Lot #4657
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5003 Ladies Bubbleback 18k YG with 14k Oyster Bracelet
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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
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$2,000 – $4,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
24mm
Model
Oyster Perpetual
Movement
Automatic
Reference
5003
Bracelet
14kt yellow gold rivet bracelet
Year
1960
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver

THE DIAL
Featuring a bright silver dial, this example's display is defined by its use of intriguing applied hour markers, which are differently shaped triangular indices with large triangles used for the 3 and 6 o'clock markers, and smaller markers for the other hours.

THE CONSTRUCTION
Combining an 18kt yellow gold case with a 14kt yellow gold rivet bracelet, this ref. 5003 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 good condition. The yellow gold case shows softened edges with surface scratches and small nicks as expected of a watch of this vintage. The case back has surface scratches and the engine-turned bezel shows signs of wear. The watch retains its original Oyster crown. The dial shows surface marks with some lume missing, and the hands display oxidation. It is fitted with a yellow gold Oyster rivet bracelet with stretch between some of the links and fits approximately a 5¾” wrist. Please note the watch itself is 18k YG, but the band is 14k YG.
Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended. weight: 43g
Our Perspective
A beautifully designed watch with its unique engine-turned bezel, bubbleback caseback, 14kt yellow gold Oyster bracelet, and stunning silver dial, this 18kt yellow gold Ladies Bubbleback ref. 5008 will certainly make for a unique addition to any collection.















