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Lot #4698

Rolex Bubbleback 2764 Two-Tone Salmon and Black Dial Retailed by Mappin & Webb

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Introduction

Introduced in 1933 and produced long into the early 1950s, the Rolex Bubbleback saw countless variations of itself produced with various metals used and paired with one another, an exhaustive array of dial configurations and bracelets and straps utilized over its storied past. Featuring some distinctive hooded case designs and constructed from everything such as stainless steel, steel and gold, rose gold, and various weights of yellow gold, the Bubbleback was even powered by both, manual wind and automatic movements in the 1930’s such was its eclectic design history. As a result, the Rolex Bubbleback watches represent a very different Rolex than the sophisticated and clean brand that they have come to be in the last decade or so. Featuring a mix of designs for their luminous indexes and hands over the years, the Bubbleback models have come to signify a select period in Rolex’s history that collectors enjoy paying homage to in their collections. With their eponymous bubbled caseback, the Bubbleback still forms the linchpin of anyone’s collection that wants to pay homage to Rolex’s once quirky design language while owning a timepiece that is seldom seen today in the modern horological landscape.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

V 8

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$10,000 – $15,000

The Details

Brand

Rolex

Dimensions

32mm

Model

Bubbleback

Movement

Automatic cal. 620N

Reference

2764

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

1941

Condition

Very good

Material

Stainless steel

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Salmon and black

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Featuring a stunning two-tone salmon and black dial that stands out against its stainless steel construction, this example's display features blued hands along with stylish Arabic numerals.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

Featuring its eponymous bubbled caseback (signed by Mappin & Webb as the original retailer), the ref. 2764 that we have here is full of character, thanks to its svelte 32mm case diameter and humped caseback that was used to accommodate its automatic movement.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in overall very good condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and nicks, while the case back retains well-defined serial and reference stamps along with a still-legible Mappin engraving and stock number, with some wear and dings visible to the tool teeth. The watch retains its original Oyster Patent crown. The dial shows surface marks, oxidation and and some spotting in areas. The blued hands show some oxidation, and are original Rolex, but may have been changed at some point (this dial is typically seen with rose colored hands). It is fitted with a vintage Rolex leather strap and a steel Rolex pin buckle. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.

Our Perspective

A beautifully designed watch with its understated flat bezel, retailer-engraved bubble caseback and appealing two-tone salmon and black dial, this Rolex ref. 2764 will certainly make for a unique addition to any collection.

Eric Ku

Co-founder