Introduction
Initially launched in 1953, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph's release sparked an exciting turning point in their horological history. Considered Rolex's first serially produced tool watch, the Turn-O-Graph ref. 6202 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. However, the Turn-O-Graph did live on to an extent as the collection was absorbed into the Datejust family with the Turn-O-Graph’s rotating bezel remaining in the Datejust until 2000.
In 2004, to celebrate the Turn-O-Graph’s 50th anniversary (one year late in typical Rolex fashion), Rolex re-introduced the Turn-O-Graph and its offical name to their catalog by one again adding it to the Datejust collection. As a result, this now-modified Datejust featured an 18kt gold version of the Turn-O-Graph’s signature rotating bezel with its 60-minute inscriptions, a red seconds hand, red Arabic numerals in its date wheel, and matching red “TURN-O-GRAPH” lettering on its dial. Discontinued for the second time in 2011, the three Datejust Turn-O-Graph references, the 116261, 116263 and 116264, (which is what we have here) marry the world of vintage Rolex together with their modern efforts to create some of the best tool watches on the market, and the Turn-O-Graph, as their first serially produced tool watch, served as the perfect vessel for them to do exactly that with its luxurious Datejust construction and tastefully altered Turn-O-Graph design.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Guarantee Paper, Service Paper and Hang Tag
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Datejust Turn-O-Graph
Movement
Automatic cal. 3135
Reference
116264
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster
Year
2006
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel and 18kt white gold
Included
Watch, papers, non-Rolex service papers and hang tag
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Fitted with a crisp white dial, the Turn-O-Graph's red second hand, date inscription, and reintroduced name stand out proudly against their bright backdrop.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring the Datejust's modern 36mm construction with its solid end links and center links and its modern clasp, the Turn-O-Graph ref. 116264 merges the appeal of a contemporary Rolex with the appeal of its long-lost vintage name.
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 case and bezel exhibit signs of surface wear and scratches, as does the bracelet, primarily on the polished links. The watch has 11 full and 3 half links, 3 full links are removable.
Our Perspective
The watch that started it all for Rolex, the Turn-O-Graph acted as the vehicle for Rolex to showcase their rotatable bezel and served as their first true tool watch. Today the ref. 116264 lives on in the middle ground between that rich heritage and the Datejust's luxurious design and construction.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
