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Lot Essay
Consigned by a private collector, the present Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph reference 116264 is a special lot as it was not sold until 2019, though the production of the beloved model ceased in 2011. The model likely sat as 'dead stock' at the authorized Rolex retailer.
The Rolex Turn-O-Graph
Released in 1953, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph reference 6202 began its life in a very different form from what we know it today as the beloved 'Thunderbird'. The original reference was a precursor to the Submariner and highly resembled the rotating-bezel diving watch. In the following years to come, Rolex created a new trajectory for the watch by dropping the “Turn-O-Graph” name in favor for the “Datejust,” making it a part of the larger family. The new Datejust pathway would lay down the design language for future Turn-O-Graph models to come, such as the present lot.
Reference 116264 is a wonderful mix between a sports and dress watch. It highly resembles a Datejust, but “Turn-O-Graph” has been added back to the dial. It is also printed in in red to add an element of playfulness, in addition to the red seconds hand and red date wheel. The watch features a bi-rotating fluted bezel which was historically utilized as a stopwatch, and favored by the famous “Thunderbirds.” Rolex recognized the importance of the relationship and honored the watch after them.
The Rolex Turn-O-Graph
Released in 1953, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph reference 6202 began its life in a very different form from what we know it today as the beloved 'Thunderbird'. The original reference was a precursor to the Submariner and highly resembled the rotating-bezel diving watch. In the following years to come, Rolex created a new trajectory for the watch by dropping the “Turn-O-Graph” name in favor for the “Datejust,” making it a part of the larger family. The new Datejust pathway would lay down the design language for future Turn-O-Graph models to come, such as the present lot.
Reference 116264 is a wonderful mix between a sports and dress watch. It highly resembles a Datejust, but “Turn-O-Graph” has been added back to the dial. It is also printed in in red to add an element of playfulness, in addition to the red seconds hand and red date wheel. The watch features a bi-rotating fluted bezel which was historically utilized as a stopwatch, and favored by the famous “Thunderbirds.” Rolex recognized the importance of the relationship and honored the watch after them.