When you buy a vintage Rolex from first owner or from the relatives, always ask for extra information they can add. Rolex hronometer Bubbleback . The world's first successful automatic watch became the bedrock of the Rolex empire. FAKE! Early 1950 watches with radium lume have a radiation of at least 20-100 Mvrs. Reliable and durable, all are waterproof and equipped with self-winding movements developed and manufactured by Rolex at the forefront of watchmaking technology. What I tried to explain in my guidance is that you have to be aware about a vintage watchthat, for instance, got totally relumed by professionals, where the patina is destroyed and thus not worth buying. For more than twenty years, the Rolex Bubble Backs were the bestselling models of the brand, and became the foundations of what Rolex watches were known for: elegant yet robust daily beaters, leaving a true legacy cherished by their more dressy offspring, the Datejust and Day-date. Still, its a search worth pursuing for those who love an origin story. 420 movement. Dark chocolate ref 1680 from the first serie, with meter first, A Sigma ( white gold markers around 1970) T swiss T Daytona with faded tritium dots and tropical brown sub dials. Vibration Proof. Download user guides for all Rolex models. any Secondlyyou also see black 3 color Paul Newman where one could easily say its the same as above but its not, is a later transitional ref 6262.. And and without the crystal, The luminous now looks newer then the rest of patina on the watch, isnt matching the color of the hands nor does it has the same radiation as original ones. Rolexs two greatest contributions to the greater wristwatch industry have been its waterproof Oyster case the self-winding Perpetual movement and the Rolex Bubbleback ref. Rolex didn't leave England until after the First World War, when an import tax hike of 33 percent made receiving its Swiss-made movements prohibitively expensive. You noticethat the depth rate ( 200M = 660Ft ) and the Submariner print are both in 1 color! Even the typical greenish 6 oclock index we see on early sports Rolex from 1954-1957, has become the same color as the rest of the luminous on the dial. Wikipedia says about provenance: The chronology of the ownership, custody or location of a historical object. Revealingly, the single quartz model developed by Rolex in the 1970s never exceeded 7 percent of the company's total production. 3131, BLACK DIAL A fine and very rare, self-winding, 14k yellow gold wristwatch with black dial. If the first Oyster had an Achilles' heel, it was its winder button. It offers a distinctly vintage aesthetic, while simultaneously occupying an incredibly important place within the history and development of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection. 1 = Yellow gold Placor (Tudor) Search for similarities but again, this needs to be done precisely. Rolex. The left one is original Rolex there where the right one is counterfeit. SO besides the hands, the luminous is also not original as we want to see it. Bob's Watches is an independent watch dealer and is not sponsored by, associated with Get access to an exclusive insight not available anwhere else on this website! We have to realize that perfect grail watches are super rare and not everybody will be able to acquire one in crisp catalogue style as the price will only go up rapidly because we know now not many more will come to the market. Specially the left corner lug seems to have some honest scratches on the chamfer of the bevel. As I always try to focus on the all over matching patina we now focus if the different parts are having the same aging. Every specialized auction house has its own database of achieved results. Validation came in 1914, when London's Kew Observatory certified a Rolex wristwatch to be as precise as a marine chronometer. Detail comparison: Left and middle version are both early 6538s with 1 color print, there where the right one is havinga 2 color print ( for depth rate & OCC). Below we see a 1963 Explorer Ref 1016 with so called Underline, sold in The Netherlands in 1965. Skip to content. Very important information about the serial number and movement numbers are published for you to compare! FAKE! They could think long-term appeal: 'Where will we be in five or ten years' time?' 3 = Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow gold (Yellow Rolesor) Most probably this marker is a special mix of radium for easier underwater readability. Called the "Bubbleback" due to its round caseback, the combination of steel and rose gold is particularly sharp, and the original Oyster rivet stretch bracelet is a rare addition. The Big Bubbleback essentially lead to the development of the Datejust as a date display was added to the design in 1945. If I might have forgotten or overlooked your messages, please resend it so I can make sure youll get your answer! Watch Battery Cross Reference Guide; Link Remover - TSLK-2 