Rolex Turn-O-Graph 6202

The Rolex Turn-O-Graph 6202 , produced for a remarkably short period between 1953 and circa 1954/55 , holds a pivotal place in Rolex history as the brand’s first serially produced wristwatch featuring a rotating bezel. This innovation, designed for timing elapsed intervals up to an hour, established the 6202 as the original Rolex tool watch and a direct precursor to iconic models like the Submariner and GMT-Master. Housed in a 35.5mm stainless steel Oyster case (an extremely rare two-tone version also existed) , it featured distinctive dials, most commonly black gilt, but also rare honeycomb or waffle textures. Powered primarily by the Rolex Caliber A260 automatic movement , the 6202 combined the robustness of the Oyster case with the novel functionality of its “time-recording-rim” bezel. Its brief production run (estimated ~1,000 units ) and foundational role make it a rare and highly significant collectible.  

Specifications Table

(Note: Dimensions like diameter, thickness, and especially lug width show variations across sources, potentially due to early production inconsistencies or measurement methods.)

Variations and Key Features

The Rolex Ref. 6202 Turn-O-Graph, produced briefly between 1953 and circa 1954/55, exhibits several variations characteristic of Rolex’s more experimental phase in the early 1950s.  

Case:

• Material: Primarily stainless steel. An extremely rare two-tone (steel and 18k yellow gold) version was briefly produced.  
• Size: Typically 35.5mm-36mm diameter.  
• Construction: Oyster case with screw-down back and crown. Case backs often stamped “6202” and a date code (e.g., “IV.53”, “I.54”). Some may have “Modele Depose” engraving.  
• Crown: Original crowns featured the “Brevet +” marking.  

Bezel:

• Function: Bidirectional rotating bezel for timing up to 60 minutes.  
• Insert: Fully graduated with 60 units, often hashes/dots. Featured a prominent red triangle at zero. Material reports vary (Bakelite, Brass Nickeled, Aluminum). Original, undamaged inserts are rare and valuable.  

Dial:

• Black Gilt: Most common variant. Glossy black surface with gold-colored (gilt) text, chapter ring, and marker surrounds. Can age to “tropical” brown.  
• Textured: Rare white or off-white dials with “Honeycomb” or “Waffle” patterns, often with applied markers.  
• Monometer: Extremely rare variant branded “Monometer” instead of “Turn-O-Graph”.  
• Lume: Radium lume used on markers and hands, typically aging to yellow/cappuccino hues. Matching, original lume is crucial for value.  

Hands:

• Styles: Gilt hands, commonly “Mercedes” style , but earlier examples may have “Pencil” hands.  

Movement:

• Caliber: Most commonly cited as Caliber A260 (automatic, 19 jewels, chronometer). Calibers A296 and 645 are also mentioned in some sources, possibly indicating variation or reporting discrepancies.  

Crystal:

• Domed acrylic (plexiglass).  

Bracelet:

• Typically Oyster rivet bracelet (sometimes with straight end links). Jubilee bracelets are also seen, possibly as period-correct alternatives or replacements.  

The combination of its historical significance as the first Rolex with a rotating bezel, its direct influence on the Submariner, its short production run, and its various rare configurations makes the Ref. 6202 a highly prized collectible among vintage Rolex enthusiasts.