Why This Watch Matters When the Rolex "Bubbleback" was first released, it set a new standard in sport watch design. This example is fitted with a two-piece case made entirely of 14k yellow gold. The Full Story Looking back at the history of watch design allows for reflection on what was going on in the world during a specific watch's inception, and the Rolex Bubbleback is no exception to the rule. The watch design first appeared in Rolex's catalog in the early 1930s, a time when wristwatches were beginning to become the dominant form of timekeeping when on the go. They became popular for practical purposes, allowing the wearer to easily tell time by glancing at one's wrist rather than pulling a pocket watch out of, well, a pocket. Simultaneously, the demand for accurate and durable timekeeping devices were called upon for advanced military application. Despite the gloomy backdrop of an era marked by the effects of the Great Depression and the rise of global political upheaval, Rolex focused on the positive by taking part in the world's greatest sporting events. In fact, it was during this era that Rolex introduced its first water-tight Oyster watch case, which was immediately made famous thanks to an appearance on the wrist of the British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, when she became the first British woman to swim across the English Channel. Another critical innovation for Rolex during this time was the introduction of the self-winding movement in 1931, with a full rotor, which helped establish their "perpetual" movement legacy. In order to accommodate the new, thicker movement, with a rotor on top, and to maintain the water-tight case, Rolex introduced a domed caseback, which featured threading on the outside edge; thus, the Bubbleback caseback was born. What makes Rolex Bubbleback models intriguing for vintage collectors is that they were produced in an endless variety of configurations. The cases were available in steel, steel and gold, yellow gold, and pink gold, all in various weights. The example we have here was fitted with a two-piece case in yellow gold as opposed to the earlier three-piece cases. There are a number of known dial variations (one of the most famous is the California dial, with half Roman and Arabic numerals), various handsets ranging from the iconic Mercedes hands to sharp Alpha hands, and even some with bezels adorned with hour markers. The dial we have here has great applied hour markers with a gold-tone handset and a sub-second register. We placed this Bubbleback on our Holland strap in a grey tone because we love grey around here at HODINKEE. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback"Reference: 3130Year: 1946Case No: 443840Material: 14k yellow goldDimensions: 32mm width x 39.25mm height; 13.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoneCaliber: Rolex, self-winding, 9 ¾ caliberBracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Holland Calfskin Watch Strap In SteelLug Width: 17mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Non-lume dial and hands- Unpolished case in 14k yellow gold- "Bubble" caseback- Sub-seconds dial layout Things To Know: - Patina on dial- Scratches on case Considering the age of this watch, it is quite well-preserved. The case is unpolished and, with that, it also has some scratches. The gold hallmark is visible on the backside of the five o'clock lug and has developed patina. The rear of the lugs have some marks from strap changes but the original finish is still present. The non-lume dial and non-lume hands are in good condition and have developed patina over time. There is some wear on the dial such as scratches in the sub-seconds register. The hands have developed some oxidation. This watch was photographed on a 165mm/6.5inch wrist.
Related
Related
Related
Related