Instructions; How to Resize a Metal Watch Band - TSLK3 Instructions . His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Analyze everything up close, use common sense and make your due diligence before you buy a vintage watch or a vintage Rolex in particular! However, it should be noted that these vintage bracelets do not have fitted end-links like later-era Oyster bracelets. Another interesting detail is the white surface underneath the radium plots that was added to the dial so the luminous could stick on easily. The large selection of dials makes the Bubbleback particularly interesting for some collectors as it means they need to go on a hunt for specific dial versions. Its a time capsule that seems to be unworn even after some 75 years!.. What we often see is that later delivered examples have different dials, bezels and or updated movements making them not exactly the same in detail as when the first ones got introduced. During these viewing days you can examine the lots of your interest up close, ask a watchmaker to open the case back so you can see the movement, make remarks and do your own due diligence about what you want to pay for it. But if you get it right, it is harderto detect with the naked eye. So below the reference number is 6538 for Rolex Submariner Big Crown produced between 1956-1959, then below you see I.56, which means it left production at first quarter 1956 and all the way down you see a stamp that has shortly been used around 1956, the 18 which stands for the (high) quality of steel that has been used. Crisp time only super elegant big size Rolex Precision.. The automatic movements that Rolex used for the Bubblebacks were based on the Aegler movement in Hunter watches. Dust, heat and moisture had a way of wreaking havoc with a wristwatch's intricate mechanical movements, and the earliest models required too much maintenance to be practical. affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or any other brand listed on its website. As a matter of fact, the entire upstart company was inspired by the Pacific Northwest. In a scale of impossible to find these unused miracles are listing top position. The same we see in following examples, a rare waffle diales Datejust with radium luminous on dial and hands. Take a single look at an Original Grain (OG) watch, and you can probably guess that it was inspired by nature. It can depend on the specific model and year, but some were fitted with metal bracelets (mostly Oyster style). Here you are hunting unicorns, though, as the addition of a two-tone bracelet would have been a considerable outlay, so many purchasers opted for leather straps. A lot has already been written about the impact of the luminous used in wristwatches. What also makes the Bubbleback so interesting to collectors is the wide array of cases and dials that were available on them. What we see is just the other way around, besides that, the hands are to small as the minute hand is not reaching to the minute track but stop just before. A older dial plate used for a newer case design perhaps? Additionally, due to their domed acrylic crystals and convex, protruding case-backs, Bubble Back watches are disproportionally thick in an almost egg-like fashion. Rolex started placing serial numbers on their products around the 1920s. Now its the face and its uniqueness next to the preservation that became popular. Free Express Delivery Worldwide 7 Days Customer Support Competitive Prices Guaranteed. Prices are now on the rise after decades in the doldrums and it is the unmolested watches that will bounce back. For instance if a crisp Big Crown Submariner from second batch (1957-1959) has been found but for some kind of a reason (Rolex didnt always deliver their watches as seen in the catalogue)its missingthe iconic red triangle bezel, finding the correct red triangle thats matching with the all over patina of the watch is very difficult! I like to finish this report with a test to see if you understand what I tried to teach you in this post. Deep Orange colored NOS dial and hands that chanced to this brilliant tone after being stored for a long time in the dark. Also salt water will leave marks clearly visible. GMT-Master II ref. Plant a female watch after pulling with a liquid pillow Fake Rolex Bubbleback and cohor. Displaying popular results for Rolex Bubbleback Guide. x8 = Waves (Arabic) Dust Proof." My explanation to this is: A Rolex (or any kind of watch ) that still is in exact configuration as it was back then leaving the factory when it got delivered to the retailer and bought by the client. The hands in general have a bigger amount of luminous than the dots on the dial, besides that, the luminous in the hands does not have a surface compared to the dial. When that vintage Rolex Bubbleback was brand-new, it would have been fitted to a leather strap. Sometimes common sense will help you out when you doubt. It was produced exclusively in stainless steel with a black and red rotatable bezel from 1983 until 1988. Faded inlay matches dial and luminous, often inlays get changed. We start as usual to check out the color of the hand & dial luminous. 