1956 Rolex Datejust "Thunderbird" Turn-O-Graph 18K YG (Ref. 6609) Black Gilt Dial

The Rolex Turn-O-Graph holds a unique place in the brand’s history as one of its earliest “tool” watches, debuting in 1953, the same year as the Submariner, and preceding the GMT-Master by just a year. Distinguished by its rotating bezel, the Turn-O-Graph offered a practical timing function that bridged the gap between professional instrument and elegant wristwatch—a precursor to the multipurpose sports watches Rolex would later become renowned for.

The reference 6609 represents a pivotal evolution within the series, bringing the Turn-O-Graph into the Datejust family. This fusion created a model that carried both everyday utility and refined dress watch appeal. Collectors often know the 6609 by its enduring nickname, the “Thunderbird,” after the U.S. Air Force’s elite aerobatic squadron adopted solid 18K yellow gold Turn-O-Graph models as official equipment for timing flight maneuvers. The association not only cemented the watch’s tool-watch credentials but also elevated it as a symbol of precision and prestige.

This 1957 example, cased in 18K yellow gold and fitted with a striking black gilt dial, embodies the charm and historical importance of the Turn-O-Graph line. As both one of Rolex’s earliest experiments with functional bezels and a direct ancestor to the modern sports-luxury genre, the 6609 remains one of the most historically significant and collectible Datejust variants ever produced.