Tag Archives: turnograph

Fellows’ Senior Watch Specialist, Steven Yambo, has researched two beautiful Turn-O-Graph Watches ahead of the upcoming auction. The Rolex Turn-O-Graph could be said to be the most overlooked watch in Rolex history. Generally, the public tend to focus on other watches Rolex has produced, which include a rotating bezel – the Submariner and the GMT Master are examples. However, it was the Turn-O-Graph that was the first Rolex production to feature a rotating bezel when launched in 1953. The Rolex Submariner and GMT didn’t come along until the following year. The Turn-O-Graph could be seen to be the first Rolex ‘tool’ watch and is certainly viewed as the first ‘tool’ watch to be offered in two-tone yellow gold and steel rather than just stainless steel. ROLEX – a gentleman’s bi-metal Oyster Perpetual Datejust ‘Turn-O-Graph’ bracelet watch The Turn-O-Graph has also gained the nickname of ‘Thunderbird’ throughout time. A member of the American USAF Air Demonstration Squadron (established in 1953 and was the first supersonic aerobatic team), started wearing the watch and it soon became the squadron’s go-to timepiece. The name ‘Thunderbird’ was ideal for promoting the watch in the American market due to the patriotic nickname, something that Rolex capitalised on by referring to the watch as ‘The Thunderbird’ in their advertising. ROLEX – a gentleman’s bi-metal Oyster Perpetual Datejust ‘Turn-O-Graph’ wrist watch. Fellows are fortunate to offer two Turn-O-Graph’s in the Online Watches auction on 22nd June. Both of the watches are in steel and yellow gold. Lot 183 dates from 1965 and has an estimate of £900 – £1200. Lot 214 comes on a Jubilee bracelet and has an estimate of £2000 – £2500. With the high prices that other Rolex ‘tool’ watches, such as the Submariner, Explorer and GMT Master, are changing hands for, these Turn-O-Graph could prove to be a wise buy.