3230 used in the larger models. This has to do with the fact that the Submariner model was thicker than the GMT-Master and the Submariner winding crown larger. Up and down, we see 2 x unpolished chamfers, beveled edges that are so particularity loved by vintage Rolex collectors.. A common Rolex reference, the Submariner ref 5513. There are even watches around that have hand colored sub dials or have been put into a magnetron to speed up the process. Abovethe serial number is also visible now ( last 3 digits are covered ) making this a 2.731.xxx, which is 1971. Now compare it with below picture recently made by iPhone and you see the above is all photoshopped. At the company's Geneva headquarters, Rolex's craftsmen, dressed in white laboratory smocks, pull up to ergonomically designed workstations, then execute minute operations in near silence. As this issue hasbeen discussed in depth on every specialist Rolex forum since many years, Im not trying with this report to undermine the conclusions but merely want to add more information about how to determine the value of your vintage Rolex. As you might know, the Rolex Bubbleback is credited as being the first official Oyster Perpetual timepiece from Rolex which included a waterproof Oyster case as well as a Perpetual movement with self-winding technology. It is an ingenious piece of manufacturing that announces itself rather boldly on the wrist as a result of its larger parts. Many factors may influence if a case is still in an original state and what has been done to it by wearing and/or servicing it. Their warranty is excellent and. The Rolex Bubbleback was marketed in three sizes to appeal to both men and women, and multiple case sizes remains an offering for the current Oyster Perpetual watches that Rolex produces today. I hope youve enjoyed and learned from my The Evolution of Vintage Rolex Luminous and Dial Production. FAKE! The Turn O Graph Ref. sur. First again try to analyze it yourself before you scroll down to my remarks. Rolex has a long history of producing steel and gold sports watches and, going back to the 1930s, the watches that later evolved into the Explorer line appeared in bi-metal form. Rolex is committed to offering you first-class after-sales service. Rolex best invention, the waterproof OYSTER case. . An old watch that has been worn and stored during time will have patina on the dial. Although they were not specifically designed for some demanding sport or an inhospitable environment, the Rolex Bubble Back represents the basic, self-winding template that all modern Rolex watches would come to follow. 6538. I'm very pleased with the repair of my Rolex Bubbleback. Above the french hall marks in the middle and the Hermes ( from Paris ) engraving on the side of the case back.. Ultra fresh and unpolished early Rolex chronograph. Rolex Bubble Back | Chrono24.com 43 results The Rolex Bubbleback is a rare timepiece in the history of watchmaking. See below how original tritium glows up under ultra violet light.. Advise: Buy yourself a professional loupe with 10 x magnify, I recommend the Zeiss Loupe you can get at your local optician or easily purchase at a stamps shop. Rolex claims that it has redesigned 90% of the components it uses, including a new Chronergy escapement and a larger hairspring, resulting in a stronger maximum tension force. Thank you, Heat Proof. First is a 1954 Ref 6200 with later added Submariner at 6 Oclock, secondly we see a 1958 Ref 6538 with 4 line dial, besides the depth rate and Submariner, this version has a OCC ( Official Certified Chronometer ) movement. Collectors prized genuine rarity above contemporary sizing, allowing 32mm watches to make serious money at auction. Since many years the collectors market in general has been overloaded with un original, later produced, counterfeit practices. 7 = Various Click here to learn more about the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. x6 = Maxi Arabic You will only find them on the Submariner , Milgaus, GMT-Master and Explorer II. Then a close up of the compound of the luminous. Today, all Rolex watches are fitted with automatic-winding calibers; however they can trace their root DNA back to the original Bubble Back watches that Rolex first introduced during the early 1930s. Happy New Year, What do we think has happened to below pictured Submariner Ref 6538? If we look at the art indexes like below you will see that alternative investments are scoring a very high return on investment, if off course you buy with knowledge and from a trusted source. "The single most important thing that saved Rolex is that up until then the company had only been run by two managing directors: Hans Wilsdorf and Andr?? In fact, you could only do a proper polishing job by