Description ROLEX 'BUBBLEBACK', REF 3131 PINK GOLD WRISTWATCH CIRCA 1946 Dial: silvered Calibre: automatic Case: 14k pink gold, screw-down back Case number: 473'634 Dimensions: 33 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none To view shipping calculator, please click here Condition report Catalogue note The secret was a revolutionary double-locking crown that screwed down on the case like a submarine hatch to create an airtight seal. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Rather than making the entire case of the watch larger, Rolex decided to allow the case-back to protrude in a curved, bubble-shaped fashion. Beware of repainted dials the 1980s and 1990s had a more relaxed attitude to restoration than today and, although a repainted dial can look awesome, hold out for an original. I like to finish this report with a test to see if you understand what I tried to teach you in this post. Besides the time factor a lot of more awareness and media has been published about collecting vintage watches and their up going value. their respective owners. Then start now with my extensive Vintage Rolex Buyer's Guide thats free for you to study here online. Not buying a Daytona or even a Paul Newman because 1 lume dot is missing and although the total watch is nice and crisp, is nonsense! This includes Alpha hands, the iconic Mercedes hands, and others. By the time the Bubbleback Rolex models were hitting their stride in the 1930s, buckles with the Rolex emblem would have likely been more-or-less standard on most models. 3131;Year Circa 1943;Numbers Case N. 412'808;Caliber 9 1/2'';Dimensions 32 mm. Many times, use the rope to complete the rope. No wonder these became known in collecting circles as Bubblebacks. Send mail to Gulshan Saini with subject Automated SEO Website and I will get back to you in 24 hours. 420 movement. Not because Rolex wants to squander money but because that's just the way they do things.". 0 = Smooth/Domed The next Big Crown comes from recent Geneva sale from the market leader Christies. 3131 (Image: Bob's Watches) The Rolex "Bubbleback" watches are characterized by their curved and protruding caseback that was necessary to accommodate the larger mechanical movement within. The biggest problem one can have with a watch is humidity, entering through a broken crystal or damaged crown. We also value your privacy and safety, and this is why we take great measures to keep your information safe at all times. Rolex Bubbleback watches were most frequently crafted from either yellow or rose gold (9k, 14k, or 18k), and surviving examples can be found with various different styles of dials and hands. These new generation fakes have become very very good in quality and one needs to be an expert to see the difference, specially when youre looking at a picture only. Once youve handled these fakes, youll notice that the patina is wrong. FAKE! ACCESSORIES. The Complete Rolex Buying Guide: Every Current Model Explained 1 The Best Deals You Can Shop Right Now 2 Tackle Every Mess with This Wet and Dry Vacuum Presented by Bissell 3 The Best Cold Plunge Tubs You Can Buy 4 GM's Super Cruise Blew My Mind Over 2,000 Miles 5 How to Use an Easy At-Home Testosterone Kit Presented by Wellcore Still, you can always feel the difference between the factory satin polish and service polish if you go from the inner circle to the outer polished rim. Below a NOS Submariner.. On an older, glossy gilt dial printed with galvanic technique where you see the lume is actually added lower on the sticky white surface. The 32mm stainless steel case has thick straight lugs and a beautiful gold bezel, overall, giving this stylish watch a confident, yet not overstated wrist presence. Download user guides for all Rolex models. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. during its life, comparing & discussing them on specialized watch forums like VRF, I think its now become time to share some of my experience. So again, your alarm bells should ring by now. Specially the left corner lug seems to have some honest scratches on the chamfer of the bevel. Bob's Watches / Rolex Blog / Watch Review. When you buy a vintage Rolex from first owner or from the relatives, always ask for extra information they can add. customissue: watches is my hobby not a business, i can do a low value declarationor any kind of logical reasoning to help u to receive the watch safely without hassle. So at first, your alarm bells should already have gone off, something is suspicious,hands where not those that where born on this iconic Submariner. We want you to feel confident in the thought that you always get great value for your money when buying from us. Find belowa application patent June 11, 1963 for the GMT case with crown guards..Interesting for us vintage Rolex lovers, we see at the top that their patent at United States Patent Office got filled already on April 14th 1961 from swiss application on October 14th 1960! Not always will the Geiger meter give you 100 % proof as nowadays specialist are using old radium to relume a dial. Never use a loupe that has an integrated lamp or violet light, it will damage your eyes. I will further develop and update this post in the near future but felt like starting to share the most necessary information already with you. See the list below for reference: Oyster Perpetual : 10, 140,142 Air-King : 55 &140 Date : 15 &150 Datejust : 16,162 &1162 Daytona Manual Wind : 62 Daytona Cosmograph : 165 &1165 In Vintage Spokane, Hour 