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
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
32mm
Model
Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback
Movement
Automatic
Reference
5015
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1948
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Featuring an aged silver dial that has turned champagne in color, this example's display is defined by its use of thin applied hour markers throughout and sharp dauphine golden hands.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring an 18kt yellow gold case, this ref. 5015 makes for a luxurious piece on the wrist, especially with its unique engine-turned bezel.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but cannot be read by our timing machine. A service is recommended.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. 18k yellow gold case is in excellent condition, with well defined lugs and edges that exhibit some minor surface wear. The engine turned bezel is well definied, with only minor wear along the edges. The original dial is in good overall condition. It exhibits crazing and aging along the dial surface, with some more dark spots along the upper right edge of the dial. Hands are clean. Watch comes on a generic strap with a plated gold tone buckle.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
A beautifully designed watch with its unique engine-turned bezel, bubbleback caseback, and unique dial, this 18kt yellow gold Bubbleback ref. 5015 will certainly make for a unique addition to any collection.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
