129
Rolex
Ref. 116264
Datejust Turn-O-Graph
A "new-old-stock" and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, white gold bezel, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
So, why “Thunderbird”? The name originated from the codename of the first supersonic aerobatic team, officially known as the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, established in 1953. At the time, it took only one pilot to start the trend and the Turn-O-Graph ref. 6202 instantly became the team’s preferred piece, which naturally took flight among civilians soon after. After its first iteration, Rolex continued to release new generations of the now-discontinued Thunderbird every decade:
1959: Datejust Turn-O-Graph ref. 1625
1977: Datejust Turn-O-Graph ref. 16250, ref. 16253, and ref. 16258
1988: Datejust Turn-O-Graph ref. 16264 and ref. 16263
2004: Datejust Turn-O-Graph ref. 116264, ref. 116263, and ref. 116261
The ref. 116264 represents the last of its kind before production ceased in 2011. In favour of the previously used sportier bezel, this reference notably incorporated a fluted bezel that closes the gap between Rolex’s utilitarian designs and dress watch styles. Featuring a number of new dial colourways and configurations, the new signature pop of red in the seconds hand differentiates the watch from its predecessors and also made it stand out from its regular Datejust siblings.
A quintessential Thunderbird, the present ref. 116264 is the perfect pilot’s watch as it’s versatile, visually distinct, and highly legible. Its 36mm stainless steel oyster case maximises comfort while the white gold bezel adds a dash of elegance, thus encapsulating the “high-low” aesthetics the Turn-O-Graph is recognised for and making it a cult classic for over half a century. Fitted with a charcoal grey dial, this cult classic is paired with a Jubilee bracelet with a hidden clasp.
Presented in "new-old-stock" condition offered by the original owner, the present example is also accompanied by its original accessories and papers, making it the perfect 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.