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Lot #1324

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6018 Bombé Case Honeycomb Dial

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Introduction

Introduced in 1933 and produced long into the early 1950s, the Rolex Bubbleback saw countless variations of itself produced in various metals, with an exhaustive array of dial configurations and a plethora of different bracelets and straps utilized over its storied past. Perhaps one of the most elusive of these combinations is the Oyster Perpetual “bombé” or “Bombay” in English, meaning “domed.” Offered with a wide variety of dials across its several references, the Oyster Perpetual Bombay is named as such due to its incredibly unique domed lugs. Unlike the majority of Rolex’s designs, the Bombay’s eponymous lugs are accentuated through sharp bevels along their hoods and gentle slopes as they wrap around the watch and sit into its mid-case. Produced from the 1940s until the 1950s, this incredibly rare variety of the Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback is an enthusiast favorite. Examples like ours here remain incredibly hard to find, thanks to the deep appreciation collectors have for these wonderfully unique timepieces.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

V 8

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$3,000 – $5,000

The Details

Brand

Rolex

Dimensions

34mm

Model

Oyster Perpetual "Bombay"

Movement

Automatic

Reference

6018

Bracelet

Leather Strap

Year

Circa 1950s

Condition

Very Good

Material

14k Yellow Gold

Included

Watch Only

Dial Color

White

THE DIAL

Featuring a stunning off-white dial with a subtle waffle texture, this remarkable dial retains its arrow-shaped hour markers and elegant dauphine hands.

THE CONSTRUCTION

Easily the Bombay's most emblematic piece of design, its unique lugs taper elegantly from its case with a confident candor that gives it a significantly unique aesthetic in comparison to its Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback siblings.

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 watch is in very good overall condition. The case with surface wear and tarnishing. There are crisp hallmarks under the lugs and what appears to be a hand stamped inventory number to the underside of on of the lugs, similar to those of Ricciardi. The numbers between the lugs have been worn over time and are no longer visible. The dial is very attractive and with light minimal signs of aging.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, an alternative leather strap to the existing exotic version, shall be provided.

Our Perspective

A special watch that we rarely come across in the modern market, the Bombay signifies the Rolex of old and their ability to explore stylistic freedoms that we don't see them tap into as often as they should anymore.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder