Horological Meandering

Launched in 1953, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph ref. 6202, with its rotating bezel, can be considered as the progenitor of all the iconic tool and sports watches Rolex is famous for.

The ref. 6202 was quickly followed by ref. 6309, 6609 and 1625, all three having a date window (I intentionally left aside the other, more recent, references with 5 and 6 digits numbers). During the 1950s, the US Air Demonstration Squadron asked Rolex to provide them with durable watches and, although it isn't clear how the first Turn-O-Graph watch came on the wrist of pilots of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, the watch quickly acquired its "Thunderbird" nickname.

In 1963, Vacheron Constantin launched its own ref. 6782, drawing direct inspiration from Rolex's models, thus the nickname "Turnograph".

Note that, as I wanted to emphasise the link with Vacheron Constantin, I chose to focus mainly on the steel & gold models of the Rolex Turn-O-Graph (and left the full steel ones aside).

Interesting related articles:

• The history of the Rolex Turn-O-Graph
• Tool or Dress Watch? - Vacheron Constantin 6782 "Turnograph"

Best to you all.

A/ ROLEX

1/ Ref. 6202 with cal. A.260

credit: onbehalf_lite 

credit: sabiwatches





credit: @vintagewatchesandetc


Ref. 6609 with cal. 1065

credit: vintage watch collective 

Ref. 1625 with caliber 1560

credit: @carese_mens 

B/ Vacheron Constantin ref. 6782 with caliber K1072

1/ Linen dial

credit: windvintage 

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