Rolex. A rare stainless steel and gold automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, cream "Explorer-style" dial and "Thunderbird bezel"
Lot 382

Rolex. A rare stainless steel and gold automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, cream "Explorer-style" dial and "Thunderbird bezel"

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, TURN-O-GRAPH, OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER, REF. 6202, CASE NO. 953'729, CIRCA 1954

Closed11 November 2013

Price Realised

CHF 37,500

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Rolex. A rare stainless steel and gold automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, cream "Explorer-style" dial and "Thunderbird bezel"
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Turn-O-Graph, Officially Certified Chronometer, Ref. 6202, case no. 953'729, circa 1954
Cal. 9 3/4''' automatic wristwatch, 18 jewels, cream dial, applied baton and Arabic numerals, sweep centre seconds, outer Arabic five minute and fifths of a second divisions, stainless steel tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, textured gold "Thunderbird" bezel calibrated for 60 units with raised Arabic numerals and baton markers, screw back, screw down crown, stainless steel Rolex buckle, case, dial and movement signed
36 mm. diam.

Specialist note

This reference 6202 "Turn-O-Graph" must be considered one of the rarest versions of this iconic 1950's model but also one the most original and best preserved specimen. Not only is it preserved in excellent and original condition but also features an extremely attractive and sought-after dial configuration.

The case is remarkably crisp and the bezel preserves beautifully the raised Arabic numbers but also the "sun-rays" finely chased in between the five-minute intervals. The case back still depicts the very subtle engraving "REGISTERED DESIGN - MODELE DEPOSE" which is so often lost after the first polishing. The dial comes with a superb beige patina and features the typical "Explorer"-style Arabic numerals for 3, 6, 9, and 12.

All elements combined, this "Turn-O-Graph" is a historically relevant bridge between the dress- and sports-watch - introduced by Rolex in the early 1950's. Thanks to its stunning looks, it is also a great watch to enjoy daily on one's wrist.