Rolex

cal.Beta 21 quartz movement, 13 jewels • satin-finished grey dial, applied luminescent baton numerals and hands, aperture for date • 18k white gold tonneau shaped case, fluted white gold bezel, screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • with unusual detachable 18k white gold Rolex bracelet with folding buckle

Movement running at time of cataloguing, in overall good condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The Beta 21 movement was released at the Basel fair in April 1970. It was the product of nearly 10 years of research and development by C.E.H., or Centre Électronique Horloger, a consortium of many Swiss watch firms including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Piaget, I.W.C., Omega and Longines, all of which were interested in developing an electric watch movement. Early quartz models by the C.E.H. firms all share a similar design with their large and generally more rectangular cases. This case shape was necessary to house the large rectangular shape of the movement. Rolex had been interested in using an electric movement for many years. As soon as the Beta-21 calibre was released, Rolex launched this model, Ref. 5100. Made in a limited production of only 1000 examples, the Rolex Quartz was not an immediate success at the time of its release. This was due to its unusual styling, large size and the fact that, unlike most other Rolex models, it was not waterproof, but merely water-resistant. In recent years, these models have become much more collectible due to their rarity and unusual retro styling.