1970–19724 variants
Rolex’s first quartz watch, launched in 1970 with the consortium-built Beta 21 movement and dropped in 1972 when Rolex left the CEH. A heavy solid-gold case and integrated bracelet (not an Oyster case), each piece numbered; also the first Rolex with a and a . Italian collectors call it “Texano” (Bob’s: “Texan”).
Usually given as 1,000 numbered pieces, pre-sold before delivery; HODINKEE notes numbers above 1,000 exist and reports competing theories (c. 700 yellow/300 white, 900/100, or two batches totalling 2,000). Monochrome gives about 1,000–2,000.
Production years have not been recorded for these variants.
The more common metal: 18k yellow-gold case with fluted bezel and faceted-link bracelet, typically a champagne dial with applied gold batons, luminous dots and a 1/5-second track. A Sotheby’s example is marked 5100/8; Monaco Legend sold No. 991, one of the last of the run.
18k white-gold case and bracelet. Far rarer than yellow gold at auction; HODINKEE reports estimates of the white-gold share ranging from about 100 to about 300 pieces. Known numbers include 192, 780 and 794.
Specs shared by all variants. Variant pages show where a variant differs.