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Tools · 3 February 2009, 02:00 AM

Way back in 1952/53, Rolex came out with an interesting watch, the Turn-O Graph...

This was interesting because it had an outer black rotating bezel. This watch was not popular, however, it is historically important because it spawned both the Sub, and the GMT which became two of the best selling watches of all time for the Company.

Early bezels on the Turn-O Graph, the Sub, and the GMT were all bi-directional with no clicks. They were a friction ring. You pushed down on the ring to "unlock" it, and then rotate it to where you wanted, then released it and it stayed in place until it was moved again.. Rolex included this handy reference for the user:
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This was seen as a safety issue for Divers who needed the timer to time decompression sets or submerge time, and underwater, you didn't want to make a mistake or have the bezel turned in the wrong direction so in the late 70's/80's we got the clicking version..

Since the clicking bezel started we now have

. Any Sub, 120 clicks and counter-clockwise rotation only, aluminum insert (newest releases will be ceramic)

. Sea Dweller, 120 clicks and counter-clockwise rotation only, aluminum insert

. The New DSSD, 120 clicks and counterclockwise only, ceramic insert.

. The GMT II 16710, 120 clicks and rotates either direction, aluminum insert

. The GMT II 116710, 24 clicks and rotates in either direction, ceramic insert

. The Turn-O Graph, which was re-introduced in the 70's as a DateJust line, no-clicks and turns either direction, solid bezel.

. The Yachtmaster, 120 clicks, rotates in either direction, precious metal insert.

. The Yachtmaster II, partial-rotating bezel for function actuation, ceramic insert..

DSJ · 3 February 2009, 02:48 AM

JJ Irani · 3 February 2009, 02:50 AM

Good info as always, Larry. Thanks!!

JJ

ocwatching · 3 February 2009, 03:04 AM

Larry, I am new the forum but have come to appreciate your excellent "reporting"...GREAT INFO that I have used in my purchase...and I wanted to say THANK YOU and keep it coming!

Luv rolex · 3 February 2009, 03:07 AM

Larry, exactly like i wanted. U r the best

Luv rolex · 3 February 2009, 03:09 AM

But what about the new subs????

JJ Irani · 3 February 2009, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luv rolex

But what about the new subs????

Hmmmmm........good question. I think they should also have 120 clicks in the counter-clockwise direction only.

JJ

rocco1109 · 3 February 2009, 04:35 AM

FYI...my F series (2004) Turn-o-graph bezel does not click. It turns smoothly in either direction.

Timber Loftis · 3 February 2009, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocco1109

FYI...my F series (2004) Turn-o-graph bezel does not click. It turns smoothly in either direction.

This is true for the TOGs I recently say. Smooth turning, no clicking -- I actually didn't like it.

kokota · 3 February 2009, 04:42 AM

Great piece of info. Thanks!

Tony-GB · 3 February 2009, 04:50 AM

Thanks Larry

yannis · 3 February 2009, 06:37 AM

Thanks for the info Mr Encyclopedia!!

Tools · 3 February 2009, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocco1109

FYI...my F series (2004) Turn-o-graph bezel does not click. It turns smoothly in either direction.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

This is true for the TOGs I recently say. Smooth turning, no clicking -- I actually didn't like it.

I did not know the new TOGs were smooth.. I will correct that info..

mixedccr · 3 February 2009, 08:03 AM

Thanks Larry!

Latrodectus · 3 February 2009, 01:42 PM

Thanks Larry, great info

Bisquitlips · 3 February 2009, 01:45 PM

This is a keeper!!

marshallr47 · 3 February 2009, 03:15 PM

Good stuff Larry. Thanks.

JJ Irani · 3 February 2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

I did not know the new TOGs were smooth.. I will correct that info..

That's right, I can confirm that the TOG bezels move smoothly in both directions.

JJ

Singslinger · 3 February 2009, 06:25 PM

Brilliant stuff, as always. Thanks!

swatty · 3 February 2009, 06:38 PM

Thanks Larry, great info

BiG JeEzY · 3 February 2009, 06:49 PM

Gotta love the whole concept with Rolex bezels. How they make the watch do more than just tell the time.

brettpaul · 3 February 2009, 07:19 PM

Excellent info and history - thanks Larry!

akhamdani · 3 February 2009, 10:47 PM

Interresting

.Thanks.

