Oyster Quartz ?

[Gogetter]

I am thinking about a Quartz. Tell me the good and bad, and what
models to look for.

[Chewbacca]

It's a solid watch. Instant wis promotion and easy to own.

To many, it's the worst great rolex or the greatest worst rolex. Either way it's a winner.

Use the search function or the googles.

There's plenty info out there.

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by Gogetter

I am thinking about a Quartz.Tell me the good and bad, and what models to look for

Sorry I'm not familiar with the vintage Oyster Quartz but the other readers will guide you. I'm more interested in the modern quartz...
✓ Check out the latest Longines Conquest V.H.P Tribute to the XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia 2018. Accuracy rate +/-5 sec per year
✓ Grand Seiko High Precision Cal 9F Quartz SBGV*** / SBGX***. GS downplays their accuracy rate +/-10 sec per year but in reality +/-5 sec per year

[Andad]

Show me the movements Megan because the Rolex Oysterquartz movement is THE one.

At 30 years old.

8 seconds fast in 7 months.

[RedLs3]

Im starting to like these older quartz pieces

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Show me the movements Megan because the Rolex Oysterquartz movement is THE one.

At 30 years old.

8 seconds fast in 7 months.

You win Eddie! The GS 9F8x series movement has a shorter 25 yr old proven history but I cannot verify its accuracy over two decades but it does incorporate a couple of neat features:
✓Backlash auto adjust mechanism.Prevents hands from vibrating after a power impulse
✓Twin pulse drivetrain gives movement greater torque
✓Instant calendar change.The date counter flips at 1/2000th second.That's a 21 yr old GS Cal 9F82.xxxx from 1997

[MHB]

I’ve never seen one in person but they look amazing in pictures.

[Old Expat Beast]

Take a look at this site: http://oysterquartz.net/

The OQ is more a hybrid quartz/mechanical than a straight quartz, with a mechanical drive train and eleven jewels. The Grand Seiko 9F is a more accurate and reliable, and it is suggested by Seiko that it may not need a service in 50 years - during which time an OQ will likely eat up its own value in replacement service costs and new parts, and then some.

The OQ is an interesting line, though, and deserves some research if you are interested in buying one.

[Andad]

Hi Megan,

I had that pix and was going to post along with a pix of the movement in my Longines VHP that I bought in 1985.
It has never been serviced and still keeps excellent time.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Take a look at this site: http://oysterquartz.net/

The OQ is more a hybrid quartz/mechanical than a straight quartz, with a mechanical drive train and eleven jewels. The Grand Seiko 9F is a more accurate and reliable, and it is suggested by Seiko that it may not need a service in 50 years - during which time an OQ will likely eat up its own value in replacement service costs and new parts, and then some.

The OQ is an interesting line, though, and deserves some research if you are interested in buying one.

You are correct Adam but had you bought a Rolex automatic watch in 1988 it would have done the same.

Do I see some jewels on that Seiko Quartz movement?

[jimcameron]

If you enjoy significant drama in your life, don't buy a quartz. If you enjoy waiting 8 weeks for your watch to be serviced, don't buy a quartz. If bragging rights are important, forget the quartz.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

If you enjoy significant drama in your life, don't buy a quartz. If you enjoy waiting 8 weeks for your watch to be serviced, don't buy a quartz. If bragging rights are important, forget the quartz.

Great work Jim.

And excellent advice from a man who sold a '62 Porsche.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by directioneng

You are correct Adam but had you bought a Rolex automatic watch in 1988 it would have done the same.

Do I see some jewels on that Seiko Quartz movement?

Yes the 9f has nine jewels.

[Andad]

Is that also a quartz/mechanical movement?

[Old Expat Beast]

I've never seen one in pieces, but from what I understand there is some mechanical movement inside. With nine jewels I guess there must be quite a bit going on (unless some are just there for decoration, like the old 1960s '21-jewel' 6619 that only had 18 working jewels).

There's some good detail here if you skip to about the seventh paragraph: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/se...ith-caliber-9f

[Andad]

Thanks for the link.

[Kiddodoc]

I have the OQ DD and it's a beautiful watch and is more accurate than any of my other Rolex watches! You can pull out the crown and save the battery from being used when not wearing.

[TimeToWatch]

I love the Oysterquartz; it’s one of the rarest, most underappreciated Rolexes out there. There were only 25,000 ever made and only about 2,500 “single liners” with just the Oysterquartz text at 6’oclock on the dial.

The heritage of the watch is really cool. It represents a period of uncertainty in the industry, much like the current uncertainty surrounding smart watches. It was the first Rolex to incorporate a sapphire crystal and also has solid links, an anomaly for its time.

