive design.