Vintage Rolex Mechanical w/Automatic Winding?

[DrLindaPhD]

My new vintage bubbleback (on its way) states that it is mechanical with automatic winding; caliber 9 3/4; 17 jewels.

I've only had mechanical Rolex watches. I've been told with the automatic you have to have them serviced every few years.

Is this 1950 model more of a transitional model that is both mechanical/automatic so that I set it and it will wind down if not being worn but when being worn it does not need to be reset? Does that mean it does not or does still have the need for routine servicing and if yes, how often?

The watch company I am buying this from is doing a full service on it and said it should be good for 5 years plus they are giving me a 2 year warranty.

Here is a picture of the back where you can see the semi-circular shaped auto rotor (like I said this is all new for me - I do prefer the mechanical but adore this watch). Is this what all new automatic Rolex watches are like or is this a unique transitional model that is both mechanical/automatic?

Help me to understand my new bubbleback.

[yakmeister]

This is an automatic movement. Simply put, as long as you wear it normally the movement of your arm will keep the movement "wound". When it is "wound down" and not moving, you need to manually wind it a few times to kick start it and normal wear will keep it going again. Many people buy watch winders to keep them wound at all times.

[joe100]

I always wind my automatics to full power before use. The rotor will keep it going but you need to start out with a full tank of fuel to start with.


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[SPARTAN2161]

Wind it when it arrive roughly 20-30 rotations. Then if you wear it daily you shouldnt need to touch it.

Congrats and make sure you post pics when it arrives! I love vintage bubblebacks

[vintagewaferthin]

Although a manual winding vintage has more of a vintage "feel" to it" the convientce of an automatic is great. I also have a vintage automatic( a tissot, not a Rolex) and although I do give it about 30-32 winds to get it started, when I wear it for a few days at a time it stays running.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by DrLindaPhD

My new vintage bubbleback (on its way) states that it is mechanical with automatic winding; caliber 9 3/4; 17 jewels.

I've only had mechanical Rolex watches. I've been told with the automatic you have to have them serviced every few years.

Is this 1950 model more of a transitional model that is both mechanical/automatic so that I set it and it will wind down if not being worn but when being worn it does not need to be reset? Does that mean it does not or does still have the need for routine servicing and if yes, how often?

The watch company I am buying this from is doing a full service on it and said it should be good for 5 years plus they are giving me a 2 year warranty.

Here is a picture of the back where you can see the semi-circular shaped auto rotor (like I said this is all new for me - I do prefer the mechanical but adore this watch). Is this what all new automatic Rolex watches are like or is this a unique transitional model that is both mechanical/automatic?

Help me to understand my new bubbleback.

The terms "mechanical" and "automatic wind" are not exclusive.. All automatic watches are mechanical..

The terms are "manually wound" and "self winding" for these two types of mechanical watches.. Nothing unique here..