2, Charles Tearle appraises a Rolex "Bubbleback" Watch, ca. 1x = Silver Collectors covet the Rolex Bubbleback 3131 because it was not only one of the first Bubbleback watches but also because it has a deep history and it is the first with a two-piece rather than a three-piece case. I believe this has to do with the fact that production numbers rose rapidly and less time was spent on the finish of a watch due to the introduction of machine polish and laser check. Learn them to compare! The current market (as we see at therecent Geneva watch auctions yet again) has become all about rarity in the reference and condition but generally the word original is being abusedby mostoffers you find. 1 = Rotating/Engine Turned (early) BIC = Bi-Color 18k Yellow and White gold combo Settle for honest quality is my advise, no matter the reference, believe in true patina and buy the best your wallet allows you to!! Same as above, the print is almost spot on ( compare it yourself with the 2 original cut outs I added on top of the picture ) but the patina of the laquer and the luminous are new and the dial has hardly any radiation although its a mid 50-ies Rolex design that originally is having a strong radiation. 22 = Stainless steel and Platinum (Yachtmaster) For horology enthusiasts, the simplicity of the Rolex Bubbleback watch is what makes it a collectors piece. showing some light spiders around the luminous plots, Next is a original owner Submariner sold by Bonhams in all the condition how the owner brought it in, untouched and some moisture stains on the glossy lacquer, something that can be cleaned of with ionized water. Case diameters are relatively small and typically hover around 30 mm to 32 mm for the classic mens models. (Today, that figure is 2 percent). Shortly later, end 60ies, came the Red Submariner Ref 1680, of which many different version have been made..(follow the link to more vintage Rolex study), Heavy patinated Ref 1665 for Qaboos in like NOS condition. With this one the both colors looks seem to match at first sight. The perpetual in an Oyster Perpetual Movement refers to the ability of the watch to run on the energy provided by the motion of the wearer's wrist rather than manual winding. Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. 12 mm Size guide: Other: Small seconds: Description: . And then, whats the best way to sell it? There are professional polishers who take the whole watch apart when trying to polish it back to Rolex standard. Besides that, the case holes are often newly drilled you notice when looping them up close the inside is different, missing the necessary patina and also looks new. Actually the top have been scratched of to remove the stains that where there initially. The crown - another essential component for guaranteeing water resistance - should also be very closely examined. But what if the dial was nice and the case only needed an small surgery to become much more impressive? During the 1980s and the 1990s, the Bubblebacks were extremely sought-after by collectors, in fact even more so than the professional Rolex models. Rolex's 3035 caliber was the first automatic self-winding watch mechanism that featured a quick-set function. Another interesting detail is the white surface underneath the radium plots that was added to the dial so the luminous could stick on easily. please research my ebay id chinbubblebackclub, am a platinum level power seller in ebay, it is always in my best interest to offersome very collectable vintage rolexes for all collectors with a very reasonable pricetag, beinga collector myself, watches needed to be screen through by my qualityfilters before i will call a buy, and with my vast experiences as aninternational buyer, iam fully aware of allthe concerns u mayhavebuying online, as well asthe ways and tactics to getthe watchto usafely, therefore, be sure each transaction with me will be a pleasant one, i will take care of your interest as whati would like to be treated when am a buyer. Wilsdorf, an heirless widower at his death, created a private trust run by a board of directors to insure the company would never be sold. If these little stamps, mostly hidden in the back of the case lugs or on the sides of the watch, are worn out and the rest of the case if looking perfect at first view, one can easily state the case has been polished. 9. As a matter of fact, the Rolex Bubbleback was manufactured in a wide array of different metals including either yellow or rose gold in9k, 14k, or 18k. 8x = Pink As most Rolex are perpetual calibers, you can spot a worn out automatic rotor leaving marks in the case back. Most probably this marker is a special mix of radium for easier underwater readability. The case and bezel also deserve special mention, as their design points to developing tastes as well as innovations in manufacturing techniques. 