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. Offered here we have a very early bubbleback example that seems to be an early model pre-dating reference numbers on the case. It boasts a rare and unusual two-tone stainless steel and 9kt pink gold construction and is powered by a manual-wind Rolex movement, which powers the two golden hands that sit above its salmon dial, which is itself decorated with applied gold Arabic numerals, and compete this example’s unusual design.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
28mm
Model
Oyster Precision
Movement
Manual-wind
Reference
N/A
Bracelet
N/A
Year
Circa 1930s
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel and 9k pink gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Salmon
THE DIAL
Boasting a bright salmon dial with large gold hands and applied gold Arabic numerals, this example's display is warm with rich vintage details, such as its faint inscriptions and antique font.
THE CONSTRUCTION
A unique watch, given its characteristic hooded lugs, this watch will boast a distinctive wrist presence on account of its utilitarian design.
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 condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and small nicks as expected of a watch of this vintage, while the case back retains a well-defined serial number with some wear visible to the tool teeth. The pink gold 9k hooded lugs show surface marks, with the ribbed hoods remaining well defined and showing some oxidation. The watch retains its original Oyster Patent crown. The salmon dial with applied Arabic numerals remains excellent, with some light surface marks, while the gold dagger hands remain clean and may have been relumed at some point. Case has fixed lugs not springbars.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
Rich with a luxurious aesthetic thanks to its pink gold hooded two-tone case and rich salmon dial, this example has quite a distinctive design 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
