Rolex - Rolex ‘Texano’ Beta 21 Ref. 5100 - Men - 1970-1979
06
days
18
hours
17
minutes
20
seconds
Current bid
€ 11,000
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Mauro Atienza
Graduated master watchmaker with over 30 years' experience and teaching background.
Estimate € 32,000 - € 36,000
6 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 0132 | €11,000 | |
|---|---|---|
 Bidder 6609 | €500 | |
| Bidder 6609 | €450 | |
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Description from the seller
***This lot benefits from a reduced buyer's protection fee of 4.5% (instead of 9%) which will be arranged for the winning bidder after the closing of the auction. You will be approached by a sales team member one working day after the auction has ended. They will help you further with the discount***
Rolex ‘Texano’ Beta 21 Ref. 5100 in 18K Yellow Gold. 190 Gr Rare Limited Edition
Rolex ‘Texano’ Beta 21 Ref. 5100 in 18K Yellow Gold.
The Beta 5100 is one of the rarest serial-production Rolex watches ever made. Nicknamed the “Texano” — after its early adopters among Texan oil billionaires — this exceptional timepiece was produced in a strictly limited edition.
Launched in 1970, the Beta 5100 wasn’t just Rolex’s first-ever quartz watch — it was a technical revolution. With its futuristic 40mm solid gold case and a uniquely designed integrated bracelet, the Beta 5100 was bold, opulent, and undeniably ahead of its time.
Despite strong anticipation — with all launch pieces pre-sold — the watch was discontinued by 1972. Its ultra-premium pricing, driven by both its gold case and the cutting-edge quartz technology, proved to be too ambitious for the broader market. The quartz movement, featuring a sweeping seconds hand, proudly displayed “Quartz” on the dial, signaling the dawn of a new era in horology. Imagine the shift from a Nokia 6110 to the first touchscreen smartphone — this wasn’t just a technical evolution, it was a generational leap.
This particular example of the Texano is an outstanding survivor. The case remains sharp and well-preserved, and the bracelet — reminiscent of the iconic President style — is in excellent condition and long enough for big Texn wrists. The dial is pristine, free of blemishes or aging, and the watch retains its original Tritium hands.
The Beta 5100 is more than just a watch — it's a monument to innovation in Rolex history. Rare, striking, and rich with narrative, it remains one of the most collectible and conversation-worthy timepieces ever created by the brand.
Brand: Rolex
Model: Datejust Oyster Quartz ‘Texano’ Beta 21, Ref. 5100
Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Movement: Quartz
Dial: Champagne
Case: 40 mm wide
Weight: 190 Grams
Shipping: Shipped by DHL Express Worldwide, Estimated 2-3 Business Day Transit Time.
Seller's Story
Latelier Luxury Salon LLC & Eastern European Art Gallery Inc. specialize in high-end jewelry and luxury goods. As a trusted dealer, we offer new and pre-owned, Modern and Antique pieces from prestigious brands such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels.
For collectors seeking rare items, we would like to invite you to contact us for exclusive deals and offers. Our curated selection promises timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring each piece is a valuable addition to your collection. Explore our offerings and discover the perfect treasure to enhance your collection.
We prioritize our clients' satisfaction and are committed to providing exceptional service. We strive to ship orders promptly, typically within the same day or the next, ensuring that our buyers receive their purchases as quickly as possible. However, please note that we have no control over the customs regulations or import duties imposed by the buyer's country. As per Catawiki's policies, it is the buyer's responsibility to comply with any customs procedures and pay any applicable import duties. Thank you for your understanding.
***This lot benefits from a reduced buyer's protection fee of 4.5% (instead of 9%) which will be arranged for the winning bidder after the closing of the auction. You will be approached by a sales team member one working day after the auction has ended. They will help you further with the discount***
Rolex ‘Texano’ Beta 21 Ref. 5100 in 18K Yellow Gold. 190 Gr Rare Limited Edition
Rolex ‘Texano’ Beta 21 Ref. 5100 in 18K Yellow Gold.
The Beta 5100 is one of the rarest serial-production Rolex watches ever made. Nicknamed the “Texano” — after its early adopters among Texan oil billionaires — this exceptional timepiece was produced in a strictly limited edition.
Launched in 1970, the Beta 5100 wasn’t just Rolex’s first-ever quartz watch — it was a technical revolution. With its futuristic 40mm solid gold case and a uniquely designed integrated bracelet, the Beta 5100 was bold, opulent, and undeniably ahead of its time.
Despite strong anticipation — with all launch pieces pre-sold — the watch was discontinued by 1972. Its ultra-premium pricing, driven by both its gold case and the cutting-edge quartz technology, proved to be too ambitious for the broader market. The quartz movement, featuring a sweeping seconds hand, proudly displayed “Quartz” on the dial, signaling the dawn of a new era in horology. Imagine the shift from a Nokia 6110 to the first touchscreen smartphone — this wasn’t just a technical evolution, it was a generational leap.
This particular example of the Texano is an outstanding survivor. The case remains sharp and well-preserved, and the bracelet — reminiscent of the iconic President style — is in excellent condition and long enough for big Texn wrists. The dial is pristine, free of blemishes or aging, and the watch retains its original Tritium hands.
The Beta 5100 is more than just a watch — it's a monument to innovation in Rolex history. Rare, striking, and rich with narrative, it remains one of the most collectible and conversation-worthy timepieces ever created by the brand.
Brand: Rolex
Model: Datejust Oyster Quartz ‘Texano’ Beta 21, Ref. 5100
Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Movement: Quartz
Dial: Champagne
Case: 40 mm wide
Weight: 190 Grams
Shipping: Shipped by DHL Express Worldwide, Estimated 2-3 Business Day Transit Time.
Seller's Story
Latelier Luxury Salon LLC & Eastern European Art Gallery Inc. specialize in high-end jewelry and luxury goods. As a trusted dealer, we offer new and pre-owned, Modern and Antique pieces from prestigious brands such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels.
For collectors seeking rare items, we would like to invite you to contact us for exclusive deals and offers. Our curated selection promises timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring each piece is a valuable addition to your collection. Explore our offerings and discover the perfect treasure to enhance your collection.
We prioritize our clients' satisfaction and are committed to providing exceptional service. We strive to ship orders promptly, typically within the same day or the next, ensuring that our buyers receive their purchases as quickly as possible. However, please note that we have no control over the customs regulations or import duties imposed by the buyer's country. As per Catawiki's policies, it is the buyer's responsibility to comply with any customs procedures and pay any applicable import duties. Thank you for your understanding.
Details
Brand
Rolex
Gender
Men
Model
Rolex ‘Texano’ Beta 21 Ref. 5100
Band material
Yellow gold
Shipped Insured
Yes
Period
1970-1979
Repainted dial
No
Movement
Quartz
Dial colour
Blue
Case material
Gold
Original box included
No
Original papers included
No
Case diameter
40 mm
Original warranty included
No
Condition
Very good - minor signs of wear
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