No Reserve
926
Rolex
Ref. 116264
Datejust Turn-O-Graph
A rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, white gold revolving bezel, red date wheel and bracelet
- Estimate
- HK$38,000 - 76,000•€4,200 - 8,400$4,900 - 9,700
HK$88,900
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 2004
- Reference No
- 116264
- Case No
- F893’251
- Model Name
- Datejust Turn-O-Graph
- Material
- Stainless steel and 18K white gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 175mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped "CL6", "72200"
- Dimensions
- 36mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
With a formidable nickname like “Thunderbird”, the Datejust Turn-O-Graph is undeniably a remarkable timepiece that holds a significant place in Rolex history.
The “Thunderbird” name comes from the codename of the first supersonic aerobatic team, officially known as the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, established in 1953. At that time, the Turn-O-Graph ref. 6202 quickly became the team’s watch of choice, which soon gained popularity among civilians. Following its initial release, Rolex continued to introduce new generations of the now-discontinued Thunderbird every decade:
The ref. 116264 represents the last iteration before production ended in 2011. This model notably features a fluted bezel, moving away from the sportier design of earlier versions, and bridging the gap between Rolex's utilitarian and dress watch styles. It introduced various new dial colorways and configurations, including a signature pop of red in the seconds hand and date wheel, distinguishing it from its predecessors and regular Datejust models.
As a quintessential Thunderbird, the present ref. 116264 serves as the perfect pilot’s watch, offering versatility, distinct visual appeal, and excellent legibility. Fitted with a charcoal grey dial and paired with an Oyster bracelet featuring a hidden clasp, this timeless piece is a fantastic addition to any serious luxury sports watch collection.
The “Thunderbird” name comes from the codename of the first supersonic aerobatic team, officially known as the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, established in 1953. At that time, the Turn-O-Graph ref. 6202 quickly became the team’s watch of choice, which soon gained popularity among civilians. Following its initial release, Rolex continued to introduce new generations of the now-discontinued Thunderbird every decade:
The ref. 116264 represents the last iteration before production ended in 2011. This model notably features a fluted bezel, moving away from the sportier design of earlier versions, and bridging the gap between Rolex's utilitarian and dress watch styles. It introduced various new dial colorways and configurations, including a signature pop of red in the seconds hand and date wheel, distinguishing it from its predecessors and regular Datejust models.
As a quintessential Thunderbird, the present ref. 116264 serves as the perfect pilot’s watch, offering versatility, distinct visual appeal, and excellent legibility. Fitted with a charcoal grey dial and paired with an Oyster bracelet featuring a hidden clasp, this timeless piece is a fantastic addition to any serious luxury sports watch collection.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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