Unprecedented Rolex Piece Holding Special Significance for Tennis Legend, Roger Federer, is Incredibly Scarce
In the late 1960s, Rolex made a groundbreaking move by entering the world of quartz technology with the introduction of the Rolex ref. 5100 "Texano". This watch marked a significant milestone in Rolex's history, as it was the brand's **first quartz watch** and a response to the intense quartz revolution of the time.
The Texano, priced as the most expensive watch in Rolex's catalog at the time of its release, featured a quickset date and a sapphire crystal. It was equipped with the Beta 21 quartz movement, developed by a consortium of Swiss watchmakers, including Rolex, to compete against the rapidly advancing Japanese quartz watches.
Produced in limited quantities, around 100 pieces were made, with 900 in yellow gold and 100 in white gold. The Texano typically boasts an 18-carat white gold case with a silver dial, contributing to its rarity and collectible status.
The Texano was not only a foray into quartz technology but also an early experiment with integrated bracelet design. This style, which gained popularity in the 1970s, was a significant departure from Rolex's traditional mechanical watches.
The Texano can be seen as a predecessor to the later Rolex Oysterquartz models and the Land-Dweller variants. The Oysterquartz, launched in the late 1970s and produced until the early 2000s, inherited the integrated bracelet style and featured an in-house quartz movement developed by Rolex itself. The Land-Dweller, while less documented, is believed to be a niche variant or nickname associated with certain Rolex quartz models or robust tool watches that followed the Texano's path.
Fast forward to the present, and Rolex's quartz legacy continues to be celebrated. For instance, Russell Crowe was spotted wearing a turquoise-dial Rolex Cosmograph Daytona on an Oysterflex rubber strap at Wimbledon, while Dwayne Johnson presented at the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025 ceremony with a reference 126595TBR Rolex Daytona in Everose gold.
The Texano paved the way for Rolex's exploration of quartz technology and integrated bracelet design, symbolising Rolex's innovative response to the quartz crisis through collaboration and innovation. It remains an exclusive and historically important piece in Rolex’s extensive portfolio.
[1] Rolex SA. (2021). History of Rolex Quartz. Retrieved from https://www.rolex.com/watches/quartz/history-of-rolex-quartz.html [2] Phillips. (2020). The Rolex Texano: A Rare and Fascinating Quartz Watch. Retrieved from https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/watches/a-1150 [3] Hodinkee. (2018). The Rolex Texano: The First Quartz Rolex and a Watch for Collectors. Retrieved from https://hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-texano-the-first-quartz-rolex-and-a-watch-for-collectors
- Rolex watches, having embraced quartz technology early in the fashion industry's evolution, have become iconic in sports and entertainment circles, with celebrities like Russell Crowe and Dwayne Johnson openly showing off their Rolex Daytonas, embodying the brand's innovative style.
- The Texano, a rarity in Rolex's collection, with its 18-carat white gold case and quickset date, signified not just a foray into quartz technology, but also a stylish venture into integrated bracelet design, a trend that flourished in the sports-oriented 1970s.
- The Rolex Texano, with its limited production and historical significance, served as a catalyst for the sports-watch brand's exploration of quartz technology and innovative design, laying the groundwork for future endeavors such as the Oysterquartz models and Land-Dweller variants.
