Lot #3508
Rolex Bubbleback 3372 Semi-California Dial 24hr Track Two-Tone Pink Gold and Steel
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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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
32mm
Model
Bubbleback
Movement
Self-Winding Cal. 9 1/2"
Reference
3372
Bracelet
Stainless steel and 18kt pink gold beads of rice bracelet
Year
1944
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel and 18kt pink gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring a stunning silver dial, this example's 24-hour track 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 two-tone 18kt pink gold and stainless steel beads of rice bracelet presented in wonderful condition - a true treat for Rolex collectors given its rarity in their catalog.
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
The 32mm stainless steel case is in excellent condition, with a few marks commensurate with the watch's age. The case back features very crisp engravings of the serial number and RWC details. The pink gold bezel is in excellent condition, retaining good definition on its engine-turned finish. The dial is outstanding, featuring luminous Arabic numerals on the outer track and a 24-hour scale on the inner section, with all printing remaining crisp. The hands have been relumed at some point, but match the dial luminous well. The Rolex-signed steel and pink gold beads of rice bracelet has 23 links, fits an approximately 7" wrist, and is in excellent overall condition.
Our Perspective
A beautifully designed watch with its unique engine-turned bezel, bubbleback caseback, beads of rice bracelet, and stunning silver 24-hour California dial, this 18kt pink gold and stainless steel Bubbleback ref. 3372 will certainly make for a unique addition to any collection.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
