Rolex Datejust 1630 Two-Tone Automatic 36mm Box & Booklets Rare Bird

During the 1970s, quartz technology was rapidly reshaping Swiss watchmaking. Rolex had already entered the field with the Beta 21-powered Quartz Date Ref. 5100 before turning its attention to proprietary quartz calibers, eventually introducing the Oysterquartz movements in 1977. The uncommon Datejust Ref. 1630 occupies the fascinating space between these projects. It introduced the sharply faceted case and integrated-bracelet architecture later associated with the Oysterquartz, but retained Rolex’s proven automatic caliber 1570, making it a short-lived mechanical bridge between two very different eras of Rolex production.

This 36mm example combines a stainless-steel case with yellow-gold accents, a fluted bezel, a silver-tone dial, applied baton markers, and a magnified date display. Its integrated Jubilee-style bracelet provides another important distinction from the later Oysterquartz: the Ref. 1630 uses three gold center links, whereas the later two-tone Oysterquartz bracelet uses two. The automatic movement also provides traditional mechanical operation rather than the one-second tick of the later quartz caliber. The watch includes its original Rolex inner and outer boxes and period booklets, but not its original warranty papers. The bracelet should fit an approximately 7 3/4-inch wrist and may accommodate slightly larger depending on preferred fit.

The watch is in overall very nice condition, showing light surface scratches and minor signs of age and careful prior wear. The integrated bracelet remains firm with minimal flex, an especially appealing quality on this distinctive design. The boxes and booklets show age-related handling and storage wear. Please review the photographs closely for the most complete representation of condition.