The Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph “Thunderbird” was initially introduced in 1955 via the ref. 1625. Capitalizing on the relationship with the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron founded in 1953, Rolex placed a Turn-O-Graph on the wrists of a Thunderbird pilot. Impressed by the watch, the Squadron requested Rolex to create timepieces for them.

The ref. 16264 was introduced in 1977 replacing its predecessor, with an updated self-winding caliber 3035 and did not have “Turn-O-Graph” written on the dial. The present example fitted with a blue sodalite dial belongs to a rare configuration of the reference. Set with diamond indexes, the present example is most definitely a luxurious iteration of what was once a pilot’s watch. Presented in excellent overall condition and further accompanied by the full set of accessories, it is without a doubt a fantastic and rarely seen iteration of the model.