Rolex Bubbleback 3696

   In approximately 1933 Rolex introduced their fully rotating automatic movements. These movements were fitted into various models from 1930's-1950s. Due to the rotor, which rotated 360 degrees around a center pinion, and larger oscillation weight, more room needed to be allocated to accommodate this new automatic movement. At that time Rolex elected to address this through a semicircular  caseback that protruded posteriorly hence the nickname these watches received - the bubbleback. 
   The bubbleback has gone through various phases of popularity throughout the decades with its peak, perhaps, being in the 1980's. In an episode of Hodinkees "Talking Watches" renowned collector Jason Singer is quoted saying "well back in the day in the 80s the bubbleback watch was like the $20 gold piece for coin collectors everybody knew what they were at the time everybody wanted one." 
   Many of those reasons that led to the bubbleback's popularity in the 80s still holds true today. There is a variety of dial configurations with varying levels of rarity. The case comes in a range of materials including precious metals and, due to its protruding caseback, the wears larger than the 32mm case size would suggest - especially when considering the hooded lug bubbleback. Finally, the bubbleback is historically significant from a horological standpoint as it represents Rolex's fully perpetual winding automatic movement. 

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

Rolex Bubbleback 

REFERENCE: 3696

YEAR: 1940's-1950's. 

CASE:  The 32mm pink gold and steel case is in fair shape. The watch has been previously polished in the past and the serial is no longer present on the case back. The watch shows wear throughout the case commensurate with its age. It is completed by its original signed crown. 

DIAL:  The original Rolex white dial has aged over the years to become more beige in appearance. The original radium lume has contributed to the patina that can be seen on the dial which further gives it that warm vintage charm. The dial sports dagger style hour indices and the patina on the lume plots match the original alpha hands perfectly. 

MOVEMENT: Rolex auto rotor chronometer. Service history is unknown. The watch winds, sets and runs good. Keeping relatively good time. 

BRACELET:  On pictured leather strap. 

Box & Papers: No

Accessories: Comes with an authentic Rolex service pouch. 

BANK WIRE PRICE: 2,800 shipped.