Rolex “Turn-O-Graph 1625” Datejust

Description

Offered here is a lovely example of a Rolex “Thunderbird” Datejust, circa 1967, Reference 1625, in solid 18kt yellow gold.  The Rolex Thunderbird was born from Rolex’s early “Turn-O-Graph” line – the Reference 6202.  The Turn-O-Graph was marketed by Rolex as the “simplest [way] of timing”, due to its innovative rotating bezel.  It was precisely this ease of use that resulted in the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbird aerobatic squadron adoption of the Turn-O-Graph as their official pilot’s watch. Due to this military connection, Rolex then began referring to the Turn-O-Graph as the Rolex Thunderbird in the American market. While the very first Turn-O-Graph looked remarkably like the future Submariner, later models of the Turn-O-Graph were actually part of the Datejust family.

This Rolex Thunderbird is in great vintage condition.  The case has been polished in the past, but retains nice and proportionate lugs.  The original black dial is very attractive, with no visible wear.  The original tritium lume is still present in both dial and hands, aged to a yellow color on the dial, and slightly darker on the hands.  Please Note: the serial number is faint due to excessive rubbing from a bracelet over the years, but is readable with a loupe.