Captain Herman Griffin and his one of a kind gold Rolex
Here, we're diving deep into the annals of horological history, unearthing a truly unique golden treasure – a Rolex adorned with the esteemed US Air Force "Thunderbird" insignia at the 6 o'clock mark. It proudly bears the namesake of "Herman E. Griffin" and the "Thunderbirds" etched onto its caseback, transporting us to an era far removed from today's G-Shocks and modern standards.
This particular timepiece is a reference 6605 Datejust, setting it apart from its Turn-O-Graph siblings, which in turn adds an extra layer of excitement and rarity. For those unfamiliar, these elusive watches bearing the Thunderbird insignia were worn by some of the world's finest pilots, an elite club indeed
(Above/Left) The USAF Super Sabre from around 1958, piloted by Capt. Griffin (Above/Right) Rolex Datejust 34mm Reference 6605 with the Thunderbird logo at 6'oclock
The Thunderbirds, a squadron that not only ignited the imaginations of many but also captured Rolex's attention. Through a unique campaign, Rolex outfitted each pilot with a watch, christening their reference 6609 as the "Thunderbirds." These Thunderbirds, adorned with their distinct insignia, found their way into both the hands of the public and the esteemed pilots themselves.
Now, let's get to the twist in the plot. The watch before us isn't a Turn-O-Graph; it's a Datejust – a distinction that makes it truly exceptional. In fact, there's only one other documented instance of a Thunderbirds pilot receiving the same DateJust reference, the 6605. Captain Williams, sharing the honor with Captain Griffin, sported this same reference during their distinguished service.
For those keen on a deeper dive, I recommend perusing an article by Cole Pennington over at Hodinkee here, where you can unravel more of the captivating story behind Capt. Griffin's watch.
But hold onto your hats, folks, because this incredible piece isn't up for sale. It's a cherished gem residing within a private collection, a testament to the enduring allure of horological history.
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(Above) The caseback of Datejust ref 6605 with the engraving "Herman E. Griffin, The Thunderbirds"
