Reference:3348 - Revision history

Klaudiusz: Correct 3348 image placement and footer gallery markup

2026-09-29T04:16:15Z

Correct 3348 image placement and footer gallery markup

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:16, 29 September 2026
Line 11:		Line 11:
	}}		}}

	<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] ~~->~~ '''3348'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] › '''3348'''</small>

	<div class="rp-lead">		<div class="rp-lead">
Line 60:		Line 60:
	<span id="production-outline"></span>		<span id="production-outline"></span>
	== Production outline ==		== Production outline ==
	[[File:Ref 3348 hero 2.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, Sotheby's New York 2018\|The Sotheby's-catalogued "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, retailed by Mappin & Webb (New York, 24 May 2018, sale N09879, lot 136)]]

	The Sotheby’s example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, and retailed through Mappin & Webb. Sotheby’s offered it in New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) with a USD 5,000–7,000 estimate; the catalogue records no sale. Its condition report notes wear and oxidation, an associated expansion bracelet, and a movement that was running when catalogued but was not tested for accuracy or power reserve.		The Sotheby’s example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, and retailed through Mappin & Webb. Sotheby’s offered it in New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) with a USD 5,000–7,000 estimate; the catalogue records no sale. Its condition report notes wear and oxidation, an associated expansion bracelet, and a movement that was running when catalogued but was not tested for accuracy or power reserve.

	A separate specialist dealer listing describes a 29mm round 14k pink-gold-and-steel watch identified as ref. 3348, with a cream Arabic-numeral dial, matching bi-metal bracelet and Serpico y Laino signature. It is useful evidence that a bi-metal example exists, but a dealer listing does not establish production totals, original fitment or a complete reference variant map.		A separate specialist dealer listing describes a 29mm round 14k pink-gold-and-steel watch identified as ref. 3348, with a cream Arabic-numeral dial, matching bi-metal bracelet and Serpico y Laino signature. It is useful evidence that a bi-metal example exists, but a dealer listing does not establish production totals, original fitment or a complete reference variant map.

			[[File:Ref 3348 hero 2.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, Sotheby's New York 2018\|The Sotheby's-catalogued "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, retailed by Mappin & Webb (New York, 24 May 2018, sale N09879, lot 136)]]

	<span id="movement-notes"></span>		<span id="movement-notes"></span>
Line 107:		Line 107:
	One 3348 auction record was located: Sotheby’s lot 136, which did not sell. The separate specialist listing is dealer evidence for a second watch, not a second auction result or a complete census.		One 3348 auction record was located: Sotheby’s lot 136, which did not sell. The separate specialist listing is dealer evidence for a second watch, not a second auction result or a complete census.

	~~== Gallery ==~~
	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
	File:Ref 3348 hero.webp\|Serpico y Laino-signed pink gold and steel example		File:Ref 3348 hero.webp\|Serpico y Laino-signed pink gold and steel example

Klaudiusz: Remove dealer name from body prose; retain source in Sources

2026-09-28T18:23:34Z

Remove dealer name from body prose; retain source in Sources

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:23, 28 September 2026
Line 64:		Line 64:
	The Sotheby’s example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, and retailed through Mappin & Webb. Sotheby’s offered it in New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) with a USD 5,000–7,000 estimate; the catalogue records no sale. Its condition report notes wear and oxidation, an associated expansion bracelet, and a movement that was running when catalogued but was not tested for accuracy or power reserve.		The Sotheby’s example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, and retailed through Mappin & Webb. Sotheby’s offered it in New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) with a USD 5,000–7,000 estimate; the catalogue records no sale. Its condition report notes wear and oxidation, an associated expansion bracelet, and a movement that was running when catalogued but was not tested for accuracy or power reserve.

	A separate ~~Gray & Sons~~ dealer listing describes a 29mm round 14k pink-gold-and-steel watch identified as ref. 3348, with a cream Arabic-numeral dial, matching bi-metal bracelet and Serpico y Laino signature. It is useful evidence that a bi-metal example exists, but a dealer listing does not establish production totals, original fitment or a complete reference variant map.		A separate specialist dealer listing describes a 29mm round 14k pink-gold-and-steel watch identified as ref. 3348, with a cream Arabic-numeral dial, matching bi-metal bracelet and Serpico y Laino signature. It is useful evidence that a bi-metal example exists, but a dealer listing does not establish production totals, original fitment or a complete reference variant map.

