Help with a vintage Oysterquartz Datejust

[beehiveblack]

I recently won this family gem in a coin flip (tails took it) It belonged to my now deceased Grandfather... but, I am relatively new to the watch game in general and never really paid any special attention to Rolex as I scarcely though I'd ever spend the money to own one.

What I know:
Rolex OysterQuartz DateJust 17000 (SS obviously)
Bought between '55-'79 I assume
Jubilee Band (?) marked with a "B"
Serial number on back top right of case is 8085xxx
Box and paperwork is currently MIA but will most likely turn up as it wasn't like my Grandfather to throw things like that away.
Currently not in running condition as it sat for many years because my grandfathers poor eyesight led to him getting a larger dialed watch.
Presumed dead battery

Luckily I live close to my states only AD and I have done more than a fair bit of business with them in the past so, I plan to run it down to them to have it given the once over.

Questions:
I assume this watch needs to be wound as it isn't an automatic, correct?
Can anyone give me a better than fair assessment on when the watch was made?










Thanks in advance and any information is greatly appreciated
I will post pics in a few moments...

[KZZN]

Hi,

Firstly, the watch reference you give, 17000, matches up with this being a Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust in stainless steel. So that all fits nicely.

As to your first question - no, the watch is not automatic, and it does not need to be wound (indeed, it cannot be). It is battery-operated solely. Unlike the more commonly-found Oyster Perpetual line (which is automatic, and powered by the movement of the wearer's wrist), the Oysterquartz derives all of its power solely from the battery.

Now, there could be one nasty problem lurking in the wings here. Given that this watch is battery-powered, and that it's been sitting in a drawer for a very long time, it's very possible that the battery will have leaked. If that is so, then the movement of the watch (the innards of it that actually handle all the timekeeping functions) could be very badly damaged, and if so would probably need replacing.

Now, that's not a problem in itself - Rolex will happily resurrect it from almost any state of disrepair - but there will be a cost involved. If you're lucky though, all it will need is a new battery, and it'll be ticking away happily again.

As to its age - the serial number you give dates it to around 1983 to 1984. That isn't actually a 100% infallible way of dating the watch (since the case, bracelet and movement could conceivably have all been assembled at different times), but it's probably a good ballpark figure for the age.

Anyway, I hope that's enough to get you started. If you have any other questions, just ask and I'll be happy to help if I can.

[beehiveblack]

Thanks a ton for the info... I'm surprised the watch is of 80s vintage. I assumed he purchased it in the early to mid 70s

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

[KZZN]

Originally Posted by beehiveblack

Thanks a ton for the info... I'm surprised the watch is of 80s vintage. I assumed he purchased it in the early to mid 70s

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

Hi,

No problem - you're welcome! If you'd like lots more general information about the Oysterquartz line, check out...

http://www.oysterquartz.net/

It's a great site, with all the background information you'd typically need.