Manufacturer: Rolex Year: circa 1948 Reference No: 5018 Movement No: N1675 further stamped 29'420 Case No: 642'190 Model Name: "Bombé" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal, Cal. 9 3/4"", 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by period correct Rolex catalogue
Catalogue Essay
Its name may bring to mind the mysterious East, the silk road and the vibrant colors of the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai) but the present lot’s alias comes from the French word “bombé” (domed) as a tribute to its wonderfully curvaceous elongated architectural lugs.
The present lot is an especially rare and desireable example, fitted with a gorgeous two-tone dial and eye catching post modern numerals. This dial combination is rarely seen and is visually arresting.
In overall very good condition, the combination of its extraordinary dial and the superb signature curved lugs makes the present lot a timepiece of glamorous taste.
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.