Initially marketed as “the watch with a thousand and one uses”, the Datejust ref. 6609 is the true “Thunderbird” and was presented at the Basel Fair around 1953.

A unique name for a watch, it originated from the nickname referring to the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, the first supersonic aerobatic team established in 1953. It all began with one pilot sporting a ref. 6609, which undoubtedly became the go-to timepiece for the rest of the team. For Rolex, this patriotic reference was the ideal marketing tool to capture the American market gradually.

Following the original came the present model, the ref. 1625 with an upgraded cal. 1560. In production from 1959 to 1977, the reference was subsequently delivered in variants of yellow gold, two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold, along with stainless steel and white gold.

Armed in a robust stainless steel case, the present ref. 1625 is fitted with a gilt black dial, highlighted by a yellow-gold halo in the form of an engine-turned “Turn-O-Graph" bezel. The yellow gold theme is continued on the dial, featuring a striking configuration of raised coronet, applied baton indexes, inscriptions and set of hands in the same warm hue as the bezel that instantly pops out of the obscure background. The lume plots on this example have developed a beautiful creamy tint that further enhances the watch’s overall vintage appeal and are preserved in their full-bodied pearled formation.

Rolex’s ability to blend styles is largely why they have such a large, concrete following. While this configuration may seem slightly dressier than their other staples, Datejust's Oyster case adds another layer of sport and natural ease that's nearly unique to the brand—excellently preserved with an attractive patina to the yellow gold, the present ref. 1625 from circa 1965 truly calls attention to the timelessness of the firm’s two-tone case constructions.