DJ question

[NavedJ]

I am looking to purchase my first Datejust and I have come across one (116264) that is labeled as a "Thunderbird" Date Just with turnograph bezel. It is a 2006-2007 model. steel jubilee band, white face, red second hand and red date wheel. I was hoping someone on here could inform me on what "thunderbird" is referring to, and is this an uncommon model? I really like the combo of the white face and red date, not sure how I feel about the turnograph bezel, I think if it had the regular white gold fluted bezel I may have purchased already.

[JayB]

Have a look at the following link for more info,

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...n-o-graph.html

[NavedJ]

Very informative. Thanks for the link!

[schnitzerphilip]

Originally Posted by NavedJ

I am looking to purchase my first Datejust and I have come across one (116264) that is labeled as a "Thunderbird" Date Just with turnograph bezel. It is a 2006-2007 model. steel jubilee band, white face, red second hand and red date wheel. I was hoping someone on here could inform me on what "thunderbird" is referring to, and is this an uncommon model? I really like the combo of the white face and red date, not sure how I feel about the turnograph bezel, I think if it had the regular white gold fluted bezel I may have purchased already.

First off, you have great taste in watches ;)

The TOG was nicknamed the "Thunderbird" back in the 60s because of it's adoption by the famous synchronized air acrobatics team. The watch was marginally successful back then and was eventually fazed out.

Decades later Rolex reintroduced the watch with several dial / bezel / bracelet combo's and was a love or hate affair, had a very limited production run and was again discontinued.

I'm in the "love" camp because if configured correctly (like mine above) I believe it's one of the best sport/dress transitional models Rolex ever offered. You've got the sporty look of the white dial, red markings, red hands, red date wheel and you've got the polished case, fluted bezel, and the jubilee bracelet. Looks great with casual clothes and, as it's a Datejust, looks great with a suit in a boardroom.

I also think this is one of those future collectible pieces- it has everything something like a Newman Daytona had going for it if you think about it- unpopular derivative of a beloved watch, colored dial markings, unique features only found on that timepiece, limited production run, etc. No, it's not going to be a million dollar watch, but I don't think you'll ever lose money on it.

[NavedJ]

Wow, that watch looks even better on the wrist. I have seen some of the other combinations, but they don't "pop" like the white dial, red second hand and red date wheel! I think I'm going to pull the trigger and make this my first Rolex. Thanks for the input!

[Hawaii2017]

I can see this as my next model before/after the Milgauss.
Very nice indeed, with minimalistic looks and appeal.