A rare and magnificent early ref 6309 SS/14K YG Rolex Turnograph. Featuring a 36mm diameter case with unpolished and sharp deeply engraved elapsed time minutes bezel, entirely original patina’d original dial with arrow head shaped indexes, tapered dauphine hands, red printed Datejust, and with red and black roulette date wheel. Complete with excellent condition matching 1957 date code Rolex rolled link Jubilee bracelet with original clasp.

Powered by early caliber A260 chronometer rated self winding movement with sweep seconds and date. The dial is signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, Officially Certified Chronometer, signed SWISS with original radium plots and hands. The depth rating reads 50m=165ft. With original early period gold crown with + logo.

This is a remarkable, rarely seen model, particularly this early, all original and all complete. We have serviced the movement and replaced gaskets, but otherwise left the watch entirely original as acquired. When we opened the movement prior to service, we were amazed at the pristine condition of the movement with bright and shiny plates, showing no oxidation or wear of any of the plating. This watch appears to have had very little use, and may have never been previously serviced in it’s 60+ years history. The bracelet is good length and will fit a 7 1/2″ wrist and shows only minimal stretch. The case serial # of 141,xxx corresponds to a production date of 1957, with matching bracelet clasp code of the 2nd quarter of 1957.

The turnograph model acquired a new name in 1963 when it was adopted as the official watch of the U.S. Air Force precision acrobatic team, nicknamed the Thunderbirds. The next generation ref 6609 marks the beginning of the Thunderbird designation, with curent models referred to with either, or both monikers.