Rolex Oyster Perpetual Thunderbird Bezel, Bubbleback 10ct 1952

Price

£5,250

In stock

Listed 4 years ago

Edited 4 years ago

Seller

Vintage Gold Watches

Bayswater, GB

Contact

020 7727 7095

info@vintagegoldwatches.com

Website

View Seller Shop

Details

Seller typeTrade
Reference number6085
GenderMens
Year1952
ConditionVery good
MovementAutomatic
ScopeWatch only
Diameter34mm
Case material10ct Yellow Gold
Bracelet materialLizard

Description

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubblebacks draw their name from the bulbous case-back designed to accommodate Rolex’ early Calibre 10½” A269 automatic movement and rotor. The movements were deeper on the earlier Oyster Perpetuals, produced between 1950 and circa 1954, and these are popularly known as the large, or big bubblebacks, as these watches had a 34mm Oyster case, as opposed to the ‘small’ Rolex Bubblebacks with a 32mm case, produced between 1934 and 1950.

We have here a classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Large Bubbleback, complete with a charming silver-white dial, with Dagger and Spearhead hour indices, matched by rare original Lance hands. This is Rolex model reference 6085 with the Calibre 10½” A269 automatic movement. This watch also features the rare and sought after ‘Thunderbird’ bezel, which along with the rest of the case, is in wonderful condition.

This watch has been fully restored by ourselves, and is therefore in wonderful condition and now ready for many more years of faithful service!

The Dial

1950s vintage Rolex dials are, we feel, the most wonderful examples of Rolex style, simplicity and elegance. This particular dial with Dagger and Spearhead hour indices is difficult to find and quite sought after. Here in silver-white, it contrasts beautifully with the yellow gold case and the applied yellow gilt Rolex Coronet at 12 o’clock. It is full of character and 1950s Rolex charm and the original Lance hands and yellow gilt centre seconds hand complete the dial perfectly. The absence of a date window only adds to the beauty, symmetry and perfection of this dial.

The hour indices and hands have been carefully hand-painted with green luminous paint, to match its look during the 1950s. The modern Luminova paint used is completely safe as it uses phosphor as a light bank, rather than any kind of the radioactive materials of the original paint. The hands and hour indices have therefore been restored to reproduce the faint luminous glow, very similar to the original effect.

The lens has been replaced with a new original Rolex part and so it is fresh and scratch-free.

This dial is in stunning condition due to the superb work of our dial restorers. This is the original dial which has been expertly restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Case

The Rolex Oyster, 10ct Yellow Gold Bubbleback watch case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. This watch case has the sought after ‘Thunderbird’ bezel which, along with the rest of the case, is in excellent condition.  The bezel is always one of the most prone parts of a watch to damage, however here it is in excellent condition and shows very few signs of corrective polishing. This indicates this watch has only seen careful, occasional use. The case has simply been given a careful professional inspection, clean and very gentle hand-polishing to bring it to the wonderful condition you see here.

The screw-down case-back is nicely polished, of full-thickness and has never been engraved.

Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected: Signed Rolex Montres SA Geneva Swiss, with the early Rolex scroll signature and Swiss Geneva 10ct hallmarks. The case also carries the model reference number 6085. This number can also be found, clear and distinct between the lugs at ’12’.

Externally, the case serial number 838643 is very clear and distinct on the outside of the case, between the lugs at ‘6’. This number dates the watch to 1952.

The case has the screw-down Rolex Oyster crown and screw-down case-back, each complete with new rubber seals. However, although this watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed.

As ever our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The high grade, Rolex Calibre 10½ ” A269, 19 Jewel automatic movement is running perfectly following a complete overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves completely dismantling the movement to all its component parts, close examination under high magnification, then using only genuine Rolex replacement parts where required, careful reassembly and lubrication using Rolex specified lubricants.

This particular movement is sparkling clean and winds, sets and runs perfectly, just as it should. When final tested following its overhaul, this watch was found to be keeping superb time to within +11 seconds per day! This is outstanding for any watch of this age.

The Strap & Buckle

A new, very high quality Hirsch brown Lizard strap has been fitted, along with a matching, gold plated Rolex buckle.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1952.

The matching vintage Rolex Oyster presentation box as shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a wonderful example of a 1950s vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback automatic which is ready to wear and very appropriate and practical for regular everyday use. It is a highly collectable timepiece from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy! If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel excellent examples such as this are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

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