i have very little experience with rolex, so i'd really appreciate all yoir input on this piece.

is it legit?

 

To help with your research, the case has reference numbers. At the 12 you have the model number and at the 6, the serial, which would give you an idea of the year production.
Do you have a picture of the bracelet clasp?

 

serial pics to follow

 

thanks again gguys

 

16250 is the correct reference for a turn-o-graph/thunderbird with this bezel type... looks like a cal 3035 movement, which again would be right for a 16250... google image search throws these up with linen dials fitted.

Certainly looks like what should be there is there, to my untrained eye.

 

Looks like a very fine example!
For your information -
A 7.1 serial is an approximate 1981-82 year of production, which also matches the approximate year of the bracelet - "G" clasp code (1982).

 

by the way..i tried to rotate the bezel and there is no clicks like other divers...is it normal? sorry stupid question. thinking if i should get it as my first rolex

 

No clickers on these bezels.
Hopefully price is right..

 

hahaha so tempted to inquire to all of you for valuation. but i dont think it is allowed here haha

 

A couple on Ebay listed, sitting there, for $3.7-3.9..
A two tone head sold on Ebay for about $3.3. (high for my liking)
Here are a few on watchrecon to give you an idea:
https://www.watchrecon.com/?query=thunderbird&last_days=0&brand=rolex
.
Couple TTs sold for appx $1.9 and $2.4.
The condition of the one you are looking is great. But I would not wonder more in the higher range unless you know service history and it comes with accessories. BUT.. IF the watch sings to you, by all means, pick it up.

 

thanks for the info guys....price seems right and within the range mentioned by TTG. all seems to ne good signs to get the piece, even it has no box and papers

however i am still trying to find image of 16250 turnograph with linen dial. all the linen dial shown is the normal oyster bezel.

which site did you see 16250 linen dial?
sorry for the trouble guys, just want to make double sure that my first rolex in collection will not be a bombay special....

 

Hmm... sorry, was looking on my phone before, and think I was seeing 16000's with linen dials.

It could be that this shipped with this dial, or that it was replaced at a service, or a customer request?

I will say, that if you're not 100%, back away, there are always more watches... this one does look nice though.

 

Nice condition early 80's Turn-o-Graph (thunderbird).

Fortunoff (The Source!!!) and Tourneau used to advertise these things like crazy on local NYC television accompanied by this very dramatic sounding music.

I would've been in middle school then - funny the things we remember.

Anyway, this watch seems to always sell for a tiny bit less than a same year DateJust.

So, maybe like $2,650 or so ?

-rich

 

That was my concern on the dial as well.

 

That definitely looks legit and for under $3k should be a good price. A nice watch for sure. May warrant an overhaul if it doeznt keep to cosc time.

If you still have any doubts there are a couple of guys on the rolex forums who can help validate.

 

It may just be the lighting but it looks like the rotor has been rubbing the case back so the axel will need replacing if it hasn't already.

 

been googling pics of turnograph all night....still can't find picture with linen dial...gosh...pitty...i really like the piece actually....

 

and for some reason i cannot post in rolex forum to ask...

 

There's a seller in New York with 2 of these for sale and one of which is straight up mint.

I know for a fact this guy is honest. He's asking high 3's but I bet he'll take low 3's...

 

nice TOG with texture dial