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TyinLex · 18 December 2012, 08:39 AM

I obtained this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback with black dial watch in a family estate auction from my Grandmother's brother-in-law about three years ago. I bought a box of goodies and this little jewel was in there, now I have done as much research on it as possible without opening it up. I have never worn this (too small) but as you can see, it has a lot of wear. Using the serial number, I dated the watch to ~1944, serial number 325***

The Case

The solid stainless steel screw down case is in fair condition with signs of wear to be expected on a watch of this age. You can see where someone has tried to open the case with something other than the proper tools. It also has a few dents and scratches that are visible, a working mans watch. I know many Rolexes have 'Stainless Steel R.W.C.' on the case, but this does not. The phrase 'Stainless Steel' appears at 12 o'clock between the lugs. The serial number is at 6 o'clock between the lugs: 325***. The winding cap has 'Rolex Oyster' and is free and winds the hands.

The Dial

I believe the dial is a semi-Arabics black gloss dial with its original pink gilt factory printing and Radium luminous. The ‘Rolex Crown’ dial is in fair condition for it’s age. The hands are all straight and wind properly. The numbers have corrosive appearance but looks like with a cleaning, could be brought back to life. It is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual, ‘Chronometer’ and ‘Swiss Made’. The lens shows signs of wear and scratching.

The Movement

Have never opened it, but I can hear something moving when I shake it. Sounds like something needs fixed.

The Strap

I received the watch with this current stainless steel Speidel USA strap.

I'm just looking for as much information as possible on this watch. I have seen many pictures and descriptions, but I have never ran across any that looked like this. I know the black dials bubblebacks are unique and could bring a hefty payday, but I am just looking for information and whether or not it is worth repairing and restoring. If anyone has a ballpark value or restoration value, I would appreciate it. Happy Holidays!

adam78 · 18 December 2012, 11:30 PM

A pic is worth the proverbial thousand words...We are lost without some clear photos, sorry.

TyinLex · 19 December 2012, 05:11 AM

Struggling to get a post seen, here is three photos, but I have more.

vintagewaferthin · 20 December 2012, 07:51 AM

She's in rough shape, but with a full restoration and a nos oyster rivited bracelet shell look great. I'd recommend sending her to bob Ridley for the restoration.

TyinLex · 6 February 2013, 06:26 AM

Would you happen to know the ballpark range of cost for a restoration from Bob Ridley?

oinkitt · 6 February 2013, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TyinLex

Would you happen to know the ballpark range of cost for a restoration from Bob Ridley?

I doubt it would be "cost effective" to send this watch to Bob. Id be looking for a good local service centre.

Remember guys... Bob isnt the only game in town.

kyle L · 6 February 2013, 07:03 AM

When it comes to Bubblebacks, I would send it to Tommy Taylor. He specializes in these and will know what to do.

timely · 6 February 2013, 08:07 AM

Bob Ridley quioted me 895+ to do my Fathers 14k Bubble Back
I ended up having Rolex RCS in New York do it after lots of begging it was 1600.00

Before

After

Vlad · 6 February 2013, 04:19 PM

Do NOT send it to anyone (be that BR or RSC) -- OK, you can send it to Tommy.

You have a very rare and interesting dial on your watch. Don't do more that you need to keep the watch running. Replace the crystal, but keep the original one.

Here's mine 6050 (ok, few years later, but similar dial).

Vlad

Vlad · 6 February 2013, 04:21 PM

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, you have a VERY desirable EARLY dial (two line, with Rolex Oyster being on the first line).....

Lody · 7 February 2013, 06:53 AM

Got the same! Ref. 2940

TyinLex · 30 July 2013, 06:59 AM

So my watch would be listed as a 'Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Ref. 2940'? I noticed on Lody's watch (Ref. 2940) that it does not list all of the numbers like my watch. Does that make my watch more desirable?

