The Underestimated Rolex Turn-O-Graph

Initially, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph was launched in 1953 as an adventure watch. Although it was discontinued in the early 1960s due to the success of the Submariner and GMT as sport watches that overshadowed this model, Turn-O-Graph is a fantastic vintage model especially those few before 1960 worth collecting. Today, a similar model still manufactured is the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust Turn-O-Graph Ref 116264.
History
The Rolex Turn-O-Graph reference 6202 was first produced in 1953. Basic design objective of Turn-O-Graph was to add a feature concept of timing by means of the rotatable bezel is described as “a reminder of times past, for phone calls, conferences, timing parking and countless other usages” In fact, this was the advertising campaigns in a Rolex catalogue of the time present the 6202 on the wrist of an airline passenger.
Turn-O-Graph Chronometer
Only very few models are certified chronometers. From the second half of the 1950s the Pencil hands were replaced by the more modern Mercedes hands and the A296 was replaced by the new A260 calibre. On the first models the word Turn-O-Graph is at the 12 o’ clock position with obvious spacing between the words Oyster and Perpetual, whilst on the following models the name is at the 6 o’ clock position and the distance between Oyster and Perpetual is of the standard size. The Turn-O-Graph is available only in steel whilst the dial is glossy or honeycomb finished, with gold writing in both cases
Turn-O-Graph 1954-1960
The production of the line ended at the beginning of the 1960s, after the trial and error to test the market acceptance, without being replaced, making way for the more successful and rich Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph series, of which the first model was the 6309. This 1954 model is characterized by a rotatable graduated in a similar way to the rare Turn-O-Graph 6202 De Luxe model and is made only in gold (14kt and 18kt, yellow or rose) or in steel / gold.
In 1956 the 6309 was substituted by the reference 6609 with the new 1065 Calibre which was characterized by both a flatter case-back with concentric circle polishing and a pie-pan dial lacking fixing pins. The hour markers and hands have a characteristically 1950s design and the date numbers alternate between red and black.
The Turn-O-Graph is made in a rare De Luxe version as well, with a honeycomb dial, appliqué hour markers, rotatable bezel and gold crown. Even some Datejust models, nicknamed Turn-O-Graph, have this particular bezel. .
Thunderbird
The 6309 is known as the Thunderbird as well, from the name of the acrobatic squadron of the US Air Force which took this watch on as their official timepiece.
The Earliest Version of Rolex Turn-O-Graph
Since it was marketed as an adventure watch, it was equipped with a water resistant to a depth rating to 165 feet. If you are lucky enough, you may come across this model with 165 feet engraved on it. This is because very few versions of this model actually bore it, and such a watch has become collectible.
Latest Turn-O-graph
The most sought-after references for this model are: Rolex Turn-O-Graph Ref. 16264-116264. Classic watch collection. The best Seller is Black Dial, white Dial and Then blue, they are all same price if the other options remain unchahged.
Collector’s Item
When More Red Colour on Dial, the Hotter the sought-after Model on all Rolex
The Ferrari Red Dial Cosmograph Daytona Ref 6265 made in 1980s hit a record of US$170,600 and Ferrari Red Dial Rolex Ref 1803 Day Date would trigger an Auction price of US$40,000.
Now you can buy a Rolex Watch that has A Glittering Red Second Pointer, a Red description words of “Turn-O-Graph” and a Red Date Display.
After Daytona and YachtMaster, Turn-O-Graph is using solid Steel as for the Strap. Water Resistant to 50M. a New Dress Watch with Three Red, Red “Turn-O-Graph” Red “pointer” and Daring Red “Date”
If you had already a Standard Date Just, a Day Date, a Sub, and GMT… probably you may add this time in your Collection: Turn-O-Graph.
HK Snob