Rolex Oyster ‘Hooded Flat Back’ 3203 Black Gilt ‘Dot Dial’ Gold and Steel from 1937

Exceptional example of a Rolex watch from the late 1930’s. This Rolex features an utmost rare configuration: Hooded lugs in combination with a manually wound Rolex movement. The majority of the early vintage Rolex watches which feature hooded lugs, are automatic ‘Bubble Back’ examples. Note also, how the case from this manually wound ‘Flat Back’ is totally different than the ‘Bubble Back’. The ‘hooded’ lugs are designed differently, and the steel casing has thicker, more rounded sides.

Another attractive detail on this rare Rolex ‘Hooded Flat Back’ is the concave bezel. This design element creates a strong sense of depth on the watch, which is furthermore emphasized by the original black gilt ‘dot’ dial. The bezel is directly screwed to the case. back of the watch, through the mid case. This means if you would unscrew the case back, and remove the winding stem, the bezel can be lifted off through the front.

Altogether, this is a remarkable example within the niche of vintage Rolex ‘Bubble Back/’Flat Back’ collecting. Originally, rarity and condition are strongly represented in this watch, and I’m therefore very proud to showcase it here.