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
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
5011
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1948
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring an aged silver dial that has turned champagne in color, this example's display is defined by its use of golden applied hour markers throughout and sharp luminscent alpha-style golden hands.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring an 18kt yellow gold case and matching 18kt yellow gold bracelet, this ref. 5011 makes for a luxurious piece on the wrist, especially with its unique engine-turned bezel.
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 surface scratches and more noticeable nicks to the sides, while the engine-turned bezel shows wear around the edges. The hallmarks on the backs of the lugs remain legible. The dial shows spotting across the surface, and the lume plots have blackened over time. The dagger hands remain reasonably clean with blackened lume, although the tip of the hour hand appears damaged. The blued seconds hand shows some oxidation. It is fitted with a yellow gold Oyster rivet bracelet showing surface marks, considerable stretch between the links and repairs and damage to a some of the folded sections. The bracelet is fitted with 12 links and fits approximately a 7½” wrist.
Please Note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
A beautifully designed watch with its unique engine-turned bezel, bubbleback caseback, and unique dial, this 18kt yellow gold Bubbleback ref. 5011 will certainly make for a unique addition to any collection.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
