Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1941
    Reference No: 3599
    Movement No: 93'310
    Case No: 97'031
    Model Name: Bubbleback
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 9 3/4''', 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex fitted box

  • Catalogue Essay

    Amongst one of the most sought after variants of the legendary “Bubbleback” series, the present reference 3599 with rigid hooded lugs is a true stand out. Rolex’s iconic “Bubbleback” gets its name from the protruding rounded case back designed to accommodate their patented self-winding movement and rotor. The reference 3599 is defined by its unusual case design featuring a flat cylindrical bezel of considerable width and “hoods” covering the open space normally found in between the lugs.
    The first Bubbleback models were introduced in the early 1930s and production continued for approximately 20 years. Similar to the standard “Bubbleback” watch, which came in many variations, the “hooded” examples had various finishes on the hoods from smooth to ribbed, engine-turned to vertical stripping. This design concept made a visual impact, and as the present model demonstrates, the watch grows in size and presence, rendering a striking appearance.
    The present watch is enhanced by its stunning and exceptionally rare two-tone champagne and black dial with Arabic numerals. This reference 3599 is in spectacular condition, with powerful case, superb lugs and perfectly crisp Rolex crown and numbers stamped in the case back. Its overall condition suggests the watch spent more time in a protected environment than on the owner’s wrist.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded 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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Ref. 3599
A very rare and most attractive stainless steel wristwatch with two tone dial and hooded lugs

1941
34mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€18,400-36,700
$20,600-41,200

Sold for CHF25,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016