Rolex Datejust 1625
Popularly known as the ‘Thunderbird’ or ‘Turn-O-Graph’, the Rolex Datejust 1625 is a vintage model with high appeal among collectors and enthusiasts alike. The watch captivates with its striking combination of classic Datejust style and a rotating timing bezel. It has a 36mm case, available in various materials, including solid gold, two-tone and steel with a white gold bezel, catering to diverse tastes. The dial features the classic Datejust layout with a date window at 3 o’clock and is paired with a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet. The Datejust 1625’s versatility as both a sporty-leaning and a dress watch earns it collectable status in the horological realm and makes it appropriate for both casual and formal settings. Powered by the robust Calibre 1570, this Rolex 1625 assures strength, accuracy and reliability in all situations.
352 Items
Sort By
Key Features of the Rolex Datejust 1625
Introduced in 1959, the Rolex Datejust 1625 is a unique iteration that blends the classic aesthetic of a standard Datejust with the sporty utility of a rotating timing bezel. Originally associated with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic squadron, this model captivates with its vintage charm, timeless versatility and robust movement. It is popularly known as the ‘Turn-O-Graph’ or ‘Thunderbird’, and occupies a notable place in Rolex’s storied history for its distinctive design and characteristics.
Below are the key features that make the Datejust 1625 stand out:
Turn-O-Graph Bezel
One of the key characteristics of the Rolex Datejust 1625 is its bi-directional rotating bezel with 60-minute graduations, originally designed for elapsed-time calculation. Popularly referred to as “Thunderbird”, the reference 1625 was one of the first Rolex models to boast a rotating timing bezel, combining sporty utility with classic Datejust elegance.
Oyster Case
Coming in a 36mm Oyster case, the Datejust 1625 is available in three main configurations: two-tone stainless steel with an 18ct yellow gold bezel, stainless steel with an 18ct white gold bezel and solid yellow or pink gold. The 36mm sizing offers strong wrist presence while maintaining everyday versatility.
Dial & Crystal
Equipped with an acrylic crystal and a Cyclops lens over the date display, the Rolex 1625 is available in various dial colours, including silver, champagne, black, and blue, as well as rare ‘ghost’, ‘Sigma’, ‘Linen’, and tropical dials. Many vintage examples of 1625 showcase the iconic ‘pie-pan’ style dial, adorned with baton indices, Roman numerals, etc.
Bracelet
The watches are available on the sporty three-piece link Oyster bracelet and the dressier five-piece link Jubilee bracelet. However, both bracelet types offer optimal fit and comfort on the wrist.
Movement
The Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 1625 is primarily powered by the robust Calibre 1570 automatic movement, with earlier models utilising the Calibre 1560. The 1570 is regarded as one of Rolex’s most reliable and robust automatic movements from the 1970s, providing up to 48 hours of power reserve.
Notable Dial Variations of the Rolex Datejust 1625
Produced from the late 1950s through the 1970s, the Rolex Datejust 1625 comes in a wide array of dial designs to suit different tastes and preferences.
Below are some of the most notable dial variants:
-
Ghost Dial: a rare grey-tone dial with a ‘stealth’ aesthetic that changes hue depending on the light.
-
Tropical Dial: over time, the lacquer on certain vintage models fades, turning the original blue, grey, or black dials into a reddish or unique brown hue.
-
Pie-Pan Dial: these dials have a multi-faceted surface, with the outer minute track slightly sloped relative to the central portion, creating a step-like effect.
-
Sigma Dial: easily identifiable by small sigma symbols (σ) on the sides of the “Swiss” designation at 6 o’clock.
-
Matte & Gloss lacquer dials: these are the most common and popular variants, with matte dial being more utilitarian and gloss dials introducing a deeper shine.
Why Buy a Used Rolex Datejust 1625 from The Luxury Hut?
When considering adding a used Rolex 1625 to your collection, choosing a reputable platform like The Luxury Hut offers peace of mind in an often complex pre-owned watch market. Our meticulous authentication process, combined with our many years of expertise and knowledge of used Rolex watches, ensures you’re getting a 100% genuine piece of horological history.
We boast a wide inventory of used Datejust 1625 watches, each carefully handpicked by our experts to ensure quality, condition and performance. Moreover, we provide a 12-month warranty, a 14-day easy return policy and our Authenticity Certificate for further assurance.
Buying a pre-owned vintage Rolex is a significant decision, and you’d want to maintain your investment for years to come. With this in mind, we’re committed to offering the most competitive prices for used Rolex Datejust 1625, so you can enjoy the best value of this vintage classic without a hefty upfront cost.
Enjoy convenient online shopping with our free, insured doorstep delivery or visit us with a prior appointment for personalised assistance. We guarantee expert advice, excellent service and a secure, professional buying process; either way. Contact us directly on 0207 242 9160 for any queries.