Rolex ref 6309 Pre Thunderbird Bubbleback Datejust Rose gold

This is a Rolex 6309 pre-Thunderbird Bubbleback datejust in 18k rose gold using the semi bubbleback cal 745 movement. The cal 745 is an 18 jewel automatic (self-winding) movement. It is also known as an A295 because it is 29.5 mm in diameter. It features a calendar and a sweep second hand. The ref 6309 is the second generation of the Rolex Turn-O-Graph, first introduced in 1954. It remained in production for five years up until 1959. It featured an upgraded movement and a graduated bezel tailored to measure elapsed time in a similar way to a chronograph but without the expense of a chronograph movement. 

A vintage ad for the Turn-O-Graph ref. 6202 explains, “…now the simplest of all ways of timing has been invented. It is built into a wrist-watch called the Rolex Turn-O-Graph. This new principle consists of an extra rim or bezel round the watch face. This rim is marked from zero to sixty and is easily turned by hand. To time an operation or even, all you have to do is align the zero mark on the rim with the second, minute, or hour hand of the watch. Thereafter, at any moment, you have an immediate record of the time elapsed.”

What made this model attractive are the following :  

1. It has a roulette red black date wheel, with 

2. a red Datejust wording on the dial and  

3. a nice crisscross “clous de Paris” design engine turned bezel.  

Following the Rolex 6309 reference is the Rolex 6609. Of all the Datejust models, the 6309 IMHO is the prettiest as there are so much details in the  nice crisscross “clous de Paris” design engine turned bezel design. Moreover, even though the watch is 36mm size, the added bezel has given the watch a wider look and feel...

It comes with the original vintage + crown 

The Rolex 6609 is similar looking with the Rolex 6309 except for the bezel design (6609 with straight lines Bezel while 6309 with crisscross “clous de Paris” designed) and the movement (6609 using the Butterfly movement vs the semi bubbleback cal A295 movement). 

I have seen the watch several months ago. After much consideration, I have to use a Rolex ref 6609 + Rolex 6604 plus cash top up for this!