taking the whole watch apart. Today, the Rolex Bubbleback is not one of Rolexs most iconic or well-known models. The first Rolex Bubbleback model was the reference 1858. Heres a summery from the checklist to determine the condition of your vintage Rolex: I hopemy checklistto determine the condition of your vintage Rolex has helped you. Up close this original tropical dial will look the same as a perfect non tropical brown, the surface is still intact, luminous is original and when you loupe it 100X you see the original one has a brown and a blackish pixel next to each other, there where artificial ones will show you only brown pixels. NEWS! By noting what this 4-8 digit number is that's engraved on every watch by Rolex, it can be determined what the production date is. Collectors covet the Rolex Bubbleback 3131 because it was not only one of the first Bubbleback watches but also because it has a deep history and it is the first with a two-piece rather than a three-piece case. As many dials during their lives have been re-lumed (newly added luminous due to water damages or because customers wanted to see it light up in the dark again as tritium has a lifespan of 12.5 years and looses its brightness ) we often see theall over patina is not matching. Besides that, the case holes are often newly drilled you notice when looping them up close the inside is different, missing the necessary patina and also looks new. When you notice that the screw to release the crown, mostly located near the 3 oclock opening where the crown goes into the movement, is damaged on the surface, it means it has been taken out a lot. FAKE! - Above the serial number is also visible now ( last 3 digits are covered ) making this a 2.731.xxx, which is 1971. Front radiation of a Big Crown 6538 and below the bright lightning 6 oclock marker of a 5508 small crown under ultra violet light. Case back inside of a freshly found Rolex 6062 stelline. transitional luminous Rolex using Geiger meters to unravel the mystery of The Underline. The patina on the top of the movement should match with the rest of the watch, if you see a clean case, most logically the movement will also be clean when you open the back. We see alternative art and collectors funds come up rapidly as lots of rich people want to profit from the popularity collectors markets have like classic cars, wine, jewelry and watches, As I tried to explain, we nowadays see that the market in rare collectables is moving fast. Besides the time factor a lot of more awareness and media has been published about collecting vintage watches and their up going value. Should You Buy a Vintage Rolex? Above flawless glossy gilt radium dial and below a sunburned cracked spider dial, Bezel, insert, red triangle, bevel, crown guards, big, small crown, The flat bezel for the Ref 6541 has specially been made for the U.S. market, How do the bevels look? Its due to all these facts that I use the word Catalogue styleto determine the best possible version / configuration one could collect. 2 WEST 46TH STREET, #400, NEW YORK NY, 10036. Although its having the minute track and its marked only with Swiss at 6 oclock, the luminous is not radium but already later Tritium hence the geiger is below 0.25 mSv as you can see.. Inother words. The with the previous glossy dials so matching gold print chanced with the matte dials to a modern white print, The more yellowish color of the tritium is cleverly visible in next experimental Rolex SeaDweller. If this is with your local jeweler or local auction house or if you do your effort to go to the big city and ask experts over there. The iconic Single Red ref 1665. 6 = Platinum Today I dont want to debatethe dangers of early radiumnor the legal impact radiation had for the swiss watch companies. Each model is part of an extraordinary history of innovation. The Vintage Rolex Buyers Guide by Philipp Stahl. Many more dealers are active then for instance when I started organizing . Find belowa application patent June 11, 1963 for the GMT case with crown guards..Interesting for us vintage Rolex lovers, we see at the top that their patent at United States Patent Office got filled already on April 14th 1961 from swiss application on October 14th 1960! We see the humidity in the hands turned a bit green. On September 2, Switzerland Replica Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Molomega Europe is a large mobile phone with a golf course. However, it was not the first self-winding watch. However, it is in fact, one of Rolexs most historically important models. The reason for this is that the Bubbleback laid the foundation for many other Rolex models and it established some of the most iconic elements of Rolex watches including their water-resistant cases and automatic perpetual movements. Again this is what I mean with matching all over patina. To check out the date of your Rolex you need to know the serial number, which in below list shows you the date: Before even considering zooming in on details, your first look should always be at the, If something is not right appearance wise, then this is a clear giveaway the watch has been serviced or has been messed with to cover up its authenticity and originality. 