![]() These were upgraded with the Caliber 3035 and a more scratch resistant sapphire crystal. In 1977, Rolex introduced the five-digit references of the Rolex Turn-o-Graph. Air Force’s Thunderbird aerobatic squadron with Rolex Turn-O-Graphs, as the rotating bezels could be used to navigate flight calculations. In the late 1950s, Rolex supplied the U.S. While the formal name of the collection is the Turn-o-Graph, many also refer to it as the “Thunderbird”. Two main editions of these were made available – both in steel, but with an option between a white gold bezel or yellow gold bezel and center links. This was produced from 1954 to 1959.ġ959 saw the birth of the reference 1625, which Rolex would produce until 1977. The second series, reference 6309, introduced an upgraded movement and solid yellow gold editions. ![]() This model was made in stainless steel, with a Bakelite bezel and a glossy black dial with gilt chapter ring. The first reference 6202 introduced the rotating bezel calibrated to 60 units. Here’s how the Rolex Turn-o-Graph evolved over the decades: Only the first and last generations of the Rolex Turn-o-Graph have its name printed on the dial, but the single easiest way to identify a Datejust Turn-O-Graph from a standard Datejust is by looking at its bezel. The distinguishing feature of the Rolex Turn-O-Graph is the rotating timing bezel with 60-minute graduations. With this, the Turn-o-Graph earned the nickname “Thunderbird”, after the aircraft used by the squadron with the same name.įrom 1959 to 1977, the Turn-o-Graph was given various upgrades: It was also during this period that Rolex began supplying watches to the United States Airforce’s Thunderbird aerobatic squadron. These watches were also equipped with a date window and the collection was placed under the umbrella of the Datejust family. With the launch of the Submariner, the next series of Rolex Turn-o-Graph watches – reference 63 - shifted to a dressier aesthetic. Period advertisements sold the Turn-o-Graph as a reliable tool for sports and around the house. It also shared similarities with the Submariner which was launched a year after – the black dial with a gilt chapter ring, dot hour markers, baton markers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, and a triangle at 12 o’clock. This unique bezel feature was rolled out with the inaugural reference 6202, which had a thick black rotating bezel. In Rolex’s advertising, it was marketed “as a reminder of times past, for phone calls, conferences, timing, parking, and countless other ways”. It began as an experiment, with Rolex seeking to test how the public would respond to their innovation – a rotating timing bezel, which presented a new and easier way of measuring elapsed times. ![]() The Rolex Turn-o-Graph was introduced in 1953. With its unique combination of classic dress watch aesthetics and sporty appeal, not to mention its storied past, the once underrated Turn-o-Graph deserves the attention it is getting in this day and age.Įxplore our collection of Rolex Turn-o-Graph watches at. In recent years, the Rolex Turn-o-Graph has achieved cult status among Rolex enthusiasts and vintage watch collectors. ![]() Later on, the Rolex Turn-o-Graph would be made part of the Datejust family, becoming a distinct way to wear the ubiquitous collection. This innovation would pave the way for the brand’s key sports watches, including the Submariner and the GMT-Master, which are considered true icons in the world of watches. The highly practical function and sporty-elegant aesthetic created a new genre that is ubiquitous today – the tool watch. ![]() It was the first commercially available Rolex watch with a rotatable bezel, and also its first sports watch to be created in Rolesor steel and gold. Introduced in 1953, it was by all measures revolutionary. The Rolex Turn-o-Graph is the brand’s pioneer tool watch. ![]()
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