Lot #4455
Rolex Datejust Turn-o-Graph 16253 Diamond Blue Vignette Dial Two-Tone Box and Papers
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Introduction
Initially launched in 1953, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph's release sparked an exciting turning point in the brand’s rich horological history. Considered Rolex's first serially produced tool watch, the Turn-O-Graph was iconic for its eponymous feature; its bidirectional rotatable bezel. Armed with such a useful function, the Turn-O-Graph was designed to measure and record time much like a chronograph. Marketed to international business travellers, the Turn-O-Graph was presented as a tool to perform quick calculations due to its bezel. As such, the Turn-O-Graph was chosen by the United States Air Force’s aerobic squadron, the Thunderbirds, to aid in their pilots' navigational calculations. Recognizing the opportunity, Rolex marketed the Turn-O-Graph as the "Thunderbird" in the North American market. As sales for the Turn-O-Graph began to decline following the Submariner and GMT-Master’s launches due to their similar design and heightened utility, the Turn-O-Graph name only remained in use until the early 1960s before it was discontinued. As such, original Turn-O-Graph references have become increasingly sought-after thanks to their brief yet meaningful impact on Rolex’s evolution as a watchmaker. Offered here we have the Turn-O-Graph ref. 16253 with a stunning two-tone construction and a beautiful diamond-set blue vignette dial. Offered on a two-tone Oyster bracelet and featuring its eponymous bezel in 18kt yellow gold, this timepiece combines Rolex’s famed desire to create luxurious timepieces with their tool-watch-focus brief to create something truly special and unique.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Inner Box, Guarantee Certificate, Booklet, Service Paper
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Turn-O-Graph
Movement
Automatic cal. 3035
Reference
16253
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold and stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1987
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch, box, and papers
Dial Color
Blue vignette
THE DIAL
Featuring a beautiful blue vignette dial that fades to black along its periphery and set with diamond-set hour markers, the ref. 16253 that we have here is an intensely elegant timepiece that extends beyond its design as a tool watch and into the realm of pure luxury.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting an 18kt yellow gold and stainless steel two-tone construction with an Oyster bracelet, the Turn-O-Graph merges its functional design influence with Rolex's desire to create luxury timepieces that exist beyond their original use-case.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case has some surface marks and signs of a previous polish, while the yellow gold bezel remains well defined with a crisp insert. The diamond-set vignette dial is near mint, complemented by very clean, no-lume hands. There are a number of scratches on the crystal. It is fitted with a solid link steel and gold flip-lock bracelet in very good condition, showing some notching of the gold centre links, resulting in light play between the links. The bracelet has 11 links, 1 of which is removable, and fits approximately a 7 1/4” wrist. Comes with inner box, original warranty papers, service documents, and booklet. Please note that the watch comes on a genuine Submariner style oyster bracelet, but according to the bracelet code on the papers, it was first delivered with a jubilee band.
Our Perspective
An iconic watch that is rich with history off the back of its genuine impact on Rolex's evolution as a watchmaker, the Turn-O-Graph is an unsung hero within Rolex's tool-watch offering on account of it being the foundation upon which models like the Submariner, GMT-Master and others were built upon.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
