Rolex

• cal. 1065 automatic nickel lever escapement, 25 jewels • champagne dial, applied yellow gold dart indexes, outer minute and second divisions, aperture for the date, luminescent yellow gold alpha hands • 18K yellow gold Oyster case, bi directional revolving gold bezel calibrated for 60 units, screwed down case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with a gold plated Rolex buckle

CASE Case with light and even oxidation throughout. Bezel with some visible surface scratches and nicks to the engine turning, especially between 5 and 10, 25 and 30, 45 to 60. Back of lugs with light surface scratches likely from spring bars. Hallmark to upper lug is present. DIAL Dial with surface markings and small scratches throughout. Somewhat larger discrepencies under the O of "Oyster," and a scratch mark between 6 and 7. Lumes with oxidation. The following lume plots flattened or with losses: 1-3, 5, 7 and 9. Date wheel with deep oxidation spots and likely replaced. MOVEMENT Date function working properly. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The Rolex Turn-O-Graph debuted in 1953 with the reference 6202, and the present lot is an example of the reference 6609, introduced in 1954, and in production until 1960 within the DateJust family. The new reference included many design changes from the original model including a cyclops date window at 3 o'clock, and a fine engine turned bezel with compressed markers every five minutes instead of every minute. The first mass produced Rolex with a rotatable bezel, the Turn-O-Graph was given the ‘Thunderbird’ nickname due to its association with the Air Force Demonstration Squad, also known as the Thunderbirds; these were ordered by members of the Thunderbirds and there are some examples bearing the squad’s insignia on the dial. The present 6609 is being offered in original condition, with even patina to the dial and crisp numerals on the bezel.