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
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
32mm
Model
Bubbleback
Movement
Automatic
Reference
3131
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1938
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Featuring a stunningly well-aged silver dial that has turned champagne over the decades, this example's radium quarter Arabic dial is a wonderful reminder of where watchmaking was in the 1930s and 1940s.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring its eponymous bubbled caseback, the 18kt yellow gold ref. 3131 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
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 yellow gold case shows numerous surface scratches and small nicks consistent with age, with a still-legible stamp visible on the rear of the top left lug. The case back retains well-defined reference and serial number stamps. The original winding crown remains present, though much of the finish has worn away. The dial shows marks and degradation across the surface, with the lume having aged to a very dark hue. The blued hour and minute hands appear to have been relumed, while the gold-toned seconds hand shows light spotting. It is fitted with an alligator strap and a gold-plated Rolex pin buckle. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Rich with a luxurious aesthetic thanks to its 18kt yellow gold case and well-preserved radium lume dial, this example has quite a unique wrist presence that only these vintage Bubblebacks seem to be able to offer, which may suggest why they are experiencing such a surge in popularity.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
