804
Rolex
Ref. 6202, inside case back stamped I V. 53
Turn-O-Graph
A highly rare and incredibly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with sweep center seconds, black lacquer dial and bracelet
- Estimate
- HK$120,000 - 240,000$15,000 - 30,000
HK$250,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1953
- Reference No
- 6202, inside case back stamped I V. 53
- Movement No
- 11'037
- Case No
- 952'437
- Model Name
- Turn-O-Graph
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, A260, 19 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel <em>Rolex Oyster</em> bracelet, 190 mm. maximum length, end links stamped 64
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel <em>Rolex </em>folding deployant clasp stamped 2.56
- Dimensions
- 35 mm. diameter
- Signed
- <em>Case, dial and movement signed </em>
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
First released in 1953, the Turn-O-Graph was designed as the precursor to the 'tool watch', such as the Submariner. At the time, the model was truly different from anything that was offered on the market.
The newly introduced rotating bezel, calibrated to 60 minutes, allowed for accurate timekeeping. While reference 6202 was not the first Rolex wristwatch to carry a rotating bezel (the honor goes to the elusive Zerograph), it was the very first serially produced reference to feature one. The rotating bezel itself is a very important advancement as it inspired successors such as the Thunderbird and GMT-Master.
Turn-O-Graphs were released with different dial configurations, such as the gilt lacquer or honeycomb variant. Initially, the GMT-Master and Submariner overshadowed the Turn-O-Graph. Due to the model's unpopularity, the 6202 reference ceased production early and limited examples were manufactured. Consequently, examples such as the present watch are incredibly rare today.
John Goldberger's Opinion
One of my favorite aspects of this watch is the attractive black lacquer dial, which is still very glossy in its finish. The gilt graphics are incredibly clear, and the numerals have aged with orange patina, which match the original gilt hands and lollipop seconds hand. The bezel insert is original and has a lot of character. As with Turn-O-Graphs of the period, the luminous index at 6 o'clock is brighter than the other radium numerals. Rolex most likely designed this to enhance readability. The bracelet is furthermore from the period, stamped for the second quarter of 1956.
The newly introduced rotating bezel, calibrated to 60 minutes, allowed for accurate timekeeping. While reference 6202 was not the first Rolex wristwatch to carry a rotating bezel (the honor goes to the elusive Zerograph), it was the very first serially produced reference to feature one. The rotating bezel itself is a very important advancement as it inspired successors such as the Thunderbird and GMT-Master.
Turn-O-Graphs were released with different dial configurations, such as the gilt lacquer or honeycomb variant. Initially, the GMT-Master and Submariner overshadowed the Turn-O-Graph. Due to the model's unpopularity, the 6202 reference ceased production early and limited examples were manufactured. Consequently, examples such as the present watch are incredibly rare today.
John Goldberger's Opinion
One of my favorite aspects of this watch is the attractive black lacquer dial, which is still very glossy in its finish. The gilt graphics are incredibly clear, and the numerals have aged with orange patina, which match the original gilt hands and lollipop seconds hand. The bezel insert is original and has a lot of character. As with Turn-O-Graphs of the period, the luminous index at 6 o'clock is brighter than the other radium numerals. Rolex most likely designed this to enhance readability. The bracelet is furthermore from the period, stamped for the second quarter of 1956.
Literature
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
Browse Maker