Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1940s
    Reference No: 3065, repeated inside caseback
    Movement No: 69’324
    Case No: 596’829
    Model Name: Oyster Perpetual Chronometer "Bubble Back"
    Material: Stainless steel and 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, jewelled
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel and 14K yellow gold expandable riveted Rolex bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex U.S.A. deployant clasp stamped “7-65”
    Dimensions: 32mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The "Bubble Back" is an iconic Rolex model that was introduced in the 1930s and left a lasting impact on the brand's history. The distinctive domed caseback gave the watch its memorable profile, as it was designed to accommodate the thickness of the winding rotor.

    In production for over 22 years until the mid-1950s, it was one of Rolex's most important models during that era. These watches were available in a wide range of materials and dial variations, which contributed to their immense popularity especially in the Japanese market.

    This particular "Bubble Back" reference 3065 from the 1940s is a rare find, as most examples encountered were either full gold or stainless steel. This example features a well-preserved and very rare two-tone case, with a dial sporting appealing vintage-styled luminous Arabic numerals that have aged beautifully.

    Housed in a compact 32mm "Bubble Back" case, the watch is further elevated by the inclusion of a matching two-tone bracelet made by the American manufacturer C&I. This combination of the well-preserved case and the complementary bracelet makes this "Bubble Back" a truly special and desirable find for collectors.

  • 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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916

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 3065, repeated inside caseback
A rare stainless steel and 14k yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, luminous Arabic numerals, hooded lugs and bracelet

Circa 1940s
32mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$40,000 - 63,000 
€4,700-7,400
$5,100-8,100

Sold for HK$69,850

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024