Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1941 Reference No: 2940 Movement No: 94'670 Case No: 112'976 Model Name: Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 9 3/4''', 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Steel Rolex pink buckle Dimensions: 31mm. Diameter Signed: Dial, case and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
When Rolex patented its first successful perpetual self-winding wristwatch in 1932, it was a milestone moment in horology. This movement, combined with the Oyster screw back and patented crown, left many watchmakers of the period looking outdated.
This particular watch is an excellent example of an Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, featuring a stainless steel case and a highly attractive pink "California Dial". The condition of the present "Bubbleback" is close to mint, and it appears that the watch has possibly never seen any wear. In fact, it still retains its original period calf leather bracelet stamped underneath "ROLEX", but also the unrestored dial shows burn marks caused by the luminous hands not having moved in years, if not decades.
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.