Any Bubbleback experts?

[Gibraltar]

I saw this bubbleback in a local shop and think it looks pretty awesome. I had never even looked at bubblebacks before seeing this watch, so I don't know what to watch out for. Can anyone see anything wrong with this one? Any guesses on originality? The shop said it's from the 1940s.

I must admit, even if it's not original I think it looks pretty awesome

[adam78]

It is awesome. Looks like a ref. 2764, probably late '30s-early '40s. The dial looks original and is very rare no doubt and in near mint condition. What is the asking price (just wondering)?

These are mine of the same reference:

[Paul]

Certainly a smart looking dial - a nice example from that era too.
Would seem most unusual too for a refinished dial to sport a dealers logo.
And the case has nice definition too - perhaps simply looked after rather than freshened up.

Be aware that they are small by modern standards - still quite wearable IMHO

I'd agree with Adam that it looks like a really nice example. Here's my 2940 from circa 1941 .....

[adam78]

My second 2764 is this luminous example (I am reposting it as I had slightly changed the album settings since this morning, and I can no longer edit my original post).

[Gibraltar]

Thanks for the replies guys, and for the beautiful watch shots. I love the way they alternated with matte, polished and brushed finishes on the dials. The hands on all three examples are also great!

I was able to handle the watch in person and indeed it's small, but I agree it's totally wearable. I think I actually prefer it on my wrist to the 40+mm dress watches that are so common these days.

The shop is asking $5500 for this watch, which after looking around the net a bit seems pretty high for a stainless steel model. What do you guys think, is this nuts or just the usual shop premium?

I also wanted to ask, what should an original crown on one of these look like?

Thanks!

[Old Expat Beast]

That looks really good. If you Google 'Cravanzola' you'll probably find that this was an Italian AD back in the day (maybe still?) and you might find some similar examples with an image search. Who's the seller, if you don't mind my asking? (send me a PM if you prefer). Price is a little high, IMO.

[adam78]

Price seems high, but it looks like a NM example with very rare dial.

[R.W.T.]

Its'a little high but its a Mirror Track Retailer dial....You won't see enough sold to make a comparison shop...simply very very rare dial.

The crown that is on it is acceptable for the vintage. Without seeing the side of it there is no way to tell and also serial range...

Because of the rarity of the crowns...and the many crossing over styles there is not a lot of concern over the absolute same crown per watch on these watches.

It's a bubble back crown...that's pretty much okay.