Lot #3016
Rolex Bubbleback 3372 Salmon California Dial on Oyster Bracelet 18k RG
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Introduction
Introduced in 1933 and produced long into the late 1940s, 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.
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Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
32mm
Model
Bubbleback
Movement
Self-Winding Cal. 9 1/2"
Reference
3372
Bracelet
Expandable 18kt rose gold Oyster bracelet
Year
Circa 1938
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt rose gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Salmon

THE DIAL
Featuring a stunning salmon dial to match its 18kt rose gold construction, this example's California display boasts the iconic mix of Arabic and Roman numerals and indices filled with radium luminous. This ref. 3372 is a true collector's piece celebrating Rolex and the watchmaking industry's usage of the rare radioactive element - a material now swapped for super bright synthetic paints.

THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring its eponymous bubbled caseback, the ref. 3372 we have here is offered on its original expandable bracelet presented in wonderful condition - a true treat for Rolex collectors.

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 very good overall condition. Case has evident wear, with surface marks and scratches. Gold on the top of the crown has worn off as seen in the images. Engine turned bezel has wear along the outer edge, with some loss of definition. Serial number is engraved on back of caseback. It is lightly worn, and the last digit of the serial number is difficult to read. Original "California" dial in very good condition. There is minor surface spotting evident, as seen in the images. The dial retains its original radium luminous material. Hands are cracked as seen and have aged to a different tone. The watch comes on an original Rolex signed Oyster bracelet in 18k rose gold. It has 11 links total and fits a 7" wrist.
watch only
poor timing report
Our Perspective
A beautifully designed watch with its unique bezel, bubbleback, expandable bracelet, and radium-filled salmon California, this 18kt rose gold Bubbleback ref. 3372 will certainly make for a unique addition to any collection.