ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

adam78 · 17 July 2012, 03:21 AM

Actually, only the top is (14K pink) gold, the caseback is steel. It's an uncommon "tropical" bubbleback (ref. 3696) dating from 1946 by the SN. Apparently gold was thought to get hotter in tropical climes than steel, thus the peculiar construction. It has been pretty tropical in Chicago lately, in any case.

And some movement photos by Tommy (rolexwatchtime), from whom I just acquired it...He's regulated it to less than 10 sec/day, so I'm happy. He mentioned that he rarely has seen such a clean bubbleback movement.

Subexplorer · 18 July 2012, 06:34 AM

Hello my dear friend Adam!

Congrats on this new addition to your wonderful collection!
This is truly a very nice watch, in an exceptional condition, both outside and its movement. A difficult combination to catch in these oldies.

I love the dial, and its match with the rose gold case is awesome.

Would you please make a comment about why the use of the word "tropical" to name this type of Bubblebacks? It is due to the color of the dial, or the use of gold in the case perhaps?

Seems that you are having a very hot summer at home, while we are near freezing down here!

I wish you´ll keep enjoying this new found baby and thank you for sharing here my friend!
Best cordial regards, Abel.

watchcrank · 18 July 2012, 06:42 AM

wear in good health, gold is nice. m

adam78 · 18 July 2012, 07:31 AM

Abel, as I alluded to in my initial post, the nickname "tropical" refers to the export destinations of these peculiar watches, to tropical climates (e.g. British India or the like). It was thought that wearing watches with gold case backs was uncomfortable, as gold feels hotter than steel, so the case backs were made in steel. These have a different ref. number (usually 3696, rather than 3131 as in an all-gold case).

This is in contrast to the term "tropical" used to refer to a dial which has become brown or golden due to prolonged sun exposure (or, perhaps, moisture damage!).

subtona · 18 July 2012, 07:53 AM

really nice
congratulations

kyle L · 18 July 2012, 01:52 PM

Great watch Adam, I need a bubbleback!

BNA/LION · 18 July 2012, 02:11 PM

Da Bears, Da Bulls...

Da Bubbleback!

cruvon · 18 July 2012, 03:09 PM

Congrats, looks awesome and gotplenty of character!

Subexplorer · 18 July 2012, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam78

Abel, as I alluded to in my initial post, the nickname "tropical" refers to the export destinations of these peculiar watches, to tropical climates (e.g. British India or the like). It was thought that wearing watches with gold case backs was uncomfortable, as gold feels hotter than steel, so the case backs were made in steel. These have a different ref. number (usually 3696, rather than 3131 as in an all-gold case).

This is in contrast to the term "tropical" used to refer to a dial which has become brown or golden due to prolonged sun exposure (or, perhaps, moisture damage!).

Dear Adam:
Thank you so much for your kind explanation about the use of the term "tropical".
Now I can understand your initial comment at your opening the thread.

I can also understand the difference when applied to the watch or the dial.
Thank you so much, and I wish you are enjoying this beauty so much.

Have a nice day, and receive my most cordial regards, Abel.

17 July 2012, 03:21 AM	#1
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,830	My first "gold" bubbleback Actually, only the top is (14K pink) gold, the caseback is steel. It's an uncommon "tropical" bubbleback (ref. 3696) dating from 1946 by the SN. Apparently gold was thought to get hotter in tropical climes than steel, thus the peculiar construction. It has been pretty tropical in Chicago lately, in any case. And some movement photos by Tommy (rolexwatchtime), from whom I just acquired it...He's regulated it to less than 10 sec/day, so I'm happy. He mentioned that he rarely has seen such a clean bubbleback movement. __________________ Cheers, Adam

18 July 2012, 06:34 AM	#2
Subexplorer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Abel Location: Down South Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,234	Hello my dear friend Adam! Congrats on this new addition to your wonderful collection! This is truly a very nice watch, in an exceptional condition, both outside and its movement. A difficult combination to catch in these oldies. I love the dial, and its match with the rose gold case is awesome. Would you please make a comment about why the use of the word "tropical" to name this type of Bubblebacks? It is due to the color of the dial, or the use of gold in the case perhaps? Seems that you are having a very hot summer at home, while we are near freezing down here! I wish you´ll keep enjoying this new found baby and thank you for sharing here my friend! Best cordial regards, Abel. __________________ 50 Years of ROLEX Passion! Grail Rolex: 5508 c. 1959 "Bond" Sub.

18 July 2012, 06:42 AM	#3
watchcrank "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: michael Location: Florida Watch: explorer II cream Posts: 1,664	Beautiful little BB wear in good health, gold is nice. m

18 July 2012, 07:31 AM	#4
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,830	Abel, as I alluded to in my initial post, the nickname "tropical" refers to the export destinations of these peculiar watches, to tropical climates (e.g. British India or the like). It was thought that wearing watches with gold case backs was uncomfortable, as gold feels hotter than steel, so the case backs were made in steel. These have a different ref. number (usually 3696, rather than 3131 as in an all-gold case). This is in contrast to the term "tropical" used to refer to a dial which has become brown or golden due to prolonged sun exposure (or, perhaps, moisture damage!). __________________ Cheers, Adam

18 July 2012, 07:53 AM	#5
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 26,542	really nice congratulations __________________

18 July 2012, 01:52 PM	#6
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	Great watch Adam, I need a bubbleback!

18 July 2012, 02:11 PM	#7
BNA/LION 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,607	Da Bears, Da Bulls... Da Bubbleback! __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

18 July 2012, 03:09 PM	#8
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	Congrats, looks awesome and gotplenty of character! __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)