Do you know why the Rolex Turn-O-Graph has the nickname the "Thunderbird"? The Name Thunderbird comes from the late 1950s, at the dawn of the Jet-Age. The United States Air Force equipped the Thunderbird's aerobatic flight demonstration team with the 18k Rolex Turn-O-Graph watches for navigational timing & calculations. The Rolex ref. 1625 Tun-O-Graph models worn by the Thunderbirds team members were made from 18K solid yellow gold and featured the Thunderbirds logo at the 6 o'clock position on the dial.
The Rolex Turn-O-Graph is quite an interesting piece due to the fact that it is also alongside the Submariner and GMT one of the first "tool" watches made by Rolex. In fact, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph was first launched by Rolex in 1953 the same year that the Rolex Submariner was introduced, and the GMT was introduced a year later in 1954. The Rolex Tun-O-Graph is considered a tool watch due to the fact that it has a rotating bezel that allows the person who wears the watch to rotate the bezel to time different events. Unlike the regular Datejust, the Turn-O-Graph was never offered with an Oyster bracelet it was only sold on a leather strap or on the Jubilee style steel or two-tone bracelets.
| Stock # | RLXDJ1625 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Datejust "Thunderbird" | |
| Model | 1625 | |
| Serial | 10XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | SS / 14K YG | |
| Dial | Champagne | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The full and symmetrical case has been very lightly polished in the past and retains thick lugs that show minimal signs of previous use. The original 14K yellow gold rotating "Thunderbird" bezel is in exceptional unpolished condition, showing some common oxidation and no major signs of use. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The beautiful champagne "pie-pan" dial is in well-preserved vintage condition, showing some light, but tasteful signs of age. The tritium lume plots have aged to a golden coloration, under U.V. light inspection all of the lume plots remain intact with light degradation throughout. The original tritium alpha-style hands have achieved a dark patina and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.
