Bubblebacks Anyone?

[ref1655]

being new here, I've noticed that most of the discussions pertaining to vintage Rolex models involve the more modern editions/variants.

do older bubblebacks have a following of their own? I've seen a few (from the late 40's-early 50's) & while the majority of them are somewhat plainer than the more contemporary Rolexes, they're kind of interesting in their own way...with a very conservative-looking, no frills appearance. the oyster case is immediately recognizable but the dials/hands are very straightforward & most of them do not have the cyclops lens/calendar. the somewhat oversized back looks as though one could engrave a book on it.

just curious as I was thinking of looking into one with an 18K case & an alligator strap. they seem to vary in price from reasonable to ridiculous...thus my research & further education begins.

[R.W.T.]

14k 3065 reference. late 40's



18k 3372 reference 30's



3065 is possibly available.

Rarer references...condition condition condition and dial dial dial....makes all the difference price wise.

There are so many variants and styles and levels....

[greekbum]

I picked up this hooded one today actually. Too small for me personally but a really cool watch

[Hpozzuoli]

I love all this vintage stuff. Keep them coming.

[ref1655]

wow...I really that 18K/3372/ref30. it conveys elegance & a sense of adventure all in one timepiece.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by ref1655

wow...I really that 18K/3372/ref30. it conveys elegance & a sense of adventure all in one timepiece.

...really like (too late to edit)

[Dr.Smellody]

I picked this one up for my wife.

[R.W.T.]

Late 40's 14k Rose Gold.

[Rogdogg]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Late 40's 14k Rose Gold.

That is a beauty and looks great on that strap!

[R.W.T.]

That is the original military strap that the officer wore it on. It was bought in 1951 at the ship store in Inghon. I can't find the strap right now :-/

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Late 40's 14k Rose Gold.

this BB wrote the book on classic appearance. it's interesting how the bubblebacks look so good (and perhaps even better) without metal bracelets.

[adam78]

I always like showing mine...

A couple of 2764s




3372 on G-F bracelet


2940


3133


3065 & 3725


3696

[R.W.T.]

Adam has some of the best and most unique ones out there.

Some of them...(sigh) used to be mine.

The good thing is knowing they went somewhere that they are most appreciated.

His 3065 and my ex 3725....probably 2 of the nicest watches on the planet.

Great photo...Stolen for future use :-)

[ref1655]

all of these examples are absolutely stunning.

I'm wondering if something along the lines of a SS Speed King/Precision (manual wind) might be a good starter into this foray.

as a youngster during the late 50s/early 60's, I vaguely recall this particular model as a number of WW2 vets (including my father) owned one. the GIs apparently picked them up while stationed overseas & the watches ran about $40.00 back in the day. the SS Speed King/Precision/BB is a model that looks pretty good with the appropriate SS metal bracelet...it's almost a trademark appearance.

[R.W.T.]

The traditional 2280 SpeedKing reference is a fairly small watch and wears much smaller than the bubble backs 2940 3372 3131 3065 2764 etc.

[G-Web]

I knew it was only a matter of time before Tommy weighed in.
Superb photos, beautiful watches, and a great thread.

-GW

[adam78]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Adam has some of the best and most unique ones out there.

Well, maybe east of the Rockies. Jason Singer's collection (in Arizona) is beyond incredible...

[R.W.T.]

Yes Jason has been collecting a long time. He used to buy from the same pawn shops in Austin that I started in when he was a student here. :-)

[motoikkyu]

If you are considering the Speedking, be sure to take a look at the Viceroy: the styling is similar to the oysterquartz cases.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

The traditional 2280 SpeedKing reference is a fairly small watch and wears much smaller than the bubble backs 2940 3372 3131 3065 2764 etc.

thanks for the insight. I researched the 2280 & it has a 30mm case which is kind of small. something around 38mm (along the lines of my 1655) would be ideal. I've found that most Rolex models past that size (i.e. GMT/Submariners etc.) look a bit too 'exaggerated' on my wrist. a mid-size case is probably the best sizing reference.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by ref1655

thanks for the insight. I researched the 2280 & it has a 30mm case which is kind of small. something around 38mm (along the lines of my 1655) would be ideal. I've found that most Rolex models past that size (i.e. GMT/Submariners etc.) look a bit too 'exaggerated' on my wrist. a mid-size case is probably the best sizing reference.

You won't find what you are wanting.

The bigger bubble backs that came in the 50's which are rare anyway...like the round end end style 6298 pre explorer etc. are 36mm. Nothing bigger.

Most of the 50's style watches non date are 34mm.

Iconic square end bubble backs like 2940 3131, 3065, 3372, 3725 etc etc are 32mm app without the crown.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

You won't find what you are wanting....
Most of the 50's style watches non date are 34mm.

34mm is OK when taking into consideration the bezel size of various contemporary Rolex sport/technical models.

it was interesting to learn that at one time Rolex made 'boy's models'. I would imagine those were even smaller than the 2280 Speed King.

btw, the 6298/36mm SS Pre-Explorer really caught my eye...it appears they were manufactured in both Precision & Perpetual versions.

[watch-guy.com]

I have a ref 3131 and ref 50101 bb but recently bought a ref 6605.

It is slightly larger than the bb but the feel and look of a vintage Rolex

Julian

[adam78]

Originally Posted by watch-guy.com

I have a ref 3131 and ref 50101 bb but recently bought a ref 6605.

It is slightly larger than the bb but the feel and look of a vintage Rolex

Julian

Yes, '50s Datejusts are a different beast altogether!

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by ref1655

34mm is OK when taking into consideration the bezel size of various contemporary Rolex sport/technical models.

it was interesting to learn that at one time Rolex made 'boy's models'. I would imagine those were even smaller than the 2280 Speed King.

btw, the 6298/36mm SS Pre-Explorer really caught my eye...it appears they were manufactured in both Precision & Perpetual versions.

Actually the boy's size watches are about the same size as the SpeedKing in the perpetual. They use the calibre 520-530 "AR"

The 6298 are all Perpetual. It is Oyster Perpetual Precision. Meaning it's not certified chronometer.

Some may have been chronometers as well. I'd have to research.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

The 6298 are all Perpetual. It is Oyster Perpetual Precision. Meaning it's not certified chronometer.

Some may have been chronometers as well. I'd have to research.

you are absolutely correct (my oversight). the 6298 that I saw online said 'self-winding' on the lower portion of the dial.