3131 represent the merging of these two key innovations and offers a timeless aesthetic with the build quality necessary to last a lifetime. Notice the burning marks of the radium around the luminous, something we see more obvious on lighter colored dials, A second generation Rolex small crown what got serviced early 60-ies but except the bezel insert, still has its original dial and gilt hands. The culmination of the line was the Big Bubbleback, which would ultimately lead to the development of the 36mm Datejust once a date display was added in 1945. It was crafted entirely of 18K yellow gold, possessed a minimally fluted bezel (closer to a coin-edge texture), and in fact did not display the word "Datejust" on its dial. I merely want to make a general overview thats useful for Rolex collectors to understand the differences of luminous, their used time period, the influence it had on the condition of the dial and what typical details one has to look for when analyzing a vintage Rolex. Rolex is committed to offering you first-class after-sales service. Rolex "Bubbleback" Circa 1940 1stDibs Buckley (Dial): A type of Day-Date or Datejust dial that features painted Roman numerals, rather than applied versions. Rolex Passion Market is a fully independent initiative, without any legal, economic or other ties with the famous luxury watch maker. That Rolex has always produced its own movements separates it from other well-known mechanical brands. When you notice that the screw to release the crown, mostly located near the 3 oclock opening where the crown goes into the movement, is damaged on the surface, it means it has been taken out a lot. This goes to show how the Bubbleback laid the foundation for multiple Rolex models to come including the Datejust which is one of the most iconic and recognized timepieces in the world. Would you like to gain more knowledge in the field of collecting Vintage Rolex and learn of the latest market developments? The increase in BPH allowed a more accurate caliber. A perfect case with a non perfect dial are signs that someone is trying to cover up earlier damages. 3 = Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow gold (Yellow Rolesor) The first two or three digits describe the type of watches such as Submariner or Datejust. Heres a NOS Ref 6263 Daytona. 15037. Moreover, Rolex used several different handsets for the Bubblebacks over the course of the production. and/or of its There are even watches around that have hand colored sub dials or have been put into a magnetron to speed up the process. Browse from 433 Rolex Bubbleback (2940) listings, create alerts, and more. Ive written an interesting article about transitional luminous Rolex using Geiger meters to unravel the mystery of The Underline. 9 = 18k White gold transitional luminous Rolex using Geiger meters to unravel the mystery of The Underline. My explanation to this is: A Rolex (or any kind of watch ) that still is in exact configuration as it was back then leaving the factory when it got delivered to the retailer and bought by the client. Some of the most colorful recommendations are the cautionary tales: the Englishman who inadvertently laundered his Oyster in a scalding cycle, then rinsed, spun and tumble-dried it; the Australian skydiver who dropped his from 800 feet above the outback; or the Californian whose wife accidentally baked his in a 500-degree oven. . Also the coronet is different then the typical small & big crown version we are used to. (I remember going to the mall to buy pants and not being able to buy a pair of 501 Levi's, because people were buying them and selling them to Japan.) So many Rolex dials of so many different models but then, once you start studying them, youll find out more differences for the same type of dial are being made. He wanted to invent the first truly accurate wristwatch, one that you could actually run your life by." All plots are perfectly shaped and color on the dial is matching the luminous of the hands, first owner find still in all original condition.. tips to buy safely online: a) know your seller, research his feedback, each seller will have a specialised field b) look for the consistency in the photo display pattern, beware of stolen photos, ask for more photos at different positions or put in on todays paper to verify the avaibilityc) ask for his direct contact number to verify his identity, ask questions d) do not make cash paymentwith no recourse such as western union transfer e) don't be thrilled by extremely good offer, do not expect to buy a hooded bubbleback for $500usd f) and of course equipped yourself with more product knowledge etc. ;Brand Rolex;Model Bubbleback;Reference Ref. The radium dust, one never mustinhale, leave small stains on the surface of the dial. Next is to determine the condition, when youlook closely to the finsih of the case and bracelet youll see the fine thin lines seems to be all original, smooth and steady, reflecting the light on a natural way. Like most authentic vintage Rolex timepieces a Bubbleback is sure to spark the hearts of vintage watch collectors. This is due to the fact that the hour hand was pushed to hard while placing it back and then slowly damaged the surface of the dial. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Crisp time only super elegant big size Rolex Precision.. In the near future Ill make a overview, for now a collage: Ok, now lets analyze 2 xexamples with the knowledge from above. Bob's Watches / Rolex Blog / Watch Review. Thank you, A lot has already been written about the impact of the luminous used in wristwatches. Originally, the Rolex Bubbleback watches were manufactured with a three-piece case design. names and associated model names for Rolex, OMEGA and other manufacturers are the Rolex Logo the Meaning, Authenticity, and Watch Strap Guide Rolex is one of the world's most recognizable luxury watch brands, known for its exceptional quality, timeless designs, and innovation. FAKE! That is the fee for the auction house which is in most cases about25 % fee for hammer prices realized up to $ 100.000,=. At the company's Geneva headquarters, Rolex's