Original vintage 1960s Rolex ad for the company's "Turn-O-Graph" Oyster dive watch.
 
Dimensions: Approx. 10.25 inches wide by 13.8 inches high.  First advert only.
 
The Turn-O-Graph, originally known as the Thunderbird, adds a rotating bezel to the classic Datejust, and as such was favored by U.S. Air Force pilots in the 1950's who received them as awards.  The Turn-O-Graph was also the starting point for the famous Rolex GMT Master that followed it.
 
First launched in 1953, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph is the brand’s earliest tool watch and is often regarded as one of the lesser-known models from the brand’s archives, yet it offers a remarkable history that dates back further than many of Rolex’s most famous icons, including the Submariner, Daytona, Day-Date, and GMT-Master.
 
While it was not purpose-built specifically for a sport or lifestyle activity, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph does offer additional functionality that separates it from many of the brand’s classic models like the standard Datejust and Oyster Perpetual.
 
The Turn-O-Graph may have been discontinued entirely in 2011, but this underrated classic holds the distinction of being Rolex’s very first commercially available watch to include a rotating bezel.
 
This particular feature makes the Turn-O-Graph the perfect timepiece for those who enjoy the added utility of this highly practical design element, but who do not require an actual dive watch to be on their wrist every single day.