{"product_id":"rolex-datejust-turn-o-graph-thunderbird-as04063","title":"Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph \"Thunderbird\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhile there are many vintage watches that have bonafide aviation pedigrees, very few are associated with an elite flying unit like the Thunderbirds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eExcept this watch: the Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eLaunched the year before the Submariner, the Turn-O-Graph was, in many ways, the manufacture’s first tool watch. Rolex intended for it to be a substitute for a chronograph, which—as a wristwatch with a complication—was generally more expensive than a time-only watch. In lieu of a chronograph, Rolex intended for the bezel (which Rolex called the \"time-recording rim\") to be used to record elapsed time; by aligning the arrow of the turning bezel with the minute hand, the wearer could quickly keep a count of the passing minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eUnderstandably, Rolex marketed the Turn-O-Graph to business travelers and pilots. At the time the Turn-O-Graph was released, the GMT Master—that epitome of a pilot’s watch—was still a few years from existence. Therefore, in lieu of a dedicated pilot’s watch, many pilots turned to the Turn-O-Graph as a solid alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIn 1956, Rolex released a new reference of Turn-O-Graph: Reference 6609. This model would differ drastically from its predecessors. Unlike the previous models, which but for the bezel would be virtually indistinguishable from the Submariner, the Reference 6609 was built around the 36mm Oyster case used in the Rolex Datejust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eRolex would offer this new reference of Turn-O-Graph to the Thunderbirds, a squadron of the U.S. Air Force known for acrobatic demonstrations and experimental flying techniques. Formed following the Second World War, the Thunderbirds were unquestionably one of the most elite units in the Air Force. Its pilots were the best of the best, and their planes—the F100 Super Sabre, the first fighter used by the United States that was capable of supersonic speed—were the creme de la creme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eSo iconic was this association that Rolex used the name Thunderbird to designate all subsequent Turn-O-Graphs sold on the American market; such is the case with the Reference that followed it, the 1625.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis particular example is a fairly rare configuration, featuring a steel case, white gold bezel, and a scarcely seen matte black dial. Showing light patina and wear throughout, this is an exceptionally compelling vintage Rolex, packing a huge punch in an understated way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIf you know, you know.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Datejust Story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've said it over and over again - the Datejust may just be the perfect watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoupling perfect proportions, simple dial layouts, and robust movements, Rolex's most prolific model is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. Moreover, the Datejust is all the watch that just about any of us really \u003cem\u003eneed\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. Equal parts sporty and dressy, the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit, and thanks to the signature Oyster case and tough-as-nails movement, it’s ready for anything that you can throw at it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at the 3:00 position. Since then, date windows at 3:00 have become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile recent horological trends have favored larger sporty wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is drawing to a close, making more reasonably sized watches like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill in every setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that proves that true style never dies. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39380754858071,"sku":"40920210","price":6200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/1.AS04063_40920210_ROLEX_TURN-O-GRAPHTHUNDERBIRD_1625-8.jpg?v=1629824809","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-datejust-turn-o-graph-thunderbird-as04063","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}