Rolex Datejust 16263 'Turn-O-Graph'

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In addition to all the comforts and design cues of a regular Datejust, the Turn-O-Graph incorporates a bi-directional turning bezel, giving the watch a sportier and more noteworthy look.This ref. 16263 Turn-O-Graph Datejust dates back to 2003 and sports a 36 mm stainless steel case with an 18k yellow-gold rotating bezel and winding crown. The Oyster bracelet is executed in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, giving the watch a luxurious sporty look. The gold details are continued on the clean white dial, which features 18k yellow-gold applied baton markers and matching gold hands.The ref. 16263 runs on the updated caliber 3035 Rolex self-winding movement with the useful quickset date function. The watch, furthermore, features a sturdy sapphire crystal and is in great condition with some minor scratches on the case and bracelet.

Introduction

Rolex Turn-O-GraphIn the early 1950s, Rolex started using its waterproof oyster cases for models intended for particular professions (like diving, race car driving, and flying). The very first of these ‘professional watches’ was released in 1953 as the Monometer, but within months the name was changed to Turn-o-Graph. As the name implies, the watch featured a rotatable bezel (‘turn’) that could be used for measurements (‘graph’).The first Turn-o-Graph model (ref. 6202) served as the design inspiration for the Submariner that would be introduced later in 1953. In order to not compete with the new Submariner and GMT-Master lines, the Turn-o-Graph was subsumed under the Datejust line in 1954 (as the ref. 6309), receiving a more dressy appearance and a date window.In the 1950s, a Datejust Turn-o-Graph ended up on the wrist of a pilot of the US Air Force’s Demonstration team (‘the Thunderbirds’). He was so impressed by the watch that the squadron requested Rolex to provide them with the same watch featuring the Thunderbirds insignia on the dial. Since then, the Turn-o-Graph Datejust is lovingly referred to as ‘The Thunderbird.’

Specifications

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.