Thank you all for getting back with me on this, just trying to honor his watch the right way. He was in the Army and possibly got this overseas when on duty. I want to get all the information before I determine what to do with the watch.

adam78 · 30 July 2013, 09:46 AM

Your case reference number, depending on the year of production, could have been on the outer case back, with the SN (if so, then worn or polished off), or on the inner case back, or (if post-WWII), between the lugs at 12:00. It is probably a 2940, given the steel case and center-seconds. The original dial and hands, despite the extreme patina, are super.

I would also give a recommendation for either Bob Ridley or Tommy Taylor (rolexwatchtime@att.net). Both would cost about the same (400-500 without other than routine parts), but Tommy usually has a shorter turnaround time these days. Both have worked on my bubblebacks and early Oysters and are great.

DrLindaPhD · 4 August 2013, 12:19 AM

Dial and hands need to be restored (but keep them, don't replace them) case needs thorough policing and get a nice replacement distressed leather band and you will be good to go. To get it looking great and professionally restored, figure about $800. Would it be worth it? If you want to keep it and wear it and enjoy it. Now, the restoration quote does not, and I repeat, does not include a servicing which it also may need and that could be another $400. Think it over carefully before you put money into it. While it is a nice, somewhat rare dial and the bubblebacks have a lot of collectibility, you can probably pick up a really nice bubbleback in good working condition for under $2000 so you need to think this through and decide what you really want. If you want to find a nice vintage, wearable Rolex then save your money to get a good one but if you want to restore this and keep it then figure at least $1,000 between restoration and servicing (at minimum)

adam78 · 4 August 2013, 06:44 AM

Leave the dial and hands as they are, in the watch, please!

andromeda160 · 4 August 2013, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam78

Leave the dial and hands as they are, in the watch, please!

I agree, they're aged, but I don't think that it would look bad at all cleaned up

adam78 · 4 August 2013, 09:37 PM

I'd be very hesitant to have anyone touch the dial, actually. The spotting may well be under the lacquer. It's too unusual a dial to risk more damage IMO. It probably isn't too bad in person!

Lody · 4 August 2013, 09:40 PM

Totally agree with Adam ! Change the plasic and get the movement serviced. That is all I would do....

DrLindaPhD · 8 August 2013, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lody

Totally agree with Adam ! Change the plasic and get the movement serviced. That is all I would do....

After thinking about it, you guys are right. I would just do that first and see if it is acceptable before touching the dial. I know a lot of you are big on leaving the dial as is but I don't have an issue with restoration and I do love patina if it is equalized on the dial.

18 December 2012, 08:39 AM	#1
TyinLex "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 4	Need help identifying this Bubbleback please I obtained this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback with black dial watch in a family estate auction from my Grandmother's brother-in-law about three years ago. I bought a box of goodies and this little jewel was in there, now I have done as much research on it as possible without opening it up. I have never worn this (too small) but as you can see, it has a lot of wear. Using the serial number, I dated the watch to ~1944, serial number 325* The Case The solid stainless steel screw down case is in fair condition with signs of wear to be expected on a watch of this age. You can see where someone has tried to open the case with something other than the proper tools. It also has a few dents and scratches that are visible, a working mans watch. I know many Rolexes have 'Stainless Steel R.W.C.' on the case, but this does not. The phrase 'Stainless Steel' appears at 12 o'clock between the lugs. The serial number is at 6 o'clock between the lugs: 325*. The winding cap has 'Rolex Oyster' and is free and winds the hands. The Dial I believe the dial is a semi-Arabics black gloss dial with its original pink gilt factory printing and Radium luminous. The ‘Rolex Crown’ dial is in fair condition for it’s age. The hands are all straight and wind properly. The numbers have corrosive appearance but looks like with a cleaning, could be brought back to life. It is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual, ‘Chronometer’ and ‘Swiss Made’. The lens shows signs of wear and scratching. The Movement Have never opened it, but I can hear something moving when I shake it. Sounds like something needs fixed. The Strap I received the watch with this current stainless steel Speidel USA strap. I'm just looking for as much information as possible on this watch. I have seen many pictures and descriptions, but I have never ran across any that looked like this. I know the black dials bubblebacks are unique and could bring a hefty payday, but I am just looking for information and whether or not it is worth repairing and restoring. If anyone has a ballpark value or restoration value, I would appreciate it. Happy Holidays!

