====== Rolex Turn-O-Graph ======
{{wst>image_cr|Rolex|Datejust Turn-O-Graph}}

The **Turn-O-Graph** is a watch with a rotating bezel from [[Rolex]].

===== History =====
After World War II, Rolex began developing [[tool watch]]es for various professions. In [[1953]], the company released the **Turn-O-Graph**, the first production watch with a rotating [[bezel]]. The bezel on the Turn-O-Graph, marked in 60 increments with numerals every 10 marks, was designed to be lined up with the minutes hand. In this way, one could count elapsed minutes. Rolex had released a prototype watch with a rotating bezel in [[1937]], the Ref. 3346 Zerographe, but a dozen or less were produced.

The Turn-O-Graph is best remembered for the watches based on its design The famous [[Rolex Submariner|Submariner]] and [[Rolex GMT-Master|GMT-Master]] both shared the case and rotating bezel of the Turn-O-Graph. But this watch continued production as well, lasting on and off until [[2011]] in the company's collection.

The first Turn-O-Graph Ref. 6202 was launched in [[1953]] with [[Rolex A.260|Cal. A.260]]. Its styling was a major departure for the company, punctuated by the thick black rotating bezel. Some versions featured the "Submariner" dial Black with a gilt chapter ring, simple dot markers interrupted with bars at 3, 6, and 9, and a triangle at 12. Some had stick hands while others featured the familiar Mercedes style. Other versions were two-tone (gold and steel), had a honeycomb dial with bar markers, or had numerals like the [[Rolex Explorer|Explorer]]. Period advertisements showed it as a useful tool around the home and in sports.

With the launch of the Submariner in [[1954]], Rolex refocused the Turn-O-Graph to be more of a dress watch. The new Ref. 6309 and 6609 added a date window at 3 00, complete with "cyclops" magnifier, bringing it under the [[Rolex Datejust|Datejust]] family banner. It had a solid metal bezel with markers at 5 and 10 minutes and upgraded the movement to [[Rolex 743|Cal. 743]] or [[Rolex 1065|Cal. 1065]]. Rolex also supplied these watches to the US Air Force Thunderbirds squadron, a rare dial variation.

The next upgrade to the Turn-O-Graph came in [[1959]] and continued the focus on dress and home use. Ref. 1625 was produced in many different case and dial variations, including yellow and white gold and steel, and was produced until [[1977]]. Many of these models, and those that followed, no longer had the words, "Turn-O-Graph" on the dial, simply reading "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified". The Turn-O-Graph name was retired from advertising as well after Ref. 1625 in [[1977]] and did not return until [[2000]].

Rolex switched to [[Rolex 3035|Cal. 3035]] and issued Ref. 16253 in [[1977]]. Most of these were two-tone steel and yellow gold as was the fashion at the time. The Turn-O-Graph name was not used in this period.

The updated References 16263 and 16264 followed after [[1988]] with [[Rolex 3135|Cal. 3135]]. This generation featured a sapphire crystal and was only offered with a steel or two-tone case.

In [[2004]], Rolex revived the Turn-O-Graph name on the dial, launching a new family to commemorate 50 years since the original release. The new model featured a fluted bezel that resembles the standard fixed bezels on the rest of the line but with stick markers every 5 minutes and numbers every 10. These new References, 116263 and 116264, lasted in production until [[2011]].

===== Chronology =====
  * 1953-1956 - Ref. 6202 - [[Rolex A.260|Cal. A.260]]
  * 1954-1959 - Ref. 6609 (steel), 6309 (two-tone) - [[Rolex 1065|Cal. 1065]]
  * 1959-1977 - Ref. 1625 - [[Rolex 1570|Cal. 1570]] - "Thunderbird"
  * 1977-1988 - Ref. 16253 - [[Rolex 3035|Cal. 3035]]
  * 1988-2000 - Ref. 16263, 16264 - [[Rolex 3135|Cal. 3135]] - Sapphire crystal
  * 2000-2011 - Ref. 116263 (two-tone), 116264 (steel) - "Turn-O-Graph" on the dial

===== References =====
  * //Twists and Turns//, QP Magazine, 2007


{{tag>Watch_models Rolex_models Rolex_Turn-O-Graph_models}}