Pre-Owned Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 'Thunderbird' 40921261/AS05745

WHY WE LOVE IT

While there are many vintage watches that have bonafide aviation pedigrees, very few are associated with an elite flying unit like the Thunderbirds.

Except this watch: the Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph.

Launched the year before the Submariner, the Turn-O-Graph was, in many ways, the manufacture’s first tool watch. Rolex intended for it to be a substitute for a chronograph, which—as a wristwatch with a complication—was generally more expensive than a time-only watch. In lieu of a chronograph, Rolex intended for the bezel (which Rolex called the "time-recording rim") to be used to record elapsed time; by aligning the arrow of the turning bezel with the minute hand, the wearer could quickly keep a count of the passing minutes.

Understandably, Rolex marketed the Turn-O-Graph to business travelers and pilots. At the time the Turn-O-Graph was released, the GMT Master—that epitome of a pilot’s watch—was still a few years from existence. Therefore, in lieu of a dedicated pilot’s watch, many pilots turned to the Turn-O-Graph as a solid alternative.

In 1956, Rolex released a new reference of Turn-O-Graph: Reference 6609. This model would differ drastically from its predecessors. Unlike the previous models, which but for the bezel would be virtually indistinguishable from the Submariner, the Reference 6609 was built around the 36mm Oyster case used in the Rolex Datejust.

Rolex would offer this new reference of Turn-O-Graph to the Thunderbirds, a squadron of the U.S. Air Force known for acrobatic demonstrations and experimental flying techniques. Formed following the Second World War, the Thunderbirds were unquestionably one of the most elite units in the Air Force. Its pilots were the best of the best, and their planes—the F100 Super Sabre, the first fighter used by the United States that was capable of supersonic speed—were the creme de la creme.

So iconic was this association that Rolex used the name Thunderbird to designate all subsequent Turn-O-Graphs sold on the American market; such is the case with the Reference that followed it, the 1625.

This particular example dates to circa 1971 and features a stainless steel construction with a magnified acrylic crystal, a white gold rotating timing bezel that has changed back to its original 14k yellow gold hue, a crisp and flawless sunburst silver service dial with a matching handset, and a folded-link Jubilee bracelet with a signed blade clasp.

With recent service history from Rolex, this Thunderbird is all set for everyday use, and can easily be dressed-up for formal occasions or dressed-down and worn as a sporty everyday companion!

If you know, you know.

OVERALL CONDITION

The case is in very good condition overall showing signs of prior polishing and normal wear consistent with age and use. Sunburst silver Tritium dial with applied indices is in fantastic condition with matching handset. 18K rotating timing bezel. Signed crown.