An automatic stainless steel and eighteen carat white gold Rolex Datejust, 'Thunderbird' model. This model is a simple adaptation from the classic rolex Datejust model, which in Europe is known as the 'Turn-O-Graph', but the 'Thunderbird' in North America. The watch was introduced circa 1955, and the major difference is the larger bi-rotating solid gold bezel that surrounds the crystal. This example represents the first run of this evolution, the 6609, from the first reference, 6202 Turn-O-Graph model, that launched in Basel in 1953. This was then upgraded to the 1625 reference in 1959. The Thunderbird moniker for the watch came via the advent of the USAF's adoption of this watch for its aerobatic display team, known as the 'Thunderbirds'. There is little documented history as to how the original connection with Rolex was made, but it was a formal arrangement, as Rolex produced special marked dials for the Team Pilots, and used the Thunderbird name and photographs of their aircraft in their advertisements. This watch is powered by the Rolex 1065 calibre butterfly movement. The watch is in excellent condition with wear commensurate with age. The dial is un-restored and shows some spotting. However, in very good condition for its age. The watch has both model and serial numbers present. The case serial number is a 355 thousand dating it circa 1958, making it one of the last 6609's. The inside of the case back is stamped 6609 and has a date stamp 'I.58' dating it to the first quarter of 1958. The watch has undergone a full mechanical overhaul, and will come with an eighteen month warranty.
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