Collector's Pocket Watches, Wristwatc...

New York, Grand Havana Room, Dec 06, 2000

LOT 223

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, Turn-O-Graph, so-called 'Thunderbird', Officially Certified Chronometer, Ref. 6309, case No. 28413, circa 1956.Fine, center-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, tonneau-shaped, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch.

USD 7,000 - 8,000

C. three body, solid, polished and brushed, screwed case back and crown, case back engraved 'Don Ferris The Thunderbirds', graduated revolving bezel with the arrow showing the zero point. Acrylic 'Cyclops' crystal. D. black with faceted applied pink gold 'Bâton' indexes. aperture for the date. 'Bâton' tritium-coated hands. M. 9 3/4''', cal. 1065, rhodium plated, 'fausses côtes' decoration, 18 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 35mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3

Good
Dial: 26-04

Upgraded

HANDS Later

Notes

Ref. 6309The 'Turn-O-Graph' wristwatch, (first ref. 6202, replaced in the 50's by this reference) was the first watch to be called 'professional'. Its characteristic revolving graduated bezel bears a triangle representing position zero. It measures timings as a chronograph does but because it has no chronograph pushers it offers a greater resistance to wear and tear and a higher impermeability. In the United States, this reference has become to be known as the 'Thunderbird' Datejust because of its assocition with the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, an elite team of precision flight pilots founded in 1953.This wristwatch was given to Colonel Don Ferris, USAF Commander in 1956 by the team of USAF Thunderbirds of which Ferris was a member, narrator, and PIO Officer during 1955-1956. A highly decorated career officer, garnishing the Silver Star and the Purple Heart among other medals, the Commander served 28 years in the Air Force, fought in three wars (WWII, Korea and Vietnam), and flew over 100 missions in his Jet 'Sweet Lorene', named for his wife. In 1969, President Nixon recognized the Colonelor his assistance with the dedication of the Amistad Dam. The Colonel died in 1999 and is buried in Fort Sam National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.