1945 Rolex Bubbleback 14K Gold Ref. 3131

Bubblebacks are back

Rolex Bubblebacks, so called because of the domed case back came in an array of references, dials variants and multitude of bracelets. It is hard to believe that they were BIG in the 80s in terms of collecting and values, in particular, we have repeatedly heard stories from veteran collectors that Bubblebacks were 4 times the price of a Daytona at that time. As tastes evolve and change over time it is also inevitable that old styles come back. The smaller case size of 32mm has found more and more followership again and collectors are looking to add them to their collections.

Here is a very good and beautiful example of a reference 3131 in 14K yellow gold. The silver dial is in stunning condition and bears a mix of dagger shaped indexed and Arabic numerals. Further, the watch is made in 14K gold, presumably made for the American market which makes this watch even rarer. It wears nicely on the thin and soft calf leather strap but will also look great on an old Oyster or beads of Rice bracelet.

One of many Bubblebacks to come in in the futures.