Mercia Watches

The Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph was a special edition of the 1945 original Datejust model, which caught the imagination of the serious watch collector.

 

It’s a watch that was given to pilots in the United States Air Froce from 1955 as they returned from missions. At the time, the USAF was building up its capabilities following the Korean War, and facing the Soviet threat in western Europe. It was a time of enormous technological development, with the sound barrier being broken, and the air force heavily involved in America’s nuclear programme. An accurate watch was seen as a vital piece of equipment for any pilot, and it was no wonder the USAF turned to Rolex for the best in the world.

 

The Turn-O-Graph model featured a revolutionary rotating bezel, marked to sixty minutes, which meant that pilots could accurately measure time as it passed – and therefore distance on the ground – while navigating. All this at a glance, rather than wasting time in a busy cockpit making calculations in his head. The rotating bezel meant the watch could also be used as a makeshift compass, a comforting thought if an aircraft goes down over inhospitable or unknown terrain.

 

Rolex are rightfully proud of the fact that one of their Datejust Turn-O-Graph watches was worn by Chuck Yeager, the first man to break the sound barrier. A relationship with the Thunderbirds – the USAF aerobatic display team – led to the marketing of the watch under the Thunderbird name.

 

It’s unusual in the history of Rolex that it never really caught the imagination of the public, despite it being a public relations winner with its Air Force tie-up. This relative rarity value gives it the edge when it comes to holding its value as an investment.

 

The company continued to make the Datejust Turn-O-Graph until the 1970s, before reviving the name for a short period in the new century. Never the huge seller like other Rolex Oyster range watches, they are still very much in demand among collectors who admire is for its chunky yet elegant looks and connections with the jet age.

 

If you have a Turn-O-Graph that you wish to sell, speak to Mercia Watches for an honest and knowledgeable valuation.

 

Looking to invest in a Datejust Turn-O-Graph? Contact Mercia Watches for quality examples at competitive prices.