Rolex Pink gold Bubbleback self winding wristwatch ref 3372, circa 1947

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Rolex Pink gold Bubbleback self winding wristwatch ref 3372, circa 1947

Name: Rolex Pink gold Bubbleback self winding wristwatch ref 3372, circa 1947
Brand: Rolex
Price: 7450 USD

About the Item

A Christmas present from 69 years ago, could be a Christmas present again! Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback ref 3372 serial # 495,xxx circa 1947. Featuring a 32mm diameter tonneau shaped Oyster case with fine engine turned bezel, acrylic crystal, original matte salmon dial with luminous indexes and pencil style luminous hands and with period pink bubbleback crown. Powered by self winding Rolex caliber NA movement with sweep seconds. Very nice condition case with beefy lugs, little worn engraved bezel, sharp “ledge” on inside edge of lugs, and with interesting hand engraved personalized caseback dated 1947. Case back hand engraving indicates that this watch was presented 69 years ago in 1947 as a post World War II Christmas present to a colleague. Serviced by our finest veteran watchmaker and offered with our 1 year warrantee of accurate time keeping and operation. Offered with your choice of exotic skin strap. The Bubbleback Story: Bubblebacks marked the introduction of the first successful self winding wrist watch movement. The name bubble back derives from the rounded caseback to accommodate the self winding movement. The bubble back model was introduced in 1933 and was continued well into the late 1940’s with countless variations of metal and dial configuration. Bubble backs were made in stainless steel, steel and gold, rose gold, 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, hooded case variations, even manual wind versions in the 1930’s. The early models through the 1940’s featured dials with luminous indexes and luminous hands. Later in the 1950’s, the dials had generally less interesting small raised dial indexes and non luminous hands. While bubble backs are no longer the staple of every collection, partly due to surge in popularity of the larger sport models, the bubble back we offer here is a great looking and classic example, suitable for a man’s small or woman’s wrist. SKU: 47484

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
14k Gold,Rose Gold
Case Dimensions:
Width: 1.26 in (32 mm)
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
1940-1949
Date of Manufacture:
1947
Condition:
A great looking and classic example, suitable for a man’s small or woman’s wrist.
Seller Location:
West Hollywood, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 474841stDibs: LU153793421

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Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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