Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback 14K Solid Yellow Gold With Original Silver Numbered Dial (1946)

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#60668 - Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback 14K Solid Yellow Gold With Original Silver Numbered Dial

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback - Original Silver Dial

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Year: 1946

Price: SOLD (10/4/20)

Shipping (Within UK): FREE
Shipping (Worldwide): £12

Description

Model 3131 (3 piece case) 14K yellow gold Bubbleback in fantastic condition - case is virtually flawless & the watch retains its original silver/champagne numbered dial which is in untouched condition. Very rare.

The bubbleback was given it's nickname due to the protruding bubble which is actually the rear cover of the case. This was necessary as Rolex early automatic movements needed the extra room for the auto-winding mechanism.

There is a section in the book: "The Best Of Time - Rolex Wristwatches" by James M. Dowling which briefly outlines collecting vintage Rolex watches (page 350). It details the importance of having a bubbleback in any vintage Rolex collection.

Case

Solid 14K yellow gold case in wonderfull condition with no marks or scratches anywhere. The plain polished bezel and rear cover are both in excellent, unmarked condition with the rear cover showing no damage or marks to the fine toothed edge. Serial number still clearly visible in between the lug at 6 o'clock. Serial number is 418xxx and can easily be read with the nake eye. This is a 3 piece case and it's model number is 3131. The small indentation on the side of the case (at approx. 9 o'clock is a hallmark and NOT damage).

The original screw down winding crown is present and in excellent condition with both the text and the toothed edge being very crisp and clearly defined. We have checked and compared the movement revision number against the crown along with the inscriptions inside the rear cover and they match perfectly, telling us that they are all original and have always been together. This is a completely original example rather than a put together or 'marraige' watch.

The dimensions of the case are 32mm in diameter (not including crown – 34mm inc.), 13.5mm thick and 38.5mm lug to lug.

Dial & Crystal

The lovely original numbered dial is in excellent shap with a slight but very pleasant, even patina. It is very rare to find bubblebacks with original dials and most that do come up are in very poor condition and oftentimes, not really wearable. This one is superb and doesn't look tired at all. It has applied gold numbers with matching gold hour and minute hands with a blued steel centre seconds hand (also all original). The low dome crystal is correct for the watch and a likely replacement but is in perfect condition with no scratches or chips.

Bracelet/Strap

We have fitted a brand new, very high quality HIRSCH 'GenuineCroco' dark brown leather strap with gold-filled pin-buckle which we feel complements the watch perfectly.

We are HIRSCH stockists and can change the strap to any from their 'Classic' machine made range, or 'artisanal' range of superb hand-made straps if you desire (subject to cost). Please contact us for further details.

Movement

Completely original automatic movement in excellent condition showing very little wear, running well and keeping excellent time. This is a 5th generation bubbleback movement which was used between 1945-1946.

The movement has been completely overhauled and will continue to give many years of enjoyment and reliable service.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories

As with the majority of pre-owned & vintage Rolex 5-10 yrs or older, this particular watch does not come with its original boxes or warranty certificate. It does however come with the dark green/beige presentation box shown in the final image. The watch is 100% genuine and rest assured, we give a lifetime guarantee on the authenticity of all the watches we sell.

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