18 December 2012, 11:30 PM	#2
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,830	A pic is worth the proverbial thousand words...We are lost without some clear photos, sorry. __________________ Cheers, Adam

30 July 2013, 09:46 AM	#13
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,830	Your case reference number, depending on the year of production, could have been on the outer case back, with the SN (if so, then worn or polished off), or on the inner case back, or (if post-WWII), between the lugs at 12:00. It is probably a 2940, given the steel case and center-seconds. The original dial and hands, despite the extreme patina, are super. I would also give a recommendation for either Bob Ridley or Tommy Taylor (rolexwatchtime@att.net). Both would cost about the same (400-500 without other than routine parts), but Tommy usually has a shorter turnaround time these days. Both have worked on my bubblebacks and early Oysters and are great. __________________ Cheers, Adam

4 August 2013, 06:44 AM	#15
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,830	Leave the dial and hands as they are, in the watch, please! __________________ Cheers, Adam

4 August 2013, 09:37 PM	#17
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,830	I'd be very hesitant to have anyone touch the dial, actually. The spotting may well be under the lacquer. It's too unusual a dial to risk more damage IMO. It probably isn't too bad in person! __________________ Cheers, Adam

19 December 2012, 05:11 AM	#3
TyinLex "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 4	Struggling to get a post seen, here is three photos, but I have more.

20 December 2012, 07:51 AM	#4
vintagewaferthin "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Earth Watch: Air-King 5500 Posts: 2,611	She's in rough shape, but with a full restoration and a nos oyster rivited bracelet shell look great. I'd recommend sending her to bob Ridley for the restoration.

6 February 2013, 06:26 AM	#5
TyinLex "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 4	Would you happen to know the ballpark range of cost for a restoration from Bob Ridley?

6 February 2013, 07:03 AM	#7
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	When it comes to Bubblebacks, I would send it to Tommy Taylor. He specializes in these and will know what to do.

6 February 2013, 08:07 AM	#8
timely Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Bob Location: NE PA Watch: 3131 bubble back Posts: 641	Bob Ridley quioted me 895+ to do my Fathers 14k Bubble Back I ended up having Rolex RCS in New York do it after lots of begging it was 1600.00 Before After

6 February 2013, 04:21 PM	#10
Vlad "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 813	Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, you have a VERY desirable EARLY dial (two line, with Rolex Oyster being on the first line).....

7 February 2013, 06:53 AM	#11
Lody Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Europe Watch: Rolex Posts: 22	Got the same! Ref. 2940

30 July 2013, 06:59 AM	#12
TyinLex "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 4	So my watch would be listed as a 'Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Ref. 2940'? I noticed on Lody's watch (Ref. 2940) that it does not list all of the numbers like my watch. Does that make my watch more desirable? Thank you all for getting back with me on this, just trying to honor his watch the right way. He was in the Army and possibly got this overseas when on duty. I want to get all the information before I determine what to do with the watch.

4 August 2013, 12:19 AM	#14
DrLindaPhD "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Linda Location: New York State Watch: Boys Tudor Sub Posts: 1,131	Dial and hands need to be restored (but keep them, don't replace them) case needs thorough policing and get a nice replacement distressed leather band and you will be good to go. To get it looking great and professionally restored, figure about $800. Would it be worth it? If you want to keep it and wear it and enjoy it. Now, the restoration quote does not, and I repeat, does not include a servicing which it also may need and that could be another $400. Think it over carefully before you put money into it. While it is a nice, somewhat rare dial and the bubblebacks have a lot of collectibility, you can probably pick up a really nice bubbleback in good working condition for under $2000 so you need to think this through and decide what you really want. If you want to find a nice vintage, wearable Rolex then save your money to get a good one but if you want to restore this and keep it then figure at least $1,000 between restoration and servicing (at minimum)

4 August 2013, 09:40 PM	#18
Lody Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Europe Watch: Rolex Posts: 22	Totally agree with Adam ! Change the plasic and get the movement serviced. That is all I would do....

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