Bubbleback (or Goldfinger´s Bubbleback)

[Subexplorer]

Rolex Bubbleback

I had always felt that the so called “Bubbleback” are the most beautiful cutest little watches among vintage Rolex models.
As you may already know, the nickname of “bubbleback” popularly given to these nice watches, came from their distinctive case backs, which are of a “bombé” (bubble) shape, in order to accommodate the “auto rotor” which much protruded from the primitive automatic movements developed by Rolex.



Thus, the name “bubbleback” was never officially adopted by Rolex, but coined by users and collectors.
The official name when it was launched in 1933 was: “Rolex Oyster Perpetual”, which meant that the then new watch was waterproof (Oyster) and had a revolutionary mechanism self winding (Perpetual).
(By the way, it’s interesting to tell, that our fellow collectors in Italy, call this model “Ovettone” which means “little egg”, as per its most sympathic shape)

The first model introduced in the market by Rolex, was the reference 1858, which had the ref 520 movement inside. From that point on, the bubbleback line received an incredible amount of case variants and specially fantastic dials of the most incredible array of colors and numeral shapes, including the coveted ones which combine roman numerals with Arabic ones.
Another very popular reference of bubbleback, was the 3131 powered by the ref 620 movement.
During the more or less 30 years of bubbleback making, it received many technical as well as cosmetic changes, together with the above mentioned great array of dial configurations, making a real challenge to collect this little precious jewel of watch making.
Ultimately, the bubbleback evolved in a larger model, which led to the development of one of the most successful Rolex models of all, and a classic itself: the Date Just model.

These most collectible watches kept being produced till the early 1960´s, and are among my favorites, though they are very hard to come by in my Country. As a matter of fact, I own only two, and they are among my favorites.

As said, I had always been fascinated by this beautiful model, and I only was able to buy these two examples:
One is a stainless ref 3372 of c. 1946 vintage. This example got the much sought “California Dial” (may be some fellow TRF member with better knowledge than me can explain why this dial is so called!), which is one of the most beautiful in my point of view, of all bubbleback dials (some early Panerai, got a similar dial!), which combines roman numerals above, and Arabic below.



I feel that the dial of my watch is refinished, as it is in a “too good to be true” state, though, as scarce as these watches are in my Country, and getting a very fair price, made me decide to buy it some years ago.



The second “little egg” by Rolex I own, was purchased a few days ago.
I fell in love immediately when I saw it, and couldn´t believe its state of conservation.
At first sight, I thought that the dial was refinished, but after examining it with a potent loupe, I found some signs of little corrosion on the roman numerals, which showed the originality of this beautiful dial.
This is a model 3131, in 18K rose gold, with its original matching “Oyster” riveted bracelet. I find riveted bracelets very charming, in all vintage Rolex models, and though I know by experience they are much less strong than present made models, I feel them most pleasing to sight and so light, comfortable and nice to wear.



I´m sure this little gold Bubbleback would rather please Bond´s archi enemy, Mr Goldfinger himself!





Of course, the watch looks very little as per today trend to really big watches, but we must consider this was the “en vogue” size at that moment, with its 32 mm dial.
Anyway, ion spite of size, I find it a very charming, elegant watch indeed!
Here in company of my Dad´s c. early 1980´s Datejust, for comparison of sizes.





I hope you like these watches and, as I think that there is no other previous thread posted here at TRF regarding Bubblebacks, I kindly invite other members to show here their own examples, giving its reference number and approximate vintage year if possible.
Thank you for your kind attention, and receive my most cordial regards, Abel.