Rare, limited production 1,500 each model

[daveo5]

produced by Rolex. Talking about a reference 1630, oyster perpetual 14 k and SS date just and the 1530 all ss date Both it and an all ss date were produced roughly 2-3 years(?) prior to the introduction of the oysterquartz models. It is estimated that only about 1500 of either model was produced. My 1630 serial # says 1979. That of course is the year that Rolex introduced the in-house quartz 5035 and 5055 movements. What Rolex did was appropriate the case design and bracelet of the 1530 and dropped in a 5035 quartz to replace the existing oyster perpetual movement. The same holds basically true for the 1630. Same case for the 1630 and 17013 OQ. Pull out the automatic movement and drop in a quartz. The difference lies in the bracelet. In the 1630 there are three YG 14 k center links and heavy ss links on the outside. The 17013 bracelet has only two center 18 k links. It is interesting to note that while the long running Rolex OP "Date" model was produced in 34 mm the "DateJust" in 36 mm. The 1530 was housed in a 36 mm case yet the dial reads "Date". Another interesting Rolex contradiction. I apologize for the lack of pics but, still have not figured the steps to posting them on this forum. Any additional or contraction information regarding these two unique Rolex models please contribute.

[jmazpiazu]

Originally Posted by daveo5

produced by Rolex. Talking about a reference 1630, oyster perpetual 14 k and SS date just and the 1530 all ss date Both it and an all ss date were produced roughly 2-3 years(?) prior to the introduction of the oysterquartz models. It is estimated that only about 1500 of either model was produced. My 1630 serial # says 1979. That of course is the year that Rolex introduced the in-house quartz 5035 and 5055 movements. What Rolex did was appropriate the case design and bracelet of the 1530 and dropped in a 5035 quartz to replace the existing oyster perpetual movement. The same holds basically true for the 1630. Same case for the 1630 and 17013 OQ. Pull out the automatic movement and drop in a quartz. The difference lies in the bracelet. In the 1630 there are three YG 14 k center links and heavy ss links on the outside. The 17013 bracelet has only two center 18 k links. It is interesting to note that while the long running Rolex OP "Date" model was produced in 34 mm the "DateJust" in 36 mm. The 1530 was housed in a 36 mm case yet the dial reads "Date". Another interesting Rolex contradiction. I apologize for the lack of pics but, still have not figured the steps to posting them on this forum. Any additional or contraction information regarding these two unique Rolex models please contribute.

I´ve also read about a production of 1500 watches per reference within three years time. Beautiful and underrated watches in my opinion.

My 1976 1530 with 96660 bracelet says hi.

[saskmh]

A friend of mine has a 1530. I believe it was his father in law's watch originally. I wish I could get it from him ;)

[JustinK]

I am a fan of these watches however the production numbers are quite a bit higher in my opinion. I am not sure who originally floated the 500 -1500 but I would be interested to know how those numbers were arrived at.

Here is a picture of the three models side by side. The Oysterquartz and 1630 have moved on to new owners.

[mtuned]

Regarding the OysterQuartz, if the quartz movement goes kaput - can we drop in an automatic/1570 movement?

Newb question, but love the look of an all-gold 19018.

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by mtuned

Regarding the OysterQuartz, if the quartz movement goes kaput - can we drop in an automatic/1570 movement?

Newb question, but love the look of an all-gold 19018.

You can get the original movement serviced. Rolex still repairs the OQ.

[carl5]

The Oysterquartz and 1630 are really beautiful, first seeing them.

[roh123]

I’m sure that many, many more than 1500 was made. Most of us have seen plenty come and go and that makes no sense if only 1500 was ever made. Sorry.