Rolex Turn-O-Graph

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SKU AS01963
SKU AS01963

Why We Love it

During the Quartz Crisis, so many brands were forced to close their doors, or merge with competitors simply to stay afloat. And yet Rolex remained independent and privately-owned. The Crown has weathered two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Quartz Crisis—and even now, when the Swiss watch industry is undergoing a fallow period, Rolex has never been stronger.

Theirs is a story of survival, of adaptation to meet the changing demands of customers, and above all tenacity. When faced with the Japanese quartz technology, many Swiss brands—including Rolex—dabbled with it, either implementing it into their collections or switching over to Quartz entirely, often to disastrous results.

But not so Rolex. 

In the 1980s, the manufacture underwent a subtle transformation from a producer of tool watches to watches in the luxury realm.

This metamorphosis was gradual; it didn't happen overnight. But small changes were made to sports watches like the Submariner or the GMT, such as sapphire crystals instead of mineral, or the addition of white gold surrounds to the hour plots. These changes made it evident that Rolex had not only staying power, but was in tune enough to its customers to offer them something that they couldn't get anywhere else. 

However, the Turn-O-Graph is perhaps a contradiction to that ethos of adaptability. Simply put, no one quite knew what to do with it, least of all the Crown itself. Despite being launched alongside the Submariner in the 1950s, and then having a facelift in the 1960s, the Turn-O-Graph was Rolex's dark horse.  

Early advertisements were unfocused, touting the Turn-O-Graph's innovative bezel or "time-recording rim" as a way to time a phone call or a yachting race. By the mid-1950s, the Turn-O-Graph was given a new case (based on the Datejust's), and was offered to the Thunderbirds, a squadron of the U.S. Air Force known for acrobatic demonstrations and experimental flying techniques. It's this association that gave rise to the nickname by which this variant of Turn-O-Graph is known even today. 

Despite flagging sales, Rolex did not neglect the Thunderbird. When the Submariner got a quickset date, so too did the Thunderbird. And when the Submariner got a sapphire crystal, the Thunderbird did as well.

Though the model was discontinued in the 2000s, examples from the mid-1980s offer a less-commonly seen alternative to the Datejusts produced in that era. 

The Thunderbird featured here, a Reference 16253, dates from the mid-1980s, a pivotal era in Rolex history. With its two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold case (and matching two-tone Jubilee bracelet), it has all the makings of a dress watch. But, because it is a Rolex, it possesses the proportions that consumers have come to associate with the brand, and simply deserves to be worn every day. 

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Rolex Turn-O-Graph

Rolex Turn-O-Graph

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Rolex Turn-O-Graph

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