Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116261 Rose Gold Black Dial

The Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Ref. 116261 with black dial is one of the most distinctive and underrated Rolex sports watches of the modern era, combining traditional Datejust elegance with the functionality of a rotating timing bezel. Its 36mm case pairs stainless steel with 18k Everose gold, most notably on the graduated, bidirectional fluted bezel that allows the wearer to measure elapsed time. The black dial creates a dramatic contrast against the warm Everose gold accents and is further distinguished by a bright red seconds hand, red date numerals, and red Turn-O-Graph signature at 6 o'clock. These sporty details give the watch a character unlike a conventional Datejust while connecting it to the Turn-O-Graph lineage that began in 1953 with Rolex's first serially produced wristwatch featuring a rotating bezel.

Powering the 116261 is Rolex's legendary Caliber 3135, a 31-jewel automatic chronometer movement renowned for its durability, accuracy, and long-term reliability, with a quick-set date and approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The watch also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnifier, Twinlock screw-down crown, and 100 meters of water resistance, giving it genuine everyday capability despite its luxurious two-tone construction. Particularly significant within the final generation of Turn-O-Graphs, the 116261 was the first version of the model to incorporate Rolex's Everose gold, giving collectors an unusual combination of Datejust refinement, precious-metal warmth, and genuine tool-watch history. With the Turn-O-Graph ultimately discontinued, the black-dial 116261 remains a fascinating neo-vintage Rolex for collectors looking beyond the usual Submariner, GMT-Master, and Datejust references.

Reference: 116261

Serial: D,407,XXX

Bezel: 18K Rose Gold - Fluted

Bracelet: 18k Rose gold and steel super Jubilee Bracelet

Case: 36mm x 12mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: 3135 - Automatic - Serviced 05/20/25 - one year warranty

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date

Accessories: No box or papers - watch only

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7”

Case has minimal micro wear. Bracelet has little to no wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Watch was serviced by us and comes with a one year warranty.

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, before moving to Geneva in 1919 to be closer to the heart of Swiss watchmaking. From the start, Wilsdorf envisioned a wristwatch that was not only elegant, but also precise and reliable—an ambitious goal at a time when pocket watches dominated. Rolex went on to pioneer key innovations in horology, including the first officially certified chronometer wristwatch, the Oyster case (the world’s first waterproof wristwatch), and the Perpetual rotor—the self-winding mechanism that became the standard for modern automatic watches. These technical breakthroughs laid the foundation for Rolex’s enduring reputation for rugged luxury and mechanical excellence.

Today, Rolex is arguably the most recognized name in watches, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, Datejust, and GMT-Master becoming cultural icons in their own right. Whether tied to deep-sea exploration, motorsport, aviation, or mountain summits, each model reflects the brand’s commitment to performance and precision under extreme conditions. The brand’s status is bolstered by its unmatched consistency in design, rigorous in-house testing, and long-standing associations with exploration, sport, and achievement. For collectors and enthusiasts, Rolex represents more than a timepiece—it’s a benchmark of mechanical reliability, timeless design, and global prestige.