| Model: | Datejust Turn-O-Graph |
| Reference: | 1625 |
| Gender: | Uni-sex |
| Year: | 1960 |
| Material: | stainless steel and yellow gold bezel |
| Dial Color: | Creme white |
| Dimensions: | 36 mm |
| Watch Movement: | automatic |
| Bracelet/Strap: | steel |
| Box/Paper: | Handmade Leather Travel Pouch IF ordered at WRIST ICONS |
| Condition: | Excellent |
This is a rare opportunity to purchase a great example of a Rolex 1625 Datejust Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird with a gorgeous champagne SWISS only pie pan dial from 1960 with beautiful alpha hands.
In 1953 Rolex introduced the Turn-O-Graph model with reference 6202. This is actually a really important watch for the whole history of Rolex sport models. One can say that this watch has been the granddaddy of all modern Rolex sport models.
It was the first Rolex model with a rotating bezel and an oyster case waterproof to a depth of 150 feet (45,72 meters). The purpose of this watch was to use it as a more durable alternative to a Rolex chronograph.
As we can read in the advertisement: “Timing a transatlantic telephone call, the rate of machine, a patient’s pulse, the speed of a train, the development of a film-how often we long for a stop-watch on our wrists. But a stop-watch 9or Chronograph) is a highly complicated instrument that may not stand up to the wear of an exacting active life. Due to its push-buttons, it cannot be truly and permanently waterproof. It cannot be selfwinding because of the hundred extra parts in its movement. Its mechanic is intricate and mat require expensive servicing, Nine time out of ten the Rolex “Turn-O-Graph” will fulfill the functions of a stop-watch, and yet it has none of these disadvantage”
The Thunderbird is symbol of native Americans which represents strength and power. This symbol was used by the acrobatic squadron from the United States Military Airforce (USAF) Established in 1953 at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. These guys where the first acrobatic tema to fly with speed of sound.
In an attempt to capture the American market with its booming post-war economy, Rolex aligned themselves with the Thunderbirds in their promotional materials, and nicknamed their reference 6609 Datejust Turn-O-Graph the ‘Thunderbird’, placing the team’s emblem directly on the dial. However, it is believed that these wristwatches with the Thunderbird emblem were never available in serial production and were instead only given to those who qualified to serve on the prestigious air demonstration team. Only one other Thunderbird with the actual Thunderbird emblem has ever been seen publicly, the other being a full 18K yellow gold version belonging to Captain Chares W. Maultsby, who flew in the right wing position for the Thunderbirds beginning in 1959, and is currently in a private collection.(more info on rolex passion report)
This stunning example of a Rolex 1625 Datejust Turn-O-Graph is in excellent condition. It has hardly been worn.
Overall, the Rolex 1625 Datejust Turn-O-Graph is noteworthy, both for its design and execution.
As with all of our pre-owned watches this watch comes with a full 12 month warranty with ourselves that will be invoked from the day of purchase.
Viewings can be arranged at our office by appointment.
This particular Rolex 1625 Datejust Turn-O-Graph has just undergone a full service. This work was carried out by our watchmaker using original parts.
As with all of our pre-owned watches this watch comes with a full 12 month WRIST ICONS warranty that will be invoked from the day of purchase.