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1968 Rolex Datejust 1625 - Stainless Steel Turn-o-graph Bezel

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The Original Tool Watch Bezel
Before the Submariner and the GMT-Master, there was the Turn-o-graph. Introduced in 1953, the rotating bezel was Rolex’s first serially produced tool watch feature, designed to measure elapsed time. The reference 1625 integrated this functional bezel into the classic Datejust silhouette, creating a watch that was part dress piece, part instrument. It’s a historically significant configuration that didn't last, occupying a unique space in the brand's history before the dedicated sport models took over.
A Conversation Piece From The Four Digit Era
This 1968 example is a great entry into the world of four-digit vintage Rolex. The Turn-o-graph bezel, sometimes nicknamed the "Thunderbird" after the USAF aerobatic squadron that adopted it, gives the watch a distinctive character. It offers a different feel from a standard fluted or smooth bezel, adding a layer of sporty utility to the otherwise classic silver stick dial. For those who appreciate the nuances of vintage Rolex design, this bezel is a fun and uncommon talking point.
A Clean Example Of A Classic
This Datejust is in good overall condition. The stainless steel case appears unpolished, maintaining its vintage profile, and the silver stick dial is clean and classic. The defining feature, the Turn-o-graph bezel, is in good shape and operates as it should. The watch is presented on a leather strap, emphasizing its versatile nature. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
A Smarter Way Into Vintage Rolex
This watch is for the person who wants more than a standard-issue Datejust. The Turn-o-graph bezel provides a genuine point of difference and a story that connects directly to the origin of Rolex's iconic sport watches. It’s a watch that balances dress and tool aesthetics perfectly, offering a piece of Rolex history that still flies under the radar for many. It’s a smart, interesting choice that stands out in a room full of more common references.
Key Specs
Reference: 1625
Model: Datejust
Year: 1968
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 36mm
Bezel: Turn-o-graph
Strap: Leather
Dial: Silver Stick
Metal: Stainless Steel
SKU: 1273