Dalton · 4 February 2009, 01:58 PM

great thread! It's also interesting, if you get a chance, to look at the bezels and compare the changes.

Tools · 5 August 2009, 03:11 AM

Now part of the Reference Library.........

SDDS · 19 August 2009, 11:33 PM

thank u

JediRolex · 27 September 2009, 04:22 PM

I just purchased a Y Serial GMT 16710-T and the bezel does not click at all, just smooth friction. Is this normal?

tthopp05 · 28 September 2009, 01:47 AM

Thanks for the info

BahnNZ · 28 September 2009, 06:13 PM

Never actually knew you could lock it. Learn something new every day. :)

... and forget 2 old things.

Kerry G · 13 October 2009, 08:50 AM

I have an '06 TOG and it is smooth like mentioned but I had a Thunderbird in the 90's that if I remember correctly did click and went only one way. Someone can either confirm or correct me on that.

3 February 2009, 02:00 AM	#1
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	The Rolex Rotating Bezel And It's Evolution.. Way back in 1952/53, Rolex came out with an interesting watch, the Turn-O Graph... This was interesting because it had an outer black rotating bezel. This watch was not popular, however, it is historically important because it spawned both the Sub, and the GMT which became two of the best selling watches of all time for the Company. Early bezels on the Turn-O Graph, the Sub, and the GMT were all bi-directional with no clicks. They were a friction ring. You pushed down on the ring to "unlock" it, and then rotate it to where you wanted, then released it and it stayed in place until it was moved again.. Rolex included this handy reference for the user: This was seen as a safety issue for Divers who needed the timer to time decompression sets or submerge time, and underwater, you didn't want to make a mistake or have the bezel turned in the wrong direction so in the late 70's/80's we got the clicking version.. Since the clicking bezel started we now have . Any Sub, 120 clicks and counter-clockwise rotation only, aluminum insert (newest releases will be ceramic) . Sea Dweller, 120 clicks and counter-clockwise rotation only, aluminum insert . The New DSSD, 120 clicks and counterclockwise only, ceramic insert. . The GMT II 16710, 120 clicks and rotates either direction, aluminum insert . The GMT II 116710, 24 clicks and rotates in either direction, ceramic insert . The Turn-O Graph, which was re-introduced in the 70's as a DateJust line, no-clicks and turns either direction, solid bezel. . The Yachtmaster, 120 clicks, rotates in either direction, precious metal insert. . The Yachtmaster II, partial-rotating bezel for function actuation, ceramic insert.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

3 February 2009, 02:48 AM	#2
DSJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: USA Watch: your step! Posts: 7,882	__________________ Rolex. The Rolex of watches. 16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II, 2552.80 SMP

3 February 2009, 02:50 AM	#3
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Good info as always, Larry. Thanks!! JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

3 February 2009, 03:04 AM	#4
ocwatching "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Phil Location: CA Posts: 5,374	Larry, I am new the forum but have come to appreciate your excellent "reporting"...GREAT INFO that I have used in my purchase...and I wanted to say THANK YOU and keep it coming! __________________ too much into watches...

3 February 2009, 04:35 AM	#8
rocco1109 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Will Location: Colorado USA Posts: 556	Good info. Which Turn-o-graph are you referring to that clicks? FYI...my F series (2004) Turn-o-graph bezel does not click. It turns smoothly in either direction.

3 February 2009, 03:07 AM	#5
Luv rolex 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Islam Location: Montreal, Canada Watch: DJ,SD 4000,LV Posts: 742	Larry, exactly like i wanted. U r the best

3 February 2009, 03:09 AM	#6
Luv rolex 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Islam Location: Montreal, Canada Watch: DJ,SD 4000,LV Posts: 742	But what about the new subs????

3 February 2009, 04:42 AM	#10
kokota 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 1,276	Great piece of info. Thanks!

