From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight On: The Rolex Turn-O-Graph, also known as, the Thunderbird.
A Watch Worth Knowing.
The Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph, or the Thunderbird, is definitely one of the most underrated watches
from Rolex.
While popular watches such as the Submariner, Daytona, and GMT-Master have legions of fans,
the Turn-O-Graph flew under the radar despite its courageous past.
With a history full of firsts, it is actually an important watch in Rolex’s history – and
one that paved the way for many of its beloved models today.
Here are a few reasons why it’s worth your attention.
Launched in 1953, the Turn-O-Graph was the first serially-produced Rolex watch to have
the game-changing graduated rotating bezel.
With its new extra rim, the Turn-O-Graph was designed to measure elapsed time, similar
to a chronograph, but without the cost of a more complicated chronograph caliber.
Disruptive, but also practical and useful.
The Turn-O-Graph’s design would become the foundation for the brand’s most iconic sports
watches, such as the Submariner and GMT Master, which continue to be best sellers, until today,
and thereby created the market for what is known today as the tool watch.
With a new, easier way of telling time, the Turn-O-Graph also became the navigational tool
of choice for pilots, even before its most famous pilot watch, the GMT Master.
It was this ease of use that also made it the official watch of the US Air Force
Air Demonstration Squadron, or the Thunderbirds.
The 18k yellow gold watch, with a Thunderbird insignia, accompanied the pilots during their
exhibition flights.
Founded on the same year as the Turn-O-Graph, the US Air Force Thunderbirds were the first
supersonic precision aerobatic team, cruising above the clouds at 730 mph.
The Turn-O-Graph made its way to the wrist of a Thunderbird pilot, who loved it so much,
that the squadron requested to be supplied with Rolex watches.
Taking full advantage of this military connection, Rolex produced special watches for the air
force, dubbing it “The Thunderbird”.
Eventually, all Turn-O-Graph watches would become known as Thunderbirds, which helped
propel the success of the watch in the North American market.
Aside from being its first tool and pilot watch, the Turn-O-Graph was also Rolex’s first
sports watch to come in the famous steel-gold combination.
The “Rolesor” construction – or the combination of a gold bezel, gold center links,
and steel outer links – is part of Rolex’s DNA today.
It began their foray into the luxury sports watch market.
Rolex would produce more modern references of the Turn-O-Graph from 1977 to year 2000,
where it was officially placed under the Rolex Datejust line.
However, under the banner of the iconic Datejust, and with its original function being made
more advanced in other Rolex sports watch models, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph would be discontinued
for a number of years.
Its final edition would re-emerge in the year 2000s with ref 116264, which came in a more
modern look, and crafted in 18k white gold for a touch of luxury.
The white, blue and grey dials gleamed with silver baton hour markers, and came alive
with the red seconds-hand, red date wheel, and red “TURN-O-GRAPH” label.
These would still be followed by steel and yellow gold, and rose gold combinations, but
Rolex would finally discontinue production of the Turn-O-Graph line in the year 2011.
Signaling the end to this historic watch.
But, while it’s no longer being produced today, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph is still available
in second hand, pre-owned markets, and has lately achieved cult status among collectors.
With a past so revolutionary, and even courageous, its definitely made its mark in the history
of not just Rolex, but of today’s modern watches.