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Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Rolex's chronograph meets Stauer's dress watch
Quick Verdict
The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) ($25,000+). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified). Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) | Stauer 1920s Retrograde |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,000+ | $100–$150 |
| Case Size | 36mm | 43mm |
| Movement | Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified) | Quartz |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 5055, in-house quartz, thermocompensated, 11 jewels | Quartz |
| Power Reserve | Battery | Battery |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops | Mineral crystal |
| Case Material | 18k yellow gold, integrated case and bracelet | Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Stauer (USA brand, imported) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Rolex's design language vs Stauer's approach
The Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) features a 18k yellow gold, integrated case and bracelet case at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified) vs Quartz
The Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) runs the Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified) (Rolex 5055, in-house quartz, thermocompensated, 11 jewels, Battery power reserve) at standard frequency. The 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.
Wearability & Fit
36mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence
At 36mm, the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Stauer sits in the lower tier
The Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) sits at $25,000+ and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops with Battery, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
The Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Rolex
Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold)
Choose the Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) if you prioritize Rolex 5055, in-house quartz, thermocompensated, 11 jewels engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $25,000+, it delivers Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified) with Battery power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonStauer
1920s Retrograde
Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Rolex bringing Swiss Made tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.