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 champagne dial. Offered on a two-tone Jubilee 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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Datejust Turn-O-Graph
Movement
Automatic cal. 3035
Reference
16523
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold and stainless steel Jubilee bracelet
Year
1987
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold and stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Featuring a beautiful golden dial with equally beautiful gold hour markers and hands, 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 elegant Jubilee 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 excellent overall condition. Case has been previously polished and the edges are soft, with some visible marks and scratches. There is minor loss of definition on the gold part of the endpieces, as well as the gold edges along the bezel. The original champagne dial is in excellent condtion, with intact luminous plots and matching hands. The mid-case exhibits minor porosity that is visible between the lugs. Bracelet has 18 links total, with one removable link. The band shows some light stretch, and some wear on the cornet on the clasp. There is an additional link included on the side.
18 links. 1 removable. 1 additional included. fits approx. 6 3/4" wrist.
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
