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Lot Essay
The Turn-O-Graph was presented at the Basel Fair in 1953, the year of production of the present watch. 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". It was predominantly cased in stainless steel but existed also in a steel and gold version.
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 available with a black dial, the 'De Luxe Model' featured a "magnificent white 'honey-comb' dial". It was predominantly cased in stainless steel but existed also in a steel and gold version.
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.