Rolex 1970 Watches

With the Rolex 1970 Datejust, the manufacturer has taken an important evolutionary step towards current references. In the 1970s, Rolex launched the five-digit 16000 Datejusts, which replaced the 1600 references.

Datejusts with Quick Set

Rolex gave the five-digit Datejust references the 3035 calibre, which for the first time had the practical Quick Set function. This now allowed a quick adjustment of the date via the crown. Visually, the five-digit references did away with the graduated "step dial". Today, two references, in particular, are among the most popular variants of the Rolex 1970 Datejust models:

• Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 as a classic bicolour model.
• Rolex Datejust Ref. 16000 as a simple stainless steel version with a smooth bezel.

The quartz crisis that began in the late 1960s did not leave Rolex unscathed. In 1977, the company launched the Oysterquartz, part of the Datejust collection, the first battery-powered wristwatch in the company's history. The design of the Oysterquartz is recognisably inspired by the Datejust but is clearly more angular and reminiscent of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or the Patek Philippe Nautilus.

Inside the Oysterquartz is the Beta 21, which was developed by CEH. The abbreviation CEH stands for Centre Electronique Horloger and represents an association of 20 Swiss watch manufacturers to be able to offer a Swiss counterpart to the more precise and above all cheaper quartz movements from Japan.

Submariner with Transitional & COMEX models

The Rolex Submariner also changed a lot in the 1970s. While the Ref. 5513 was produced continuously (from 1962 to 1990), the Ref. 16800 was launched in 1977, a model produced until 1987 and was the link between the Ref. 1680 and the Ref. 16610. The Ref. 16800 featured the following innovations:

• Revised bezel mechanism
• For the first time the diving depth of 300 m, which is still valid today (previously: 200 m)
• New calibre 3035

Also, the Rolex 1970s models were characterised by the legendary COMEX Submariner. Ref. 5514 was produced exclusively for the French diving company from 1972 to 1978 and is now one of the most desirable vintage references in the world.

The Rolex Day-Date and Oyster Perpetual also saw some innovations. While Rolex first launched the Day-Date as well as the Datejust as five-digit 18000 references in the 1970s, 1978 to be precise, the ladies' models of the Rolex 1970 Oyster Perpetual received a minor update with the 2030 calibre. In the vintage models of the Day-Date and Datejust, the 3055 calibre ticks with a single-quick-set function for the date. The so-called Double-Quick-Set for day and date was only introduced in 1988 with the 18200 references.

Rolex vintage 1970 watches are more in demand now than ever. This is your best chance to secure your favourite model from our online shop for immediate delivery! Not only do we offer our 24-month CHRONEXT warranty on new and unworn watches, but we also offer it on used watches and vintage timepieces. As every model is inspected in our in-house master workshop before being sold, you enjoy the greatest possible security. It's not just the prices for vintage Rolex sports models that are on the rise. Datejusts, day-dates and even quartz models like the Rolex 1970 Oysterquartz have been getting more and more expensive for years. Buy early, save money and get a smart deal with a fair Rolex 1970 price.

Whether it's free home delivery or personal collection from our CHRONEXT lounges worldwide, you decide which delivery method you prefer. If you have any questions, we will be happy to advise you at any time.