88
Rolex
Ref. 3133
Bubbleback
A fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with black 24-hour dial
- Estimate
- CHF6,000 - 8,000€5,500 - 7,300$6,200 - 8,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- 1947
- Reference No
- 3133
- Case No
- 570’746
- Model Name
- Bubbleback
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 9 3/4''', 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel, contemporary Rolex
- Dimensions
- 33mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
When Rolex patented its first successful "Perpetual" self-winding wristwatch in 1932, it was a milestone moment in horology. This movement, combined with the Oyster screw back and patented crown, left many watchmakers of the period looking outdated – and no doubt fuelled Rolex’s lasting success. The present lot, nicknamed “Bubbleback” due to its domed caseback, whilst considered petite to today’s standards with its 33mm case, looks much larger thanks to its powerful case and partially hooded lugs. The rare black glossy dial with gilt outer railroad track, bold luminous numerals and markers and its uncommon interior 24 hour numerals further enhances its charisma.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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