46 Rolex A fine and attractive, Datejust, Turn-o-Graph, automatic wristwatch in steel, with silver dial, reference 6609.

Estimate: € 4,000 –⁠ 8,000

The Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph is a remarkable fusion of functionality and elegance, a timepiece that embodies Rolex’s pioneering spirit in creating watches that are both aesthetically refined and highly practical. Originally introduced in 1953 with the reference 6202, the Turn-O-Graph was the first Rolex model to feature a rotating bezel, a function that would later become a key feature in professional tool watches like the Submariner and GMT-Master. By 1954, Rolex refined the design with the introduction of reference 6609, integrating it within the prestigious Datejust family and enhancing its versatility for everyday wear. This particular example, reference 6609, showcases a beautifully preserved stainless steel case with a three-body solid construction, a screw-down case back and crown, ensuring water resistance and durability. The most distinctive feature is its bidirectional revolving reeded bezel, finely engine-turned with compressed markers placed at five-minute intervals, replacing the minute-by-minute markers found on the earlier reference. The dial is a true testament to Rolex’s timeless design, featuring an elegant silver-tone background with applied hour markers and the iconic roulette date window at 3 o’clock, a signature feature of the Datejust line. The hands, slim and elongated, glide effortlessly over the dial, maintaining excellent legibility. Produced between 1954 and 1960, this model stands as a significant milestone in Rolex’s history, bridging the gap between dress watches and tool watches with its innovative rotating bezel.