Few watches in the history of copy Rolex have been as distinctive as the Datejust Turn-O-Graph (aka Thunderbird). At first glance, it looks like a standard Datejust, but a closer look reveals a 60-minute scale on a rotating white gold bezel of the same name, providing a unique aesthetic element as well as additional functionality on the wrist. The name “Thunderbirds” is derived from the nickname of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, which was formed in 1953 as the first supersonic aerobatic team. The story goes that a pilot began wearing the Turn-O-Graph, which eventually became the squadron’s go-to watch – a nickname that soon emerged. 
When it was launched at the beginning of the 21st century, Ref. 116264 represented the last generation of the Thunderbird before it was discontinued in 2012. The model introduced a fluted bezel for the Turn-O-Graph, which actually further bridged the gap between Rolex tool watches and formal watch styles. It also introduced a number of new dial colors and configurations, including the now-iconic red second’s dial, which helped distinguish the watch not only from previous generations of Thunderbirds but also from its contemporaries in the standard Datejust line. 116264, while the most modern of Rolex’s Thunderbirds, is a classic example – versatile, visually distinctive, and ready for anything ready. Its 36 mm Oyster case ensures a comfortable fit, while its fluted bezel adds a touch of elegant contrast, perfectly capturing the “high-low” aesthetic that has characterized the collection for more than 50 years.
In 2020, Rolex released a new, slightly larger 41mm Submariner with slimmer lugs, a wider strap, and a new (to the Submariner) caliber 3230. While replica Rolex is easily the most conservative progressive brand when it comes to updating its classic designs, some collectors believe that the new Submariner goes – however minimally – a little too far. As a result, over the past two years, 40mm “six-figure” Submariners, such as the two-tone 116613 we have here, have become “classics” worthy of any collector’s attention.
The fake Rolex Submariner is probably the most recognizable watch in the world, and when made in two-tone steel and gold, it represents serious luxury all the more. We love the six-figure Submariner of this era for its exquisite case and bracelet, ceramic bezel insert, slim 13mm thickness, and excellent 3135 movements with date and 48-hour automatic running.
