Watch ｜ Rolex “Turn-On-Graph”

In 1954, Rolex launched its first-ever commercially produced watch with a rotating bezel, under the ref 6202, AKA “Turn-On-Graph”. In short, it’s a date-just with an added utility,

How to use the bezel? Simply align the 12-clock inverted triangle with the minute hand, start doing whatever you’re about to do, and check back your “Turn-On-Graph” within one hour, and you can see how long that task took you. Something you could easily do with your phone these days of course, but it's fine, it was a genius design by adding a chronographic function without making any change to the movement.

Rolex Turn-O-Graph Ads 1954

A few years later, “Turn-On-Graph” was chosen to be the watch of the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbird aerobatic team, and the eponymous nickname “Thunderbird” remained through the model’s lifespan.

Rolex Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird Ads 1959

Our 16264 is a later version, and it’s the more favored version compared to the last Turn-on-Graph series which looked too similar to a standard date just. If you've handled both, the solid white gold bezel is much easier to turn. The enamel white dial is also rare in this model. The watch was purchased and serviced in Japan and still bears the Rolex Japan back sticker. Again fully serviced last year, this 30-year-old runs in superb condition.

Rolex - 16264 "Turn-O-Graph"｜ 36mm rare white dial ｜ Steel case ｜ White gold bezel ｜ Sapphire crystal ｜ 3135 calibre

Condition: All original, used in fair condition, small scratches on the crystal around 3 o'clock, slight bent of the closure but does not affect the function, case lioghtly polished, fully serviced in Rolex Japan in 2004, fully serviced again in 2022, with box and service paper.

For more information, please contact the customer service.