Rolex Bubble Back ref. 3065 ‘hooded lugs’ Oyster Perpetual (vintage)

An astonishingly rare vintage Rolex Bubble Back with hooded lugs and original luminous dial

Case
14k yellow gold

Dial
Original and patinated white dial, gold makers and hands

Movement
Early in-house Rolex automatic movement

Strap
17 mm leather alligator strap (brown)

Condition
The Rolex Bubble Back was the first watch which Rolex fitted with their brand-new and innovative automatic-winding movement. This movement was tested for its accuracy and earned the title ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, for its magnificent time-keeping abilities. This title was something a watch maker could only be very proud of. Therefore, it was printed below the centre of the dial by Rolex.

The dial itself has aged beautifully through the years and has developed warm patina. The dial is signed ‘Swiss Made’ beneath the six ‘o clock position. Most of the Rolex Bubble Back watches were (poorly) restored in the 1990’s. This example however, still carries its original dial, which is makes this original early example most collectible.

The 14k yellow gold watch case has ‘hooded lugs’, which refer to the visual integration of the lugs with the case on the upper-side of the watch. Not only reinforced this design, the sturdiness of this waterproof wristwatch back in the days, it also creates a unique and vintage look to this desirable Rolex watch. The case back shows the name of the first owner (Dutch) of this watch, who bought it in San Francisco, where he carried out his profession as a literal agent. Furthermore, the yellow gold casing has created attractive gold patina through the years which emphasizes the originality and story of this watch.

Measurement
31 x 38 mm

Provenance
First owner from The Netherlands, who bought most presumably purchased this watch, together with his wife at Shreve & Co. in San Francisco, where he carried out his profession as a literal agent.

Additional note:
Every watch is sold with our own Collection Extract. The Collection Extract is an official document we add to your watch order. This certificate, or ‘extract’, states the details of the specific watch. Details as the serial number, materials used and production date are present on this document. In addition, your personal details are added to the Collection Extract, to ensure your watch belongs to you. Of course, all our watches are also delivered with an invoice and insured priority shipping.