Honeycomb Dial 6609 Rolex Turn-O-Graph ‘Thunderbird’

The 6609, widely known by its nickname the ‘Thunderbird’, is one of the most important Rolexes to not be famous whatsoever. The Turn-O-Graph was the first Rolex with a rotating bezel, but it’s not even in production anymore. This 6609 is amongst the very earliest rotating bezel Datejusts, before the name Turn-O-Graph was on every dial. The Thunderbird has one of the most interesting histories of any Rolex. And you won’t find a better dial on one, it’s honeycomb. And honeycomb is pretty much instant attraction for anyone who understands Rolex history.

The Thunderbird nickname is no accident. No one knows precisely how the Turn-O-Graph bezel wound up on the wrists of the USAF Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Thunderbirds. Lore holds that one pilot previously bought one for himself on his wedding, and, after discovering how useful the rotating bezel was, he persuaded the US government placed an order for his whole team. Others say the government asked Rolex for watches at a discount, and this was what they got. What is known is that by the mid-1950s, the whole Thunderbird squadron had them on wrist and had put in an official request to Rolex to supply Thunderbird pilots with Datejust Turn-O-Graphs. An unlikely, but nonetheless very real partnership. That rotating bezel paved the way for the Submariner. From sky to sea: Rolex.

This particular Thunderbird is standout simply for its dial, known colloquially as honeycomb but it’s actuality more of a waffle texture. Honeycomb dials and their waffle, diamond texture mark a specific era of awesome from Rolex just after 1950 when the professional lines were nascent. These should really be viewed as the ‘exotic’ dial variants of what came after. They’re not nearly as collected as say a ‘true’ exotic Paul Newman Daytona is relative to a standard dial, but they have every right to command that kind of premium over the latter gloss dials. For nearly each professional Rolex, the line started around the time of honeycomb. You’ll find honeycomb in the earliest Datejusts, Submariners, Milgauss, and Turn-O-Graphs. Just don’t expect to find one in a Daytona. It’s a completely different look that signifies a very special and quite romantic point of Rolex history, these watches are the foundations of what made the brand great.

This example appears to be a clear standout. The case is full with strong edges and on the original jubilee bracelet. Its dial is the star and lovely, with deep orange radium plots and the correct roulette date disc. I’ve not seen a more attractive one. It comes from a well-regarded Dutch retailer.