FS: 1940s Rolex ref. 3696 Pink Gold/SS Tropical Bubbleback w/BLACK Dial—SERVICED

[tomvox1]

Up for sale is this exceedingly Rolex ref. 3696 true Tropical Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual with solid Pink Gold case and smooth bezel and stainless steel back. This circa 1944 WWII-era Bubbleback was specifically designed for superior corrosion resistance--hence "Tropical"--and features a highly desirable semi-Arabics black gloss dial with its original pink gilt factory printing and Radium luminous. I don’t have to tell a true Bubbleback enthusiast how difficult it is to find an original dial these days much less a black one and all this in a truly rare Rolex reference--this is a special piece for the advanced collector to be sure.

Overall the watch is in Excellent vintage condition with a very fat and sharp case. The redoubtable Oyster Perpetual full BB movement has also just been completely overhauled by my NYC Master Watchmaker, including significant repairs to the autowind assembly and detent spring, and will come with a 6-month movement guarantee for all normal, non-abusive use.

The asking price for this fully serviced classic 3696 Tropical Bubbleback is $4750 USD, which includes fully insured shipping worldwide. Bank Wire or cash deal preferred on this transaction. Other payment options upon application. Payment must be made in US DOLLARS. Watch will ship upon full clearance of the funds, as well as any necessary bank vetting.

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CASE & CASEBACK: The classic 32mm x 40mm Pink Gold Oyster case (most likely 14 karat) has just been lightly buffed and detailed by my watchmaker--lightly being the key word--and the lugs are sharp and fat, with only minor marks from past use and one area beneath the lower left lug with a few nicks. The case is in solidly Excellent overall vintage condition, especially for a gold case from 70 years ago! The mysterious "C" stamp is also present on the underside of the top left lug. The outer part of the stainless steel caseback shows a bit more wear with some scratches and one or two nicks to the knurling, so Very Good cosmetic condition overall. But the 299,k SN (circa 1944) is absolutely crisp and legible, as are the "RWC" and STAINLESS STEEL markings. The inner caseback is corrosion free and bears the correct reference stamp and has all the other correct and charming Rolex nomenclature of the era.

DIAL & HANDS: Beautiful gloss black dial with original factory printed pink gilt dial text and minute track and Radium even-number Arabics and bar markers. The dial does show some radium burns and scratches to the lacquer surface and the CHRONOMETER text has completely faded out—its outline can only be seen at certain angles. But better an original dial with some character, especially a black one, than a redialed example, IMO. I would rate this dial as in Excellent unrefinished and factory printed vintage condition. It appears to me that the original pink pencil-style hands have had their luminous touched up/stabilized. But this was sympathetically done and is unobtrusive on the wrist. I rate the all-pink handset as Excellent, as well, with only some small spots of corrosion.

CROWN: The small signed steel Rolex crown is more yellow than pink--Replaced? Aged?--but is definitely the correct one for this reference and era with the center Brevet cross. It screws down on the tube properly and pulls out to the winding and time-setting positions, as it should. One should always be a bit more gentle than usual in pulling out and pushing back in a Bubbleback crown, as there are multiple spring loaded parts within the crown and detent assembly that do not react well to being forced. Thankfully, this one has been completely repaired at service and is working perfectly.

CRYSTAL: Nice low-domed acrylic crystal is essentially scratch free and Near Mint.

BEZEL: The smooth pink gold bezel was also lightly buffed at service and is now in Excellent condition with only a few minor nicks remaining from the years. Tastes may vary but I personally like the smooth bezel look on a BB, as I feel it gives it a more contemporary look.

MOVEMENT: This great Oyster Perpetual features a chronometer-rated full Bubbleback (closed) movement. As stated above, it has just been completely overhauled by my NYC Master Watchmaker, including the installation of new rotor bearings, for years more of perpetually faithful service. It is running strong and keeping great time, of course, and is guaranteed against any problems for 6-months of normal, non-abusive use.

BAND: This great Bubbleback comes on a blue synthetic Rios strap that I feel really makes the pink of the case & bezel pop. If you don’t like my sartorial taste in watchbands I will happily supply you with a more conventional brand new black lizard Hirsch strap. The lug width of this BB is 17mm, although a 18mm strap can also be made to work (as you can see with the blue Rios).

I make NO guarantees for the water resistance of this watch in any way, shape or form.

This classic Rolex 3696 Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback is offered with a 3-day inspection period from the date of receipt and may be returned for a full refund (less any shipping costs incurred by the buyer). This refund is unconditional and once I get back the watch in exactly the same condition as it was sent to you, your money will be refunded. Of course, once the 3 days are over the sale will be considered FINAL.

Thanks for looking,
T.
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