Rolex “6309 Thunderbird” Datejust

Description

Up for grabs is an incredibly rare and early Rolex “Thunderbird”, which was Rolex’s continuation of the Turn-O-Graph model to the Datejust line.  This reference 6309 was introduced in 1954, and featured an engine turned bezel and roulette datewheel; this particular example was fitted in an 18kt yellow gold case, and features a very rare “red” Datejust and “double swiss” dial.  The condition of this rare Thunderbird is excellent, exceptionally well-preserved.  The case appears unpolished with normal wear from use over the years, and the bezel remains crisp and sharp.  Further, the dial is immaculate, with no wear and a light patina set in.  Likewise, the original radium lume is present on both dial and hands, aged to a lovely yellow color.  These watches, once “under the radar”, have made their way into the spotlight, achieving big numbers recently at auction, and will only become increasingly more difficult to find – and in this condition – in the future.