While the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is often credited with spawning the modern phenomenon of watch collecting, it was really the Rolex “Bubbleback” that could be considered one of the first “hype” watches. During the 1990s and 2000s, collectors were all about these early Oyster Perpetuals with features such as hooded lugs and slightly rounded casebacks to accommodate the early automatic movements that gave them their nickname. Luckily, in the two decades of its production, Rolex had experimented with a great deal of dial variations and case metals when it came to their Oyster Perpetuals, giving collectors a variety of options to choose from – both then and now.

As with any collectible item, those preserved in the highest echelons of condition are most desired by collectors. The present reference 3131 is one such piece, in crisp and original condition and fitted with not only a period-correct buckle, but likely the original hangtag from the 1940s with the handwritten serial number still attached and depicting a delightful scene of palm trees.

Watches such as this delightful 1940s Bubbleback, in 14K yellow gold and likely made for the American market, prove that there are still innumerable treasures to discover in the world of vintage watch collecting, at all price points and wherever one may be on their collecting journey.