In the early 1960s, a group of Swiss foremost watchmaking companies (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Piaget, to name a few) banded together to develop the first electronic movement. Their efforts came to fruition when in 1969 the calibre Beta 21 saw the light of day. Boasting a +/- 5 seconds/month accuracy, it was a landmark result for the industry at large - so reliable that, with cruel irony, electronic movements will go on to spell the 1970s quartz crisis.

Enormously costly, most companies fitted the movements in luxurious full gold cases with bracelet, in order to somewhat justify the cost to their clients.

It is unclear how many Beta 21 watches Rolex made, but it is a number between 1000 and 2000 examples in yellow gold and in white gold.

The present piece is a representative of this landmark model. The groundbreaking movement is only part of its appeal. The case is remarkable as well not only for its unrestrained luxury, but also because it is the first time the Oyster case was redesigned, featuring a sharp angular architecture which little has in common with the standard Oyster case. It is also the first time a sapphire crystal appears on a Rolex timepiece.

Possibly in virtue of its exuberant style and generous dimensions, the model was nicknamed “Texano” by Italian collectors. This example featuring case number 644 is offered in remarkable condition, the case fully retaining it peculiar architecture for the joy of the beholder.