3 February 2009, 04:50 AM	#11
Tony-GB "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: Oxfordshire, UK Watch: 116680 & 116622 Posts: 3,953	Thanks Larry __________________ "...why oh why, didn't I take the blue pill...?" http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/ www.cheetah.org

3 February 2009, 06:37 AM	#12
yannis "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Yannis Location: Europe Watch: maniac Posts: 9,070	Thanks for the info Mr Encyclopedia!! __________________ Rolex Submariner 116610LV \| Tudor 79220N DSSD MEMBERS - OWNERS CLUB

3 February 2009, 08:03 AM	#14
mixedccr Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: omar Location: singapore Watch: deepsea Posts: 192	Thanks Larry!

3 February 2009, 01:42 PM	#15
Latrodectus 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Fred Location: KY, USA Watch: GMT-Master II Posts: 10,043	Thanks Larry, great info __________________ Member # 16057 4-Hands Club Tosser Club Member TRF Skypers Group

3 February 2009, 01:45 PM	#16
Bisquitlips 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Richard Location: USA Watch: YM Deep Space Posts: 12,521	This is a keeper!! __________________ Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm (SS-YG / Deep Space MOP) 16623 Breitling Aerospace Titanium / 18K with UTC. Omega Speedmaster 3510.50 Oris TT1 Pro Diver Regulator 43MM

3 February 2009, 03:15 PM	#17
marshallr47 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Real Name: Ron Location: Alabama Watch: Daytona,TT Sub,GMT Posts: 4,673	Good stuff Larry. Thanks. __________________ Ron

3 February 2009, 06:25 PM	#19
Singslinger "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: singapore Posts: 6,424	Brilliant stuff, as always. Thanks!

3 February 2009, 06:38 PM	#20
swatty 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Peter Location: Sydney Watch: The Game Posts: 17,415	Thanks Larry, great info

3 February 2009, 06:49 PM	#21
BiG JeEzY "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Jerome Location: N. California Watch: GMT I/EXP II/DJ Posts: 3,351	Gotta love the whole concept with Rolex bezels. How they make the watch do more than just tell the time. __________________ -Rolex Explorer II Black dial 16570 (circa 2001) -Rolex GMT Master I Pepsi 1675 (circa 1978) -Rolex Datejust TT Champagne 16233 (circa 1991) -Vintage Longines Automatic La Grande Classique -Vintage Seiko 6138 Automatic Chronograph with "Kakume" Dial

3 February 2009, 07:19 PM	#22
brettpaul "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Brett Location: Bahrain, Dubai Watch: Rolex and AP Posts: 5,538	Excellent info and history - thanks Larry!

3 February 2009, 10:47 PM	#23
akhamdani Banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Home! Posts: 500	Interresting .Thanks.

4 February 2009, 01:58 PM	#24
Dalton TechXpert Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Dal Location: Seattle Watch: 168000 Posts: 1,614	great thread! It's also interesting, if you get a chance, to look at the bezels and compare the changes.

5 August 2009, 03:11 AM	#25
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Now part of the Reference Library......... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

19 August 2009, 11:33 PM	#26
SDDS "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Yazan Location: Canada Posts: 4,782	thank u __________________ Patek Philippe 5167 Patek Philippe 5905P black dial Rolex Deepsea 116660 M series Rolex Oysterquartz 17000 N series Rolex OP 41MM 124300 Green Dial

27 September 2009, 04:22 PM	#27
JediRolex "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Derek Location: Chicago Watch: 114060 Posts: 447	I just purchased a Y Serial GMT 16710-T and the bezel does not click at all, just smooth friction. Is this normal?

28 September 2009, 01:47 AM	#28
tthopp05 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY Watch: THE MIGHTY DEEPSEA Posts: 839	Thanks for the info

28 September 2009, 06:13 PM	#29
BahnNZ "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Hugh Location: Auckland Watch: GMT Master Posts: 14	Never actually knew you could lock it. Learn something new every day. :) ... and forget 2 old things.

13 October 2009, 08:50 AM	#30
Kerry G Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Macon, GA Watch: Rolex Turn-o-Graph Posts: 34	I have an '06 TOG and it is smooth like mentioned but I had a Thunderbird in the 90's that if I remember correctly did click and went only one way. Someone can either confirm or correct me on that.

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