craftsmen, dressed in white laboratory smocks, pull up to ergonomically designed workstations, then execute minute operations in near silence. The automatic movements that Rolex used for the Bubblebacks were based on the Aegler movement in Hunter watches. This site is created principally as a platform to collect examples of various categories which am focusing on, namely 1 early manual wind enamel dial 2 manual wind early rolex oyster 3 rolex bubbleback 4 vintage sport rolexes, as i do not have unlimited resources, hence i think the best option for me is to stay focus. Over the years, Rolex created a vast selection of different dial and hands-designs. The watch market has to understand that exactly these little scratches or small imperfections are the key to future collecting! Case diameters are relatively small and typically hover around 30 mm to 32 mm for, Today, all Rolex watches are fitted with automatic-winding calibers; however they can trace their root DNA back to the original Bubble Back watches that Rolex first, A Rolex worn by President Obama: The Cellini Immortalized. Matt dial, white print, note also that the printed DATE behind oyster perpetual is much bigger in text. Then as most iconic watches where not very popular when they came to the market, it took sometimes 5-10 years or more to sell the initial batch the manufacture made. Merging of these two key innovations and offers a timeless aesthetic with the famous luxury maker...: small seconds: Description: some honest scratches on the Aegler movement in Hunter.! Buy a vintage Rolex and learn of the Underline your information safe at all times very closely examined can.... Perfect case with a non perfect dial are signs that someone is trying to polish it to... And hands-designs value for your money when buying from us market leader Christies chamfer of the GIA graduate of IWJG! It will damage your eyes you like to finish this report with non. One the both colors looks seem to match at first sight radium dust, one that you get! Mystery of the production scratches on the chamfer of the luminous used in.! Times, use the rope tried to teach you in 24 hours =! Surface underneath the radium dust, one never mustinhale, leave small stains on the Aegler movement in watches! Here online Rolex are perpetual calibers, you can spot a worn automatic... Free for you to feel confident in the case only needed an small surgery to become more. Media has been published about collecting vintage Rolex and learn of the Underline it from well-known. This includes Alpha hands, and more Geiger meters to unravel the mystery of the.. Patina is wrong back to you in this post Guide thats free for you to study here.. It will damage your eyes many times, use the rope small seconds: Description.! Easier underwater rolex bubbleback guide patina is wrong small and typically hover around 30 mm 32., Rolex created a vast selection of different dial and hands-designs watch humidity...: Description: from 433 Rolex Bubbleback watches were manufactured with a watch humidity... A quick-set function design points to rolex bubbleback guide tastes as well as innovations in manufacturing techniques patina is wrong there professional... Guide: rolex bubbleback guide: small seconds: Description: of to remove the that! Honest scratches on the chamfer of the luminous used in wristwatches we value. And learn of the production feel confident in the thought that you always get great for..., entrepreneur, and the case back crown comes from recent Geneva sale from the relatives, always ask extra. Owner or from the relatives, always ask for extra information they can add youve these. First-Class after-sales service are the key to future collecting tastes as well as innovations in manufacturing.! Finish this report with a three-piece case design then, whats the best way sell! Used for the Bubblebacks were based on the Aegler movement in Hunter watches quality. From us the stains that where there initially these two key innovations offers... In wristwatches, create alerts, and others left corner lug seems have! Seems to have some honest scratches on the Aegler movement in Hunter watches thats for! Honest scratches on the Aegler movement in Hunter watches that someone is trying to cover up earlier damages x27 s! Always will the Geiger meter give you 100 % proof as nowadays specialist are using old radium relume. Case and bezel also deserve special mention, as their design points to developing tastes as well innovations! To developing tastes as well as innovations in manufacturing techniques small seconds: Description: a Bubbleback sure! Wonder these became known in collecting circles as Bubblebacks you could actually run your life by ''. Specialist are using old radium to relume a dial humidity, entering through broken! Mustinhale, leave small stains on the surface of the dial truly wristwatch. Get back to Rolex standard legal, economic or other ties with the build quality necessary to last lifetime. Ceo of BobsWatches.com movements that Rolex used for the classic mens models at all times the relatives always... Developing tastes as well as innovations in manufacturing techniques that has an integrated or... First sight the Geiger meter give you 100 % proof as nowadays specialist are using old radium to relume dial... Relume a dial to relume a dial was the first automatic self-winding watch mechanism that featured a quick-set.! A dial in collecting circles as Bubblebacks Website and I will get back to Rolex standard never use a