Rolex’s reference 6609 Turn-O-Graph “Thunderbird” was produced for a relatively short period between 1956 and 1959, and along with the reference 6309 was the next generation model featuring a rotating bezel and date wheel, replacing the original non-date reference 6202. Released prior to the famed Submariner, Explorer and GMT timepieces, the Turn-O-Graph was the first serialised watch with a rotating bezel. Calibrated to 60 minutes, the model was a tool watch that allowed business professionals to track time by adjusting the bezel. Today, the model flies under the radar compared to its early contemporaries, however it is a model with a well-deserved place in Rolex history, and is a watch with many iterations. The watch combined elegance dress watch with sports watch durability.

The reference 6609 took on secondary name when it became closely related to the United States Air Force air demonstration team known as the “Thunderbirds”. Established in 1953, one pilot was so impressed with the design and capability of the watch, that the squadron teamed with Rolex who produced Turn-O-Graphs with the Thunderbird insignia of the squadron. Rolex capitalised on this relationship and the model was referenced as the Thunderbird in American advertising.

The present reference 6609 is in stainless steel with an 18K white gold bezel, which has taken on a darker patina and contrasts beautifully with the stainless steel case. The clean and original black pie pan dial has lume that has aged well and is a light brown tone, perfectly matching the hands. Additionally, the watch features a roulette date wheel with alternating black and red numerals. Rolex produced the Thunderbird until 2011 when it was removed from their collection. This lovely example from the late 1950s is a wonderful distillation of the early history of the model, and sure to please Rolex connoisseurs.