1950 Rolex Bubbleback 6075 YG? Pretty rare?

[Superfly10]

Hi guys, this is a buddy of mines, he just inherited it from his uncle. 1950 Rolex Bubbleback 6075 YG 36mm all original, runs pretty well. The dial looks to have taken an amazing patina...thoughts on this beauty? What its worth?

[Vlad]

Awesome dial. Cannot tell if the bezel is worn on the top. Looks like the watch was well used. As far as the value, I would guess about $4k - mostly because the dial is awesome.

[Superfly10]

Originally Posted by Vlad

Awesome dial. Cannot tell if the bezel is worn on the top. Looks like the watch was well used. As far as the value, I would guess about $4k - mostly because the dial is awesome.

http://www.thewatchlover.com/rolex-e...old-from-1948/

Did some research on it...this is really a rare piece apparently...sold at Christies in 2011 for 22.5k and every I see them they are listed 20k+ guess my friend has a better piece than we thought haha

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/w...4-details.aspx

[adam78]

I believe this is an early Datejust reference (without saying so on the dial), so it's not really a typical bubbleback (more in the class of an Ovettone). Certainly rare, Super Oyster ref. with original crown as well, ca. 1950-52. I think the dial might be an older redial, as the fonts are not quite what I'd expect for the period, and it should probably say "SWISS" alone. That would affect value.

See these other examples (sorry I can't embed the photos):

http://cdn.chrono24.com/images/uhren/images_31/s4/2370431_xxl.jpg?v=1[IMG]

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0478/2717/products/DSCN2334.JPG?v=1421949798[IMG]

[Superfly10]

Originally Posted by adam78

I believe this is an early Datejust reference (without saying so on the dial), so it's not really a typical bubbleback (more in the class of an Ovettone). Certainly rare, Super Oyster ref. with original crown as well, ca. 1950-52. I think the dial might be an older redial, as the fonts are not quite what I'd expect for the period, and it should probably say "SWISS" alone. That would affect value.

See these other examples (sorry I can't embed the photos):

http://cdn.chrono24.com/images/uhren/images_31/s4/2370431_xxl.jpg?v=1[IMG]

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0478/2717/products/DSCN2334.JPG?v=1421949798[IMG]

Yeah those are the two-tone...and a little different I've found some research on them...it isn't a redial as I can tell from these examples listed...

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/w...4-details.aspx

Christies got the year wrong, but that is the same exact watch without the band. And has the "Swiss Made"

Also found these other link...so this is a very rare vintage piece.

http://www.thewatchlover.com/rolex-e...old-from-1948/

[onthedial]

It's tough to tell by this lone pic, but I don't believe @Superfly10 that your friend's watch has a repainted dial. The text/writing on these early 50s examples are constantly wonky. Further, because it can look amateurish it can lead one to believe, falsely, that the dial has been restored when in fact it hasn't. I also believe that it's a very good sign that the dial in question has the "Swiss Made" text at the 6 hour marker...for me it's another indicator of originality. It will be interesting to hear what others think!
____
Instagram: @onthedial

[adam78]

"SWISS MADE" vs. just "SWISS" regardless, the fonts, particularly of "Rolex" and "Oyster Perpetual" are not correct on your friend's example, while they are so (with the requisite serifs) on all the other examples (yours and mine) that are shown above.

Regardless, if your friend wishes to sell it, and you are convinced he could get 20K, he should get it evaluated by a real expert, who has it in hand.

[Superfly10]

Originally Posted by adam78

"SWISS MADE" vs. just "SWISS" regardless, the fonts, particularly of "Rolex" and "Oyster Perpetual" are not correct on your friend's example, while they are so (with the requisite serifs) on all the other examples (yours and mine) that are shown above.

Regardless, if your friend wishes to sell it, and you are convinced he could get 20K, he should get it evaluated by a real expert, who has it in hand.

Had a couple experts from socal take a look at it today, its all legit. Extremely rare piece to come across, my friend is indeed very lucky.

[onthedial]

Originally Posted by Superfly10

Had a couple experts from socal take a look at it today, its all legit. Extremely rare piece to come across, my friend is indeed very lucky.

Thanks for following up. Your friend has a real prize on his hands; it's an extraordinarily beautiful timepiece that looks to be in very excellent condition.
______
IG: @onthedial

[Vlad]

It is a rare piece, but $20K is a not realistic for this watch - $10K is way too much. If anyone offers him $6 - take it.


Here's a recent ebay for an earlier 4467 for $6,500 (ok, redial - but did not actually sell): http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-OVETTO...p2047675.l2557

6105 for $6,200 - no takers (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Rolex-6...kAAOxyNepRm6BC)

2 tone 6075s sell for around $2K (OK, plus $500 for the dial, assuming yours is original)

6075 18K on Chrono24 - $8,500 - http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/18k...-id3015167.htm

[MILGAUSS88]

I was going to say, I think it is typically a $5k to $6k watch.
Seen this before, where a watch brings a record price at auction, then everyone else thinks they should get the same price. And the market support just is not there.

My early reference books refered to this model only as the "ovettone" . Solid gold and coin edge bezel.
I do not consider the other large bubblebacks, steel or two tone watches, as ovettones my self.

I may be incorrect as this was an Italian nickname.

[Superfly10]

Talking to more and more people about it, appreciate all the opinions. My friend is just going to hold onto it, as it is rare...hardly any comps on it. I think it's a piece to definitely hold onto, and to the right guy I think they'd have no problem paying 10k+...quick sale to a dealer probably 8-10k, at least that's what I've gathered from some vintage dealers. Either way very cool watch with a nice patina...I am very envious of my friend!