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jcsnyc · 5 April 2010, 12:16 PM

Hey all -
Looking for any info about a bubbleback I was given by my father.

Serial number is 344xxx - which I believe means it was made in 1945.

What else should I know about this watch?

I just noticed printing on the crown - looks like "Patent Oyster" ??? That is pretty awesome considering the size of the crown!

I believe that the face was "cleaned up" and the watch serviced - it runs though loses a bit of time.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jcsnyc/W...69480105793506

http://picasaweb.google.com/jcsnyc/W...69135640131906

adam78 · 6 April 2010, 06:17 AM

Yes, the dial was refinished at some point, although the numeral plots on this dial variation (a "semi-california dial") are embossed into the surface of the metal of the dial, thence filled with lume. Is it stainless steel, gold-filled, solid gold...? Hard to tell from your photos. The case reference number is either on the outer or inner case back. That would tell us more.

jcsnyc · 6 April 2010, 08:09 AM

It's all steel - my dad actually had a gold bubbleback at one point but it was "stolen" by a repair shop that went out of business during the restoration work (or that is what I was told....)

There are no markings on the back of the case - so I guess I need to get it opened to see inside.

I am wearing it to work today - want to see how it is keeping time and considering using it as a daily watch.

I also have a Submariner - but really like the understated look of this watch.

How hard are the "rolex" clasps to come by? The clasp on my band is not the original.

adam78 · 6 April 2010, 08:59 AM

It's probably a ref. 2940 if all steel (this was the most common model during the '40s).

If you are referring to a Rolex buckle, these are not uncommon, but are frequently faked, so be careful. During this period, I don't think Rolex offered signed buckles, so not having one is appropriate!

If you intend to use it regularly, you might want to have it serviced by a competent watchmaker first.

Here is my 2940, for comparison:

SLS · 6 April 2010, 11:24 AM

Wow Adam, what a fantastic shot! That watch is beautiful!
Scott

CaveDiver · 6 April 2010, 02:17 PM

I like how the band matches the "bleeding" on the dial. Nice

adam78 · 6 April 2010, 09:58 PM

Thanks.

Sorry, I didn't intend to hijack this thread!

jcsnyc · 7 April 2010, 07:12 AM

Adam - No worries - it wasn't you that hijacked the thread - but your great looking watch!

Jonathan

adam78 · 7 April 2010, 08:50 AM

Okay, as long as only my watch...I have a higher resolution pic to share:

5 April 2010, 12:16 PM	#1
jcsnyc "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 9	Bubbleback 344xxx - looking for info Hey all - Looking for any info about a bubbleback I was given by my father. Serial number is 344xxx - which I believe means it was made in 1945. What else should I know about this watch? I just noticed printing on the crown - looks like "Patent Oyster" ??? That is pretty awesome considering the size of the crown! I believe that the face was "cleaned up" and the watch serviced - it runs though loses a bit of time. http://picasaweb.google.com/jcsnyc/W...69480105793506 http://picasaweb.google.com/jcsnyc/W...69135640131906

6 April 2010, 06:17 AM	#2
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,829	Yes, the dial was refinished at some point, although the numeral plots on this dial variation (a "semi-california dial") are embossed into the surface of the metal of the dial, thence filled with lume. Is it stainless steel, gold-filled, solid gold...? Hard to tell from your photos. The case reference number is either on the outer or inner case back. That would tell us more. __________________ Cheers, Adam

6 April 2010, 08:59 AM	#4
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,829	It's probably a ref. 2940 if all steel (this was the most common model during the '40s). If you are referring to a Rolex buckle, these are not uncommon, but are frequently faked, so be careful. During this period, I don't think Rolex offered signed buckles, so not having one is appropriate! If you intend to use it regularly, you might want to have it serviced by a competent watchmaker first. Here is my 2940, for comparison: __________________ Cheers, Adam

6 April 2010, 11:24 AM	#5
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,399	Wow Adam, what a fantastic shot! That watch is beautiful! Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

6 April 2010, 09:58 PM	#7
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,829	Thanks. Sorry, I didn't intend to hijack this thread! __________________ Cheers, Adam

6 April 2010, 08:09 AM	#3
jcsnyc "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 9	It's all steel - my dad actually had a gold bubbleback at one point but it was "stolen" by a repair shop that went out of business during the restoration work (or that is what I was told....) There are no markings on the back of the case - so I guess I need to get it opened to see inside. I am wearing it to work today - want to see how it is keeping time and considering using it as a daily watch. I also have a Submariner - but really like the understated look of this watch. How hard are the "rolex" clasps to come by? The clasp on my band is not the original.

6 April 2010, 02:17 PM	#6
CaveDiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,075	I like how the band matches the "bleeding" on the dial. Nice

7 April 2010, 07:12 AM	#8
jcsnyc "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 9	Adam - No worries - it wasn't you that hijacked the thread - but your great looking watch! Jonathan

7 April 2010, 08:50 AM	#9
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,829	Okay, as long as only my watch...I have a higher resolution pic to share: __________________ Cheers, Adam

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