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 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
32mm
Model
Bubbleback
Movement
Automatic
Reference
2940
Bracelet
Bamboo Style Bracelet with signed Rolex clasp
Year
1945
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a black gilt dial filled with vintage character thanks to its darkened lume and interesting combination of dot hour markers with stick markers and triangle at 12 o'clock, this example's display is exceedingly beautiful.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring its eponymous bubbled caseback, the ref. 2940 we have here is full of character thanks to its svelte 32mm case diameter, humped caseback that was used to accommodate its automatic movement, and its stainless steel bamboo-style bracelet.
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 excellent vintage condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and dings consistent with age, while the case back displays nicks and damage to some of the teeth and retains a well-defined stamp. Serial number between the lugs is crisp and fully legible. There is a 4 digit number lightly engraved along the edge of the caseback. The watch still features its original rare winding crown. The dial shows some surface marks but remains in excellent condition, while the hands display damage to the lume and some oxidation. It is fitted with a Bonklip-style steel bracelet showing surface scratches and some play between the links.
Our Perspective
With its unique black gilt dial, stainless steel bracelet, and signature bubble caseback, this ref. 2940 paints a picture of mid-century watchmaking aesthetics that the watches of today often chase through heritage-inspired design language.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