Its design is timeless and I always think of Gerald Genta when I see it, it looks like one of his creations (a brother to the royal oak, perhaps?). The integrated bracelet is something completely unique to the OQ in the Rolex lineup.

The movement is perhaps one of Rolex’s finest creations and is absolutely beautiful. The movement is SUPER loud, so expect to adjust to a constant ticking sound

Of all my watches, the OQ was her favorite. I decided to give it to her last year and it hasn’t left her wrist since. She’s got the 17013 two-tone. I also highly recommend the 17000 in all stainless.

[jimcameron]

Originally Posted by directioneng

And excellent advice from a man who sold a '62 Porsche.

Thank you for reminding me of my ability to share the limitless scope of my ability to make some bad decisions.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by aschneid

I love the Oysterquartz; it’s one of the rarest, most underappreciated Rolexes out there. There were only 25,000 ever made and only about 2,500 “single liners” with just the Oysterquartz text at 6’oclock on the dial.

The heritage of the watch is really cool. It represents a period of uncertainty in the industry, much like the current uncertainty surrounding smart watches. It was the first Rolex to incorporate a sapphire crystal and also has solid links, an anomaly for its time.

Its design is timeless and I always think of Gerald Genta when I see it, it looks like one of his creations (a brother to the royal oak, perhaps?). The integrated bracelet is something completely unique to the OQ in the Rolex lineup.

The movement is perhaps one of Rolex’s finest creations and is absolutely beautiful. The movement is SUPER loud, so expect to adjust to a constant ticking sound

Of all my watches, the OQ was her favorite. I decided to give it to her last year and it hasn’t left her wrist since. She’s got the 17013 two-tone. I also highly recommend the 17000 in all stainless.

Looks amazing on her wrist! Excellent choice!

[Drives550]

2 OQ in my house. Like others have said, pretty easy to research models, history. One thing I think is often under-mentioned is the difficulty in assessing the case through photos. The case has very cool, polished angled/beveled edges. Comes across to me like it’s wearing a tuxedo. The majority of OQ’s I’ve seen have lost these edges, the entire case being polished to something sort of blending the matte finish of the case top and the gloss of the sides and edges. It’s easy to photo the watches so one can’t make this determination. If you do try to buy, get good photos of the edges (if this is a concern; my wife's OQ has lost the edges; she could care not a wit), e.g., below.

Also, I don't know if its the case size/proportions or older, softer steel but it certainly gets nicked up more than my 16610 Sub and 114200 Air-King. But, it's a watch, so I'm good with it. Just make sure you are. Some get a little fanatical about scratches.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Thank you for reminding me of my ability to share the limitless scope of my ability to make some bad decisions.

"Friends, I am surrounded by friends." James Caan, El Dorado.

[Brikev]

I purchased an Oysterquartz new in 1970 and wore it everday for almost 30 years. It kept almost perfect time and is built like a tank. I worked in an industrial environment and it was indestructable. HOWEVER- it did not fit well under my sleeve, and ticked loud- really loud. It required a battery and seal change (to keep it water proof) every 2 years which in those days cost $250.00 as Rolex was the only one i trusted to do it. I traded it in ( I know, i should have kep it) for an TT Daydate with Jubilee band as I was concerned about cost of service and parts. Other threads have addressed these issues and they are real. If you don't mind the expense, its a great looking, accurate, indestrucible watch- but beware of cost of ownership. I have 3 Rolexs' (Sub, Polar and TT Datejust). The Explorer 2 gets the majoirty of wrist time. A great, undervalued tool watch.

[DZA3000]

i don't really think there's anything "bad" about the oysterquartz if you're talking about wearing a watch you like. the only thing to worry about perhaps is value? but i feel like because they're harder to find the value will only go up. if you care about value or resell or whatever that is.

heres mine

IMG_3799.jpg

[rollee1]

I buy an OQ but it has to fit certain personal criteria, this watch has a special place in Rolex horological history, as a Rolex enthusiast owning one is natural.

In the 70s during the rise of Quartz apart from Rolex, the Omega f300 tuning fork movement is a must to own, it's humming sound and the way the seconds hand rotate, not the mention a beautiful movement (yes in an electronic watch), is a joy to behold.

[ian.thomas]

I'm a big fan of the OQ! Don't own one, but will one day.

[MARTIN1264]

Kinda like the 70's vibe to these.....

[VFA]

If you want a quartz look no further than grand seiko. HOWEVER you must budget for full service which is needed every 50 years.

You will need to however change batteries every 3 years.

If you dont want to do that look into citizens ecodrive. Those watches are solar dont dont even need a battery change.

[VFA]

I love the integrated case and bracelet of OQ. Reminds me of my beloved AP.

[Andad]

That OQ DayDate is amazing.

My '88 TT.