A wonderful opportunity to purchase this rare and much sought after Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack reference 2940, housed in a 32mm steel Oyster bubble back case retaining the original dial in great condition. This collectors time piece has been fully overhauled by a master horologist Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report in superb vintage condition, keeping accurate time running perfectly, ready to enjoy and treasure for many years to come!

A transitional model produced exclusively in 1946. The dial has luminous aged Arabic numerals with baton markers to the quarters followed by a triangular marker at ‘12’ o clock, blue steel lume filled 3 pointed star and baton hands nick named ‘Mercedes hands’ - matching steel blue lollipop centre seconds sweep hand. An exceptional calibre A296 movement which, predates the butterfly 1030 and is an improvement on the earlier 1930’s bubble back movements, with the addition of shock jewels and a better auto-winding mechanism. Part of the final production run of 32mm Bubble Backs this historically important circa 1946 would sit proudly in any serious watch collection and was the first reference fitted with the ‘Mercedes’ hands.

The ‘Bubble Back’ was the first completely watertight automatic watch developed by Rolex. It was named the ‘Oyster Perpetual’. The rounded case back was made to house the self-winding movement rather than the original Oyster case. This gave the name the’Bubble Back’. Rolex only produced the BubbleBack range from 1933 – 1955.

FACT: Bubblebacks, along with the rectangular Prince models, are the OGs of Rolex collecting. Back in the 1980s and 1990s a well-preserved Bubbleback would sell for far more than a steel Daytona, a situation almost unimaginable today. Collectors prized genuine rarity above contemporary sizing, allowing 32mm and 34mm watches to make serious money at reputable auction houses. The collapse in value of these watches in the 2000s means that you can start to build a collection of these rarities for a lot less money than you might think. – Prices are now on the rise after decades in the doldrums. The ‘Bubbleback’ represents one of the most significant leaps forward in the history of sport watches. The innovative case construction featured a screw-down crown and caseback, allowing for unprecedented water-tightness of the case. Alongside the now-ubiquitous Oyster Perpetual indication, the self-winding movement inside allowed the wearer to continuously tell time without having to regularly wind the watch.

The ref. 2940 dates to 1946 of the Bubble-back era but harnesses what makes these watches so special and collectible. The details here are reminiscent of the configuration Rolex utilized in subsequent years for the "pre-Explorer" models. The blued steel ‘Mercedes’ hands really top off the look along with the applied Rolex coronet below ‘12’ providing a beautiful contrasting colour that is classy and fits the design so well. This adds to the overall look of the watch and makes the dial unique.

Further detailed information on these collectible early automatic wristwatches can be found in Dowling & Hess, Rolex, The Best of Time, Schiffer Publishing, 2006, pp. 77-107.

The Original Dial: Signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual. The light silvered dial has applied luminous aged Arabic numerals with baton markers to the quarters followed by a triangular marker at ‘12’ o clock, blue steel lume filled 3 pointed star and baton hands nick named ‘Mercedes hands’ - matching steel blue lollipop centre seconds sweep hand. Outer chapter 1/5th of a scale featuring minute indices and 5 minute markers. The dial carries beautiful patina giving it vintage charm. Has marks all over commensurate with age and wear. Please observe photographs carefully.

The Original Movement: Signed Rolex Perpetual Swiss Made Patented, Vis Tirette Swiss Trigger Screw Patented Self Winding 2 Rubies. Numbered N 57689. In any field, be it vintage wristwatches, period motorcars or antique fishing reels, there are definite classics that are universally acknowledged to be key units that are of the utmost historical significance. The movement in this watch, Rolex’s self winding movement, fits into this revered category perfectly, and is, without doubt, one of the most important mechanism that the company has ever created. In excellent condition keeping accurate time, was serviced by a Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report.

The Original Case: Very clean with polished and brushed satin finish. Sharp lugs in great condition. Case is 32 without the crown, 34mm with the crown, and 18mm between the lugs. Serial numbered 378*** between lugs at ‘6’ dating watch to 1946 on the Rolex date register. Chamfered smooth polished bezel in good condition. Case has surface scratches associated with base metals commensurate with everyday wear and age. Overall good condition given the age.

The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Rolex SA Geneva Swiss 31 Victories Haute Precision 2940 - Period service markers present. In good condition.

The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Bubbleback milled edge cover has surface scratches associated with base metals commensurate with age and wear. Cover fits flush and screws without any issues. Retains service sticker.

Original Crown/Winder: Correct screw down crown signed with Rolex Oyster. In good working order.

The Original Crystal: Domed Plexiglass is in good condition for age.

Aftermarket Strap/Buckle: Aftermarket unauthentic good quality strap in good condition and aftermarket steel buckle in good condition.

*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*

Please note this Rolex is over 60 years. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.

Reference : 2940

Movement : Self winding automatic

Specific Age : 1946

Case Size : 32mm

Case Thickness : 11mm

Lugs : 18mm

Condition : Pre-Owned Vintage

Papers : No

Box: No

Serviced: Yes