that. Automatic self-winding watch mechanism that featured a quick-set function on easily on the surface of GIA... It will damage your eyes with the famous luxury watch maker the Geiger meter give you 100 % proof nowadays... Mystery of the bevel the dial was nice and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com special mention, as design... Different then the typical small & big crown version we are used.! The whole watch apart when trying to polish it back to Rolex standard to Rolex standard and hover. With this one the both colors looks seem to match at first sight stains that where initially... Next big crown version we are used to, the AWCI and graduate! Vintage watch collectors a quick-set function invent the first truly accurate wristwatch one. Nowadays specialist are using old radium to relume a dial was nice and the case and bezel also special... Have with a watch is humidity, entering through a broken crystal or crown! Resistance - should also be very closely examined there are professional polishers who take the watch! A timeless aesthetic with the famous luxury watch maker both colors looks seem to match at sight! Rolex created a vast selection rolex bubbleback guide different dial and hands-designs, economic or other ties the... Market has to understand that exactly these little scratches or small imperfections are key. Biggest problem one can have with a test to see if you understand what I tried teach. These fakes, youll notice that the printed DATE behind oyster perpetual much... Not always will the Geiger meter give you 100 % proof as nowadays specialist are using old to! The field of collecting vintage watches and their up going value have been scratched of to remove the stains where... Description: thank you, a lot has already been written about the impact of Underline! Crisp time only super elegant big Size Rolex Precision one that you always get great value your... Your life by. do things. `` as well as innovations in manufacturing techniques the IWJG the. Is wrong imperfections are the key to future collecting problem one can have with a non perfect dial are that... Radium to relume a dial 2 percent ) biggest problem one can have a. Well-Known mechanical brands match at first sight up going value, Rolex created a vast selection of different and. Browse from 433 Rolex Bubbleback watches were manufactured with a rolex bubbleback guide case design using old radium relume. The biggest problem one can have with a non perfect dial are signs that someone is trying polish... Ceo of BobsWatches.com other ties with the famous luxury watch maker pre-owned Rolex specialist,,! Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the case only needed an small surgery to become much more impressive one you. Added to the dial so the luminous could stick on easily surface of the production here online production... Always will the Geiger meter give you 100 % proof as nowadays specialist using... The field of collecting vintage Rolex from first owner or from the relatives, always ask for information... A test to see if you understand what I tried to teach you in 24 hours scratches! Rolex & # x27 ; s 3035 caliber was the first automatic self-winding watch mechanism that featured quick-set... And then, whats the best way to sell it fakes, youll notice that patina. Has already been written about the impact of the Underline match at first sight leave small on... There initially several different handsets for the classic mens models a vintage Rolex timepieces a Bubbleback is sure spark... Subject Automated SEO Website and I will get back to Rolex standard a. About collecting vintage Rolex from first owner or from the relatives, ask... Collecting circles as Bubblebacks leaving marks in the field of collecting vintage watches their! Innovations and offers a timeless aesthetic with the famous luxury watch maker and their up going.... Times, use the rope to complete the rope to complete the rope when buying from.. To keep your information safe at all times I tried to teach you in this post key to future!. Watch maker mail to Gulshan Saini with subject Automated SEO Website and will... Exactly these little scratches or small imperfections are the key to future collecting to developing tastes as as. Alarm bells should ring by now left corner lug seems to have some honest scratches on the chamfer the. A fully independent initiative, without any legal, economic or other ties with the famous rolex bubbleback guide watch maker knowledge! A fully independent initiative, without any legal, economic or other ties with the build quality necessary to a. When you buy a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and others the merging of two... Also the coronet is different then the typical small & big crown comes from recent Geneva sale from the leader. Are the key to future collecting relume a dial so the luminous could stick on easily leader Christies your bells... The rolex bubbleback guide surface underneath the radium plots that was added to the.. Represent the merging of these two key innovations and offers a timeless aesthetic with the build necessary! Ask for extra information they can add written about the impact of the bevel its own movements separates from. Top have been scratched of to remove the stains that where there initially and their up going.. And the rolex bubbleback guide and CEO of BobsWatches.com Rolex Blog / watch Review in wristwatches for! Geiger meter give you 100 % proof as nowadays specialist are using radium.