Today's offering showcases this very rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1630 encased in 14K gold and stainless steel. Its design, intended for the Oysterquartz line, remains one of the most atypical ever produced by the company.

Before releasing the watch with a quartz movement, Rolex equipped a very limited number of these pieces with a mechanical Caliber 1570 movement, the classic and precise mechanism that powered many of the early Submariner, Explorer, and GMT models. Some call the watch a prototype...while technically not as it was released and sold to the public, it filled that role for the company as it in essence tested out the new case and bracelet design before the company was ready to release it widely with their first quartz movement.

Here are a few of the features that earned this watch its place among Rolex's sought-after wristwatches.

• Early release so-called "prototype" version of what would become the Oysterquartz line fitted by the factory with a mechanical Datejust movement
• Retro avant-garde bracelet design and "carre galbe" case
• One of Rolex's first sport watches to feature a sapphire crystal
• Elegant 14K solid gold fluted bezel
• Distinct inner bezel that holds the minutes/seconds register

Its case presents in excellent condition and is scratch-free. Its original dial has been restored by the leading Rolex dial expert in North America.

Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, replacing all of the waterproofing seals with new Rolex gaskets, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $895 value).

Like a brand new Rolex, the watch continues to keep perfect chronometer grade time in our testing position.

Accompanying the watch are a period correct Rolex sales tag and a later period booklet and accessory.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Note: A published example of a this model can be found in Osvaldo Patrizzi's work Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches, 2001 Edition, Guido Mondani editor, Vol. 2, pg. 37.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Model: Reference 1630
• Serial number: 5,448,369
• Year built: c. 1978
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Hacking Sweep Seconds, Automatic, Waterproof, Date
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 14K gold and stainless steel
• Case condition: Excellent condition and is scratch-free. Fairly light to moderate signs of polishing to the bezel.
• Dimensions: 36mm diameter, 42mm length
• Dial: Champagne with with applied gold faceted baton indexes, luminous hour dots, outer minute/seconds divisions on distinct inner bezel, aperture for the jump date, expertly restored
• Hands: Original, gold, luminous batons
• Movement type: Cal. 1570, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, mono metallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, hack mechanism
• Jewels: 26 rubies
• Band: Original Rolex integrated 14K gold and stainless steel bracelet, folding clasp, sized to fit a wrist up to approx. slightly over 8 inches. Moderately stretched, a few bits of natural pitting to the inside of five links. The clasp is nicely not over polished with clear crown logo, and the finish presents as just short of mint
• Crystal: Sapphire, mint condition, cyclops
• Serviced: Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing several overly worn components with genuine Rolex replacements, reassembling and lubricating the movement, replacing all of the waterproofing seals with new Rolex gaskets, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $895 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Like a brand new Rolex, the watch continues to keep perfect chronometer grade time in our testing position. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time box PAPERS - PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate; Period correct sales tag and later period booklet and accessory
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide