1971 Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph “Thunderbird” Ref. 1625 in Steel & Yellow Gold

Launched in 1953, the Turn-O-Graph was the first serially-made Rolex with a rotating bezel—just months before the introduction of the Submariner. Reference 1625, produced from 1959 to 1977, embodies a little-known but crucial chapter in Rolex history.
The official adoption by the US Air Force's "Thunderbirds" aviators squadron in the late 1950s confirmed its practical qualities. The bezel allowed pilots to measure flight times and perform navigation calculations. Rolex capitalized on this prestigious association by marketing the model under the name "Thunderbird" on the American market.
Our 1971 example features a stunning glossy black “T SWISS T” dial with lowered “pie-pan” edges. This intense hue, combined with the applied gold-plated baton hour markers, creates a striking contrast. The two-tone configuration – brushed steel and yellow gold for the bezel and crown – represents one of the most timeless Rolex signatures.
The caliber 1575 that powers it, one of the manufacturer's most proven movements, renowned for its reliability, robustness and precision, equipped the major Rolex models from the 1960s to the 1980s.
This Turn-O-Graph, neither a pure "tool watch" nor strictly a "dress watch," finds its unique balance between sportiness and elegance. Preserved in excellent overall condition, with clear demarcations between polished and brushed surfaces, and having been fully overhauled, it represents a great opportunity to acquire a historically important yet little-known model.

Launched in 1953, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph holds a unique place in the history of the crowned manufacturer: it was the first mass-produced Rolex watch to feature a rotating bezel, just months before the legendary Submariner. The reference 1625, produced from 1959 to 1977, represents the third generation of the Turn-O-Grap – this little-known but historically crucial model.

In the late 1950s, the U.S. Air Force's air demonstration squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds," officially adopted the Rolex Turn-O-Graph for its practical qualities. The rotating bezel allowed pilots to easily measure flight times and perform rapid navigational calculations. Rolex capitalized on this prestigious association by marketing the model under the name "Thunderbird" in the American market, even creating a special edition in solid gold with the squadron's insignia on the dial.

The reference 1625 stands out for its unique positioning in the Rolex range: neither a pure "tool watch" like the Submariner, nor strictly dressy like a classic Datejust, it represents a balance between sportiness and refinement. The 36 mm Oyster case, identical to that of the Datejust, is enhanced by a bidirectional rotating bezel in yellow gold with its 60-minute graduation and its characteristic knurling that facilitates the grip.

Our example, produced in 1971 (serial number 2687xxx and caseback engraved I.71 for production during the first quarter of 1971) features an attractive glossy black “T SWISS T” dial, with lowered edges known as “pie-pan”. This intense shade, combined with the applied gilt baton hour markers, creates a striking contrast. The inscriptions “SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER / OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” recall the chronometer certification of the caliber 1575 (base 1570) that powers this piece. This is one of the most celebrated and proven Rolex movements, having equipped all its major models from the second half of the 1960s until the early 1980s, with the exception of the Cosmograph Daytona. Reliable, robust, precise, easy to maintain and repair: it embodies the way Rolex designs its calibers.

The caseback is engraved with "F. ARANA," most likely the name of the watch's first owner. We have chosen to offer this beautiful Datejust Turn-O-Graph with this personal dimension, which bears witness to its history – however, its removal under the best conditions can be carried out upon simple request of the future owner.

The two-tone configuration, combining steel and yellow gold, was popular at the time of our example's creation – and is one of Rolex's signatures. Its versatility allows the watch to adapt equally well to casual attire as to a formal suit, embodying the Datejust's "go-anywhere, do-anything" spirit. The contrast between the brushed steel of the case and the yellow gold of the bezel and crown creates a visual harmony that has gone through the decades without losing its relevance.

Finally, we are pleased to present this Rolex 1625 in excellent aesthetic condition: the demarcations between the brushed/satin-finished and polished surfaces are sharp, the lugs are crisp, the logo on the crown is precise, the bezel, unique to the model, is superbly preserved. After a complete overhaul by an experienced watchmaker, this Turn-O-Graph operates within the strictest tolerances.

This Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph reference 1625 is presented in excellent aesthetic condition: the demarcations between the brushed/satin matte and polished glossy surfaces are clear, the lugs are sharp, the logo on the crown is precise, the characteristic bezel of the model is superbly preserved, the dial shows no stains, scratches or discoloration.
After a complete overhaul by an experienced watchmaker, its caliber 1575 operates to the strictest tolerances.

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