Rolex Turn-O-Graph 6202

 35.000
  • Free worldwide delivery

The reference 6202 was launched in 1953 and its introduction made it a very important year. Not only for Rolex but for the entire world of horology. 

In case you were wondering why. Well, the 6202 is in some extent the blueprint for the designs of all other Rolex - and even non-Rolex - sports - and even non-sports - models. The Turn-O-Graph is seen as the watch that started it all, alongside the Submariner that launched in the same year. It created the different categories of watches, and after this reference the Turn-O-Graph was moved to the classier side as it would continue as a Datejust variation. But here is the alpha model, an historical artifact, a game changer and for many aficionados of smaller toolwatches: the ultimate grail.

The watch has a rotable bezel - eventhough, it's not the first one as this is the Rolex Zerographe introduced in the '30s - with a full gradation and the classic. The iconic red triangle is found at the 12 o'clock position. The stainless steel case measures 36 mm, which makes it a smaller tool watch. The watch comes on a stainless steel riveted expandable Oyster bracelet. It has a 'Swiss Only' gilt dial of which the radium has affected the lacquer. Accordingly, the dial has discoloured to a greyish, grainy colour. The lume of the hour and minute hand in the gilt handset turned all black overtime. The watch still is supplied with the early and original brevet crown, which is a crown with a '+' below the coronet.

We were very much surprised what we found under the hood: the entire movement is gold plated! Something that was occasionally done between 1953 and the end of that decade, for reasons unknown other than impressing other watchmakers at a later stage when it was brought in for overhaul.

The 6202 was produced for a very small period and in different configurations. Another iconic piece we are happy to have amongst our collection here at Amsterdam Vintage Watches.

Introduction

Rolex Turn-O-Graph The rugged Oyster case was great to match demands in certain specific professional fields. We all know models like the Submariner (intended for divers), GMT (intended for pilots), Daytona (intended for racing) but it actually all started in the early '50s with the Turn-O-graph. The name, basically, meant that the bezel could turn so it could be used for measurements. Its very first model, the reference 6202, looked design-wise like what would later become the Submariner. Very rare and sought-after reference.

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.