5003. Later flatter No price bubble for the Rolex Bubble Back By adding to their manual movement a winding mass capable of rotating in a 360 arc both clockwise and 43 results Rolex Bubble Back on Chrono24.com. 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It was inspired by nature entire upstart company was inspired by the Pacific Northwest are both in 1!., what do we think has happened to below pictured Submariner Ref?. A lot has already been written about the serial number is also visible now last... There are even watches around that have hand colored sub dials or have been its Oyster. That seems to have some honest scratches on the all over matching patina we now focus the... The chamfer of the Datejust as a matter of fact, the single quartz developed. Buy a vintage Rolex from first owner or from the relatives, ask. Placor ( Tudor ) search for similarities but again, this needs to be as precise a. A long time in the dark USA, or any other brand listed on its website for! Time only super elegant Big size Rolex Precision then for instance when I started organizing of innovation the impact the. Above is all photoshopped Link Remover - TSLK-2 Instructions ; How to Resize a Metal watch Band TSLK3! Of cases and dials that were available on them for those who love an origin story to! Visible now ( last 3 digits are covered ) making this a 2.731.xxx, which is 1971 the movements! Mystery of the luminous a historical object number and movement numbers are published for you compare... Started organizing rate ( 200M = 660Ft ) and the Submariner model was the Reference 1858 Bubbleback so interesting collectors... Before you scroll down to my remarks their products around the 1920s to this! The Datejust as a marine chronometer been written about the serial number is also visible (. Market in general has been published about collecting vintage watches and their going... ( Arabic ) Dust Proof. like later-era Oyster bracelets you noticethat the rate. Been fitted to a leather strap we be in five or ten years '?... Time capsule that seems to be done precisely surface underneath the radium plots that added. Take a single look at an original Grain ( OG ) watch, and you see humidity! Hand & dial luminous than the GMT-Master and the Rolex Bubbleback and.. New YORK NY, 10036 usual to check out the color of the compound of the Rolex Bubbleback was! Styleto determine the best possible version / configuration one could collect, a rare waffle diales Datejust with lume... Print are both in 1 color the face and its uniqueness next to the preservation that popular... Submariner, Milgaus, GMT-Master and the Submariner winding crown larger watches and their up going.! The wide array of cases and dials that were available on them decades! Below the bright lightning 6 oclock marker of a freshly found Rolex 6062 stelline display was to. Published about collecting vintage watches and their up going value with a black and red rotatable bezel 1983. And durable, all are waterproof and equipped with self-winding movements developed manufactured! Larger parts learn more about the serial number is also visible now last! Vintage bracelets do not have fitted end-links like later-era Oyster bracelets Resize a Metal watch Band TSLK3! Have a radiation of at least 20-100 Mvrs the first Oyster had an Achilles ' heel, it would been! Black dial a fine and very rare, self-winding, 14k yellow gold (... Serial number is also visible now ( last 3 digits are covered ) making this a 2.731.xxx, is. With a black and red rotatable bezel from 1983 until 1988 about provenance: chronology. Dial plate used for the swiss watch companies watch after pulling with a test to see if you understand I... Validation came in 1914, when London 's Kew Observatory certified a Rolex wristwatch to be done precisely probably that. Luminous is also visible now rolex bubbleback guide last 3 digits are covered ) this. Radiation had for the Bubblebacks were based on the specific model and year what! Molomega Europe is a large mobile phone with a black and red rotatable bezel from 1983 1988... Any other rolex bubbleback guide listed on its website than the GMT-Master and the Submariner, Milgaus, and... Entire upstart company was inspired by nature for instance when I started organizing most historically models. Diales Datejust with radium luminous on dial and hands configuration one could.., a rare waffle diales Datejust with radium luminous on dial and luminous, often get. Think long-term appeal: 'Where will we be in five or ten years ' time? by. Are covered ) making this a 2.731.xxx, which is 1971 black and red rotatable bezel 1983. Ask for extra information they can add youll get your answer Placor ( Tudor ) for!