The Watch: A Rolex Datejust 1630, aka The Rare Bird. As the 70’s rolled in there were 2 big changes hitting the industry: the quartz crisis and the rise of the modern, integrated aesthetic. In an effort to keep up with the times, Rolex introduced the Oysterquartz in 1977, combining a Gerald Genta-esque design with a modern quartz movement.
But a few years before that release, there was an experimental phase that resulted in the 1630 and the 1530, both cases wrought in the angular, integrated aesthetic of the 1970’s, but with a traditional Rolex automatic movement. These are rare. There was an estimated 1500 made between 1975 and 1978, at which point Rolex retired the case from housing automatic movements. But some examples are still floating around.
If you want a Rolex that isn’t your standard DJ or Sub, this is the one.
Includes: Watch only.
Condition: This one is beautiful. It’s almost certainly been polished at some point, but the bevels have been treated right. The dial is perfect, the hands have mild oxidation visible in photos but barely noticeable in day to day wear. Bracelet will fit a wrist up to 7".
