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Lot Essay
Reference 6202 "Turn-O-Graph" was the first tool watch ever presented by Rolex and often used under extreme conditions. Consequently, it is rare to find an example of this exclusive model in such attractive original overall condition. Its beautifully aged dial shows a warm tint of chocolate-brown colour from age, an uniform cream tone to the luminous material of numerals and hands, all attractively harmonizing with the gilt printing to signature and outer minute divisions. The case and the original bezel featuring the red triangle and small five minute divisions are well preserved and show only minor signs of use. The flexible Oyster bracelet dating from 1957 enhances the appeal of the watch.
The Turn-O-Graph was presented at the Basel Fair in 1953. The model was always fitted with a rotating bezel with five minute divisions, referred to as a "time-recording-rim" by Rolex. Designed to be used as a simplified chronograph version for timing events for up to an hour, it was promoted as being able to calculate the "Timing of a transatlantic telephone call, the rate of a machine, a patient's pulse, the speed of a train or the development of a film".
The Turn-O-Graph was available with a black dial, the "De Luxe Model" featured a "magnificent white 'honey-comb' dial".
Despite its brilliant concept, the model was at the time not as successful as expected by Rolex, mainly due to the simultaneous in-house competition from the Submariner and the GMT-Master, but enjoys today great popularity amongst collectors.
The Turn-O-Graph was presented at the Basel Fair in 1953. The model was always fitted with a rotating bezel with five minute divisions, referred to as a "time-recording-rim" by Rolex. Designed to be used as a simplified chronograph version for timing events for up to an hour, it was promoted as being able to calculate the "Timing of a transatlantic telephone call, the rate of a machine, a patient's pulse, the speed of a train or the development of a film".
The Turn-O-Graph was available with a black dial, the "De Luxe Model" featured a "magnificent white 'honey-comb' dial".
Despite its brilliant concept, the model was at the time not as successful as expected by Rolex, mainly due to the simultaneous in-house competition from the Submariner and the GMT-Master, but enjoys today great popularity amongst collectors.