Why This Watch Matters A true connoisseur's Rolex. The Full Story The Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" represents one of the most significant leaps forward in the history of sport watches. The innovative case construction featured a screw-down crown and caseback, allowing for unprecedented water-tightness of the case. Alongside the now-ubiquitous Oyster Perpetual indication, the self-winding movement inside allowed the wearer to continuously tell time without having to regularly wind the watch. The ref. 2940 we have here dates towards the latter end of the Bubbleback era in 1946 but harnesses what makes these watches so special and collectible. The details here are reminiscent of the configuration Rolex utilized in subsequent years for the "pre-Explorer" models with applied dart markers at each hour and a three, six, nine dial arrangement. The alpha hands really top off the look along with the blued steel seconds hand providing a pop of color that is classy and fits the design so well. Our watch is lumed with radium which, over the years, has taken on a golden tone and has even turned the dial creamy. The white dial has developed some patina that collectors refer to as "radium burn" from the hands. This adds to the overall look of the watch and makes the dial unique. It is a sharp watch that looks just as good today as it did 75 years ago. We paired this Bubbleback with our Sedona watch strap in mustard to play off the golden patina. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: BubblebackReference: 2940Year: 1946Case No: 404096Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 32mm width x 39.3 height; 12.8mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 9 3/4''Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In YumaLug Width: 17mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Classic "Bubbleback" shape- Luminous alpha hands- Applied hour markers- Creamy lume patina Things To Know: - Scratches on case- Radium burn in center of dial The watch is in overall excellent vintage condition. The case is strong with scratches. The back of the lugs show some scratches that are most likely from strap changes. The caseback has a few scratches and small marks. The numbers between the lugs at six o'clock are clearly visible. The smooth bezel is in good condition with scratches. The creamy off-white dial is in overall great condition with patina. The center of the dial has some concentrated patina. The hands and applied hour markers have developed patina. The blued steel seconds hand remains vibrant. The lume on the hands and on the dial have aged to nearly the same color. The crystal has light scratches. The case, dial, movement, and crown are signed. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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