Rolex Bubbleback 14K Rose Gold Original Black Dial circa 1946

View Similar Items

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131

Rolex Stainless Steel Chronometer Bubbleback with Black Dial 1940's

Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Rose Gold 3065

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial

Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946

1953 Rolex Bubbleback Gold Steel Wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback 3131

Rolex "Bubbleback" Ref 5011 Automatic Steel and Rose Gold Wrist Watch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents 18 Karat Gold Silver Dial 5048

14k Rose Gold Doxa Hand-Winding Watch w/ Unique Patina Dial Black Leather Band

Rolex 1940s Iconic Bubbleback Yellow Gold Wrist Watch

Rolex 14K Gold Tank Watch

1 of 4

Rolex Bubbleback 14K Rose Gold Original Black Dial circa 1946

Name: Rolex Bubbleback 14K Rose Gold Original Black Dial circa 1946
Brand: Rolex
Price: 7250 USD

About the Item

Great looking vintage man’s Rolex Bubbleback 14K Rose Gold ref 3131 case serial # 444,xxx circa 1946 with very desirable original black luminous dial. Featuring 32mm diameter Oyster case with screw down caseback, screw down crown, smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, and very nice condition original black luminous dial with pink overprint, with patina’d radium indexes and pencil style hands. Dial signed Swiss Made. Powered by self winding Rolex calibre NA movement with sweep seconds. Meticulously serviced by our most accomplished veteran watchmaker. With your choice of fine or distressed leather, or 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 listed here here is a great looking and very collectible classic example, suitable for a man’s small or woman’s wrist. SKU: 47407

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
14k Gold
Case Dimensions:
Width: 1.26 in (32 mm)
Style:
Retro
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
1940-1949
Date of Manufacture:
1946
Condition:
Recently serviced by our meticulous certified watchmaker and offered with one year timekeeping warranty, here is a great looking and very collectible classic example, suitable for a man’s small or woman’s wrist. SKU: 47407.
Seller Location:
West Hollywood, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 474071stDibs: LU152074783

Shop All Rolex

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.

Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.