Rolex Turn O Graph ref 6202, 6309, 6609, 1625

Rolex 6202 is the first Rolex tool watch, but it’s also the first serially produced Rolex with a rotating bezel. It’s the reason the watch is called a Turn-O-Graph. Rolex hailed this new feature as “the simplest of all ways of timing” that could help time anything from long-distance calls to automobile races to boiling an egg. The bezel pioneered on the Turn-O-Graph would later become a defining feature on other professional models like the Submariner, GMT-Master, and even early Milgauss models. 

The Rolex 6303 was produced immediately after the first TOG ref. 6202, it is the first model to feature this design, including a rotating bezel of the same material as the case, offering a much dressier look than the previous version. By integrating the Turn-O-Graph into the Datejust collection, Rolex wanted to prevent competition within its range and allowed product categories to be more easily delineated. Now the Submariner was the watch for divers and the Datejust Turn-O-Graph was a more elegant wristwatch for businessmen. The changes also transformed Rolex’s first true sports instrument watch into the first Rolex model in classic design. This version has two different bezel design. The early version has a very rare first series knurled rotating bezel with “Clous de Paris” workmanship. It uses a cal 743 semi bubbleback movement.

In 1956, Rolex conceived of a new variant of Turn-O-Graph ref 6609  to honour the Thunderbirds, a U.S. Air Force squadron devoted to aerial demonstrations. Rolex built this new model (Reference 6609) upon the bones of the Datejust (the 36mm Oyster Case), but with an 18k gold case and the rotating bezel. Rolex offered the new reference of Turn-O-Graph to the Thunderbirds, thus giving it the nickname by which it is best known in the States. Rolex 6609 uses the cal 1030 butterfly movement.

Rolex discontinued the Reference 6609 in 1959, replacing it with the Reference 1625. The 1625, which ran from 1959 to 1977, was offered in two variants--two-tone steel and yellow gold like the Reference 6609, or steel with a white gold bezel. Unlike the Datejust, the Turn-O-Graph was never offered entirely in steel. a reference 1625, sports a stunning silver dial and Jubilee bracelet giving it a touch of elegance while the trademark rotating bezel offers a sporty flair. A relative rarity on the market, the Reference 1625 Turn-O-Graph remains highly-collectible, a seldom-seen alternative to the Datejust 

It has taken me decades to collect the Rolex Turn O Graph ref 6202, 6309, 6609, 1625 

Rolex Turn O Graph ref 6202, 6309, 6609, 1625