Lot #4586
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback 3131 Refinished California Dial 14k RG
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Introduction
Introduced in 1933 and produced long into the early 1950s, 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.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
32mm
Model
Bubbleback
Movement
Automatic
Reference
3131
Bracelet
Gold-plated unsigned expansion oyster style rivet band
Year
1946
Condition
Excellent
Material
14kt rose gold case (bracelet is plated)
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
REFINISHED Salmon Pink California-Style Dial
THE DIAL
Boasting a professionally refinished dial, this example's salmon California dial features Arabic numerals on its lower half, Roman numerals in its upper half, and stick indices at its quarters with the exception of a triangle at 12 o'clock, creating a wonderfully unique combination of hour markers.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring its eponymous bubbled caseback, the ref. 3131 that we have here is full of character thanks to its svelte 32mm case diameter and humped caseback that was used to accommodate its automatic movement. Made of solid 14kt gold and mounted to a gold-plated bracelet, this watch is rich with a luxurious aesthetic.
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 rose gold case shows light surface marks and nicks consistent with age, with a well-defined hallmark visible on the back of the upper right lug. The case back displays light surface scratches and some wear to the case back teeth. The watch retains its rare early ROLEX OYSTER crown. The refinished dial remains excellent, and the hands appear to have been relumed at some point. It is fitted with a generic gold-plated rivet-style bracelet showing some wear to the finish. The watch was serviced in January 2026.
Our Perspective
Rich with a luxurious aesthetic thanks to its 14kt rose gold case, gold-plated bracelet, and refinished California dial, this example has quite a unique wrist presence 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
