Details
ROLEX
BUBBLE BACK REF. 2910
CIRCA: 1945
CASE MATERIAL: stainless steel
DIAMETER: 32 mm. diam.
BRACELET / STRAP MATERIAL: Black leather strap, stainless steel buckle
DIAL: Silvered
MOVEMENT: automatic
FUNCTIONS: time only
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Lot Essay

Beyond its undeniable good looks and vintage charm, the present piece embodies a pivotal moment in time for both Rolex and the entire watchmaking industry. In 1933, Rolex patents the “rotor” self-winding system, and is the only brand which can use the system for 20 years, until 1953. During these years, other brands devise similar, but ultimately sub-par, self-winding devices before a nearly universal shift to the rotor in the 1950s.

The present piece is one of the earliest embodiments of what is considered now the standard for the industry, and furthermore comes from a time when Rolex had the monopoly on the invention. The name bubble back – used for many automatic Rolex references from this age – derives from its domed back. This design choice is a direct consequence of the rotor, as it is necessary to accommodate the additional movement thickness.

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