754 MATCHES FOUND
The Rolex Turn-O-Graph, introduced in 1953, holds a special place in the history of Rolex as the first serially-produced model to feature a rotating bezel. This innovative design element allowed users to measure elapsed time, a feature that was later adopted by other iconic Rolex models. Initially produced in stainless steel with a Bakelite bezel, the Turn-O-Graph quickly became known for its practical utility and elegant design.
Over the years, the Turn-O-Graph evolved with notable models including the ref. 6202, the ref. 1625 with the "Thunderbird" bezel, and the later ref. 116263, which combined steel and gold elements. The Turn-O-Graph also earned the nickname "Thunderbird" after being adopted as the official watch of the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbird aerobatic squadron, enhancing its legacy as a symbol of precision and performance. The Turn-O-Graph's functionality is matched by its aesthetic versatility. From the classic two-tone style of the ref. 16253, with its Jubilee bracelet and engine-turned bezel, to the more modern ref. 116263, which introduced rose gold to the collection, each model showcases Rolex’s commitment to blending form and function.
At SwissWatchExpo, our collection of pre-owned Rolex Turn-O-Graph watches is meticulously curated to ensure authenticity and quality. Each watch undergoes rigorous testing to meet our high standards, providing you with a timepiece that is both beautiful and reliable. Add a piece of horological history to your collection and enjoy the timeless appeal of the Rolex Turn-O-Graph.
To understand the pricing of a used Rolex Turn-o-Graph, we must consider its early history and its long evolution as the popular “Thunderbird.” You can comfortably enter the collection between $5,000 and $8,500. This highly accessible bracket consists mostly of vintage and neo-vintage Datejust references, such as the classic two-tone reference 1625 and the steel and white gold 16264.
If you look at the modern discontinued lineup, you see valuations going up. The final six-digit iterations of the Turn-o-Graph, featuring heavier bracelets and signature red dial accents, generally command $7,500 to $13,000. Unique configurations push prices even higher. The 300-piece Japan Limited Edition, known for its striking green seconds hand, routinely fetches $11,000 to $15,000. Finally, at the absolute top of the market, the original reference 6202 "Pre-Submariner" operates in an entirely different collector tier, changing hands from $25,000 to well over $60,000.
| Model / Ref | Era | Popular Name | Metal | Bezel/Dial | Retail Price in USD | Pre-Owned Price (Approx) in USD - With Box and Papers | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turn-O-Graph 6202 | Vintage | Pre-Submariner | Stainless Steel | Black Aluminum Insert | Discontinued | $25,000 - $60,000+ | First Rolex with a rotating bezel; predates the Submariner. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 6309 | Vintage | Thunderbird | 18k Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned Gold | Discontinued | $10,000 - $20,000 | First model officially supplied to the USAF Thunderbirds. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 6309 | Vintage | Thunderbird | Steel & Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned Gold | Discontinued | $8,000 - $14,000 | Early two-tone execution with the distinctive coin-edge bezel. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 6609 | Vintage | Thunderbird | 18k Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned Gold | Discontinued | $10,000 - $18,000 | Introduced the caliber 1065 movement and an updated case. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 6609 | Vintage | Thunderbird | Steel & Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned Gold | Discontinued | $7,000 - $12,000 | Upgraded movement; commonly seen with early pie-pan dials. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 1625 | Vintage | Thunderbird | Steel & White Gold | Engine-Turned WG | Discontinued | $5,000 - $8,000 | Longest-running vintage reference; introduced cal. 1565/1575. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 1625 | Vintage | Thunderbird | Steel & Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned YG | Discontinued | $5,000 - $8,500 | Classic two-tone vintage appeal; highly versatile design. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 1904/6 | Vintage | Thunderbird | 18k Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned YG | Discontinued | $10,000 - $16,000 | The full-gold execution of the venerable 1625 reference. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 1944/6 | Transitional | Thunderbird | Stainless Steel | Engine-Turned Steel | Discontinued | $5,000 - $7,500 | Introduced quickset date feature via the caliber 3035. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 1944/6 | Transitional | Thunderbird | Steel & Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned YG | Discontinued | $5,500 - $8,500 | Quickset date combined with classic Rolesor aesthetics. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 16258 | Transitional | Thunderbird | 18k Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned YG | Discontinued | $11,000 - $17,000 | Quickset caliber 3035 in a solid 18k yellow gold case. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 16263 | Neo-Vintage | Thunderbird | Steel & Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned YG | Discontinued | $6,000 - $9,000 | Sapphire crystal upgrade and reliable cal. 3135 movement. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 16264 | Neo-Vintage | Thunderbird | Steel & White Gold | Engine-Turned WG | Discontinued | $5,500 - $8,500 | Sapphire crystal with a sleek steel and white gold look. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 16268 | Neo-Vintage | Thunderbird | 18k Yellow Gold | Engine-Turned YG | Discontinued | $12,000 - $18,000 | Full yellow gold case and bracelet with sapphire crystal. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 2218/4 | Discontinued | Turn-O-Graph | Steel & Everose Gold | Fluted Everose Gold | Discontinued | $9,000 - $13,000 | Red date wheel, red seconds hand, and modern Everose finish. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116263 | Discontinued | Turn-O-Graph | Steel & Yellow Gold | Fluted Yellow Gold | Discontinued | $8,500 - $12,500 | Modernized case proportions, fluted rotating bezel, red accents. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116264 | Discontinued | Turn-O-Graph | Steel & White Gold | Fluted White Gold | Discontinued | $7,500 - $11,000 | Final steel/white gold iteration featuring a heavier bracelet. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116264 | Discontinued | Japan Limited Ed. | Steel & White Gold | Fluted White Gold | Discontinued | $11,000 - $15,000 | Limited 300-piece run; black dial, green seconds hand/date. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116264 | Discontinued | Japan Limited Ed. | Steel & White Gold | Fluted White Gold | Discontinued | $11,000 - $15,000 | Limited 300-piece run; white dial, green seconds hand/date. |
| Datejust Turn-O-Graph 1625 | Vintage | Thunderbird | Steel & White Gold | Engine-Turned WG | Discontinued | $5,500 - $9,000 | Features the highly collectible Buckley dial with Roman numerals. |
Sell or trade-in your Rolex Turn-O-Graphfor the best price with SwissWatchExpo. SwissWatchExpo makes it easy to sell or trade in your used or pre-owned Rolex Turn-O-Graph to keep your luxury watch collection fresh!
The Turn-o-Graph is one of Rolex’s earliest tool watches, and the model that introduced the rotating timing bezel. Back then, this extra rim was an innovation – a new and simpler way of measuring elapsed time. This feature would eventually be adapted by Rolex’s most beloved models such as the Submariner and GMT-Master.
The Turn-o-Graph was produced from 1953 until 2011. While it is discontinued, models are still sought-after by collectors and can be found in the secondary market.
Rolex Turn-o-graph watches – from the original Turn-o-Graph to the Datejust Turn-o-Graph editions – are water resistant to 100 meters, thanks to their Oyster case, screw down case back, and Oyster crown that secures them together. With this level of water resistance and considering the vintage nature of the Turn-o-Graph, the wearer can use it for light water exposure, such as handwashing.
In general, Rolex recommends a service every 3-5 years. However, vintage timepieces tend to be fragile by nature, so it's recommended to have any vintage watch looked at every two years. A watch’s water resistance and accuracy are not permanent and are subject to wear and tear. There are a few signs that your watch needs a service sooner rather than later. Check out Signs It’s Time for Watch Maintenance.