An automatic stainless steel and eighteen carat 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. There were many iterations of this model introduced over the years, and they were only ever supplied on a Jubilee bracelet, present with this example. 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. The watch is powered by the Rolex 1570 movement, that was found in the GMT and Submariner model's during this period. The watch is in excellent condition with wear commensurate with age. The dial is exceptional with a silver sunburst finish, and rare stick markers that have an unusual black inlay into the center. The watch has both model and serial numbers present. The case serial number is a 3.06 million dating it circa 1971. The folded link two tone bracelet also has a date stamp '4.71' dating it to the last quarter of 1971.
