Vintage Challenge: 1934 Bubble back

[cactakla]

Greetings! Rolex noob here. I just received my late great grandfather's watch. It was passed down through the family (via my late great uncle and just now by my father) and I just took possession.

The case number is 310xxx. Following some research, it appears it was made in 1934. I've not seen this exact watch, but the elements are recognizable in other watches of the time (dial, hour/minute hands, case)... except for the second hand. I haven't seen a second hand without a tail, but I don't have access to 100 Years of Rolex.

Further, I'm not sure why a second hand would need to be replaced, so I'm a bit confused on everything.

I plan on getting it serviced as it's been sitting in a drawer for at least 15 years and probably longer as I never recall seeing my late great uncle wear it. Just wondering if I do something about the second hand while I'm at it.






Thanks!

[cactakla]

Photo links never work for me... here's the important pic. (Photo doesn't do the dial justice. It appears to be silver?)

Also just saw the post on the gold bubble back which has the same seconds hand (albeit with a tail). Makes me feel better... now just wondering if the lack of a tail is by design or if something happened?

[adam78]

Your 6-digit SN dates it to about 1945. It is probably a steel ref. 2940. Dial is an older refinish, but not too bad and likely similar to the original style. The hands (including seconds hand) appear to be original, but the bracelet is not (or at least not Rolex). R.W.T. (Tommy) on this forum I sure would be happy to service it for you (he's worked on many of my bubblebacks).

P.S. I see what you mean about the "tail"...if it turns out the seconds hand is indeed a replacement from some point in the past, don't fret it, at least it is the proper length!

[R.W.T.]

Thanks to Adam for the nod. I would be happy to work on the watch as well. I am not taking any jobs until after Jan. 1. If you look closely you can see where the tail is broken off of the seconds hand apparently. Hard to source but I feel sure I can find one that will be appropriate.

[cactakla]

Ok, 1945 actually fits better- we assume my great uncle picks it up after his return from the Pacific (we assumed my great grandfather owned it to fit the 1934 date).. The lack of a tail fits with someone going in. They might have replaced the dial at the same time.

It is a SS case. Not so worried about the bracelet, but it's stamped Rolex and seems legit (I've seen that style on other older Rolexes), but with "Made in USA," I never thought it original.

Appreciate the assist. I'll send you a PM shortly, Tommy.