Lot 285

Rolex

Bubble Back

A rare vintage wristwatch with centre seconds and "patented super balance"

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The Rolex Bubble Back is one of the more unusual Rolex models; it takes its name from the large case back that protects the tall rotorwind movement. The first Bubble Back was launched in 1933 and production continued for about 20 years; the model was largely responsible for making Rolex a brand that was known for reliable watches – the relatively high number of Bubble Backs in perfect working order that are still around today attest to it.
The most popular versions of the Bubble Back are Steelium (in stainless steel), Rolesor (gold and steel) and Gold (9K, 14K, 18K red or yellow gold). The names Steelium and Rolesor were created and patented by Rolex.
Changes in the case were for example smooth bezels or those with an engine-turned pattern or bezels with concealed lugs. The dials also offered some variations: silvered, black, pink or white, two-coloured 24 hour dials in a military design or the "California Dials" with Roman and Arabic numerals.