Rolex Yellow Gold Turn O Graph Thunderbird Bezel Automatic Wristwatch, 1954
View Similar Items
Rolex Yellow Gold Turn O Graph Thunderbird Bezel Automatic Wristwatch, 1954
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU943038123
Rolex
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
- Rolex 1978 Yellow Gold Self Winding Date Wristwatch with Custom Diamond BezelBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1978 Rolex Date, Reference 1570, 34 M.M. 14K Yellow Gold 3 Piece Oyster Case with Custom Diamond Bezel approximately 1 Carat. Caliber 1570 Automatic, ...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 14k Gold
- Rolex Vintage Ref 1038 Zephyr Bezel and Dial 14K and Steel Automatic WristwatchBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1979 Rolex Reference 1038 Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with 14K Yellow Gold Zephyr Engine Turned Bezel, and Gold crown. Caliber 1...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials14k Gold, Steel
- Rolex Vintage Steel and Gold Ref 6582 Zephyre Bezel Automatic Wrist WatchBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1966 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 6582 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 piece stainless steel Oyster case with Yellow Gold Zephyre Bezel an...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, Steel
- Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic WristwatchBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case, original and unpolished, original Oyster Crown. Automatic, self winding ...Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Rolex Steel Date Model Automatic Wrist Watch with Diamond BezelBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1983 Rolex Reference 15000 "Date" model Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with After Factory set Diamond Bezel of Round Brilliant cut ...Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Steel
- Rolex Ref 1007 Vintage Yellow Gold Automatic Wrist watch with papersBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1970 Rolex Reference 1007 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 Piece Oyster case. Engine turned bezel, original and mint condition Silver Satin dia...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials14k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph Wristwatch Ref 16253, Aka "Thunderbird". Year 1987By RolexLocated in Canterbury, GBOur vintage and very rare Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph reference 16253 aka the Thunderbird features a 36mm stainless steel case with rotating 18k yello...Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 18k WG/SS Turn-o-graph Watch Thunderbird 16264By RolexLocated in Richmond, CAA fine and collectible Gent's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Turn-o-graph "Thunderbird" watch, with a rotation 18K WG second time zone bezel, on a stainle...Category
Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,600 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - Rolex Datejust Turn-O-GraphBy RolexLocated in Oyster Bay, NYRolex 16253 Datejust Turn-O-Graph, stainless steel case on an integrated two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold jubilee bracelet with a folding deployant...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold
- Rolex Yellow Gold Date Automatic WristwatchBy RolexLocated in Coral Gables, FLPre-Owned Rolex Date 34mm Automatic Watch Crafted In 14 Karat Yellow Gold. Model 1503, Circa Late 1960s. Polished & Serviced By CW21 Watchmaker w...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Diamond Bezel Automatic Wristwatch Men’sBy RolexLocated in New York, NYRolex Stainless Steel Datejust Diamond Bezel Automatic Wristwatch Mens SKU: WA00019 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: MENS STAINLESS ROLEX DATEJUST Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Automatic Year of Manufacture: 1991-08 Condition: In excellent condition and Preowned and Gently Used.CUSTOM DIAMOND DIAL CASE DETAILS Case Shape: Round Case Diameter (mm): 34 mm Bezel Type: Silver Stick Dial Water Resistant Depth (m): NA BRACELET DETAILS Band Type: Stainless Steel Bracelet Type: Genuine Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet With a Genuine Folding Stainless Steel Clasp with Engraved Rolex...Category
2010s Unknown Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Datejust Turn-0-Graph 36mm Blue Dial Fluted Bezel Jubilee Watch 116264By RolexLocated in New York, NYThis watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to verify authenticity. ...Category
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.