	<span id="movement-notes"></span>		<span id="movement-notes"></span>
Line 105:		Line 105:
	\|}		\|}

	One 3348 auction record was located: Sotheby’s lot 136, which did not sell. The separate ~~Gray & Sons~~ listing is dealer evidence for a second watch, not a second auction result or a complete census.		One 3348 auction record was located: Sotheby’s lot 136, which did not sell. The separate specialist listing is dealer evidence for a second watch, not a second auction result or a complete census.

	== Gallery ==		== Gallery ==

Klaudiusz: Audit 3348: source boundaries, nickname, component fitment, and image layout

2026-09-28T18:23:22Z

Audit 3348: source boundaries, nickname, component fitment, and image layout

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:23, 28 September 2026
Line 2:		Line 2:
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback "Lifesaver" — Mappin & Webb Retailed, 1940 \| Rolexopedia		\|title=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback "Lifesaver" — Mappin & Webb Retailed, 1940 \| Rolexopedia
	\|description=The Rolex 3348 is a steel Oyster Perpetual ~~Bubbleback that~~ Sotheby's ~~catalogued~~ as a ~~"Lifesaver Bubbleback,"~~ circa 1940, retailed by ~~British jeweller~~ Mappin & Webb. ~~The only documented~~ example ~~failed to sell at its 2018 New York auction~~.		\|description=The Rolex 3348 is a 29mm stainless-steel Oyster Perpetual documented by Sotheby's as a circa-1940 “Lifesaver Bubbleback,” retailed by Mappin & Webb. This guide separates the auction lot from a separate dealer-listed bi-metal example.
	\|keywords=Rolex, 3348, Bubbleback, Oyster Perpetual, vintage Rolex, Lifesaver, Mappin and Webb		\|keywords=Rolex, 3348, Bubbleback, Oyster Perpetual, vintage Rolex, Lifesaver, Mappin and Webb
	\|image=Ref 3348 hero.webp		\|image=Ref 3348 hero.webp
Line 17:		Line 17:
	</div>		</div>

	The 3348 is a stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback~~, 29mm, that Sotheby's catalogued under the nickname "Lifesaver Bubbleback" when it came up for sale in~~ New York ~~in 2018~~. ~~The name~~ is ~~Sotheby's own~~, not ~~an official~~ Rolex ~~term or one otherwise documented in wider collector use — worth noting rather than repeating uncritically~~. ~~What is well documented is the retail history: the dial carries~~ a ~~second signature for~~ Mappin & Webb, the ~~British jeweller and silversmith~~, ~~placing this example through one of Rolex's established period~~ retail ~~partners~~.		The 3348 is a 29mm stainless-steel Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback. Sotheby’s called its 2018 New York lot a “Lifesaver Bubbleback”; the catalogue note says the large flat bezel resembled a nautical lifebelt. That is a catalogue nickname, not a Rolex reference name. The same lot has a Mappin & Webb signature on the dial, documenting its retail channel.

	<span id="core-facts"></span>		<span id="core-facts"></span>
Line 56:		Line 56:
	== Where it sits in the line ==		== Where it sits in the line ==

	The 3348 is ~~a plainer,~~ all-steel ~~counterpart to~~ the ~~pink~~-~~gold-and-steel~~ bi-metal ~~Bubblebacks like the [[Reference:3064\|3064]] and [[Reference:3130\|3130]] — no~~ bezel ~~or lug decoration in precious metal~~, ~~a flat rather than~~ domed or engine-turned ~~bezel, and~~ a ~~more modest 29mm case. It represents the lower cost~~ tier ~~Rolex sold alongside its gold and bi-metal Bubblebacks through~~ the ~~same period~~.		The 3348 is an all-steel 29mm example, while the separate dealer-listed watch discussed below is bi-metal. The auction lot has a flat bezel, screw-down crown and caseback; those features distinguish the documented lot from Bubblebacks with domed or engine-turned bezels. The available records do not establish a price tier for the reference.

	<span id="production-outline"></span>		<span id="production-outline"></span>
Line 62:		Line 62:
	[[File:Ref 3348 hero 2.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, Sotheby's New York 2018\|The Sotheby's-catalogued "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, retailed by Mappin & Webb (New York, 24 May 2018, sale N09879, lot 136)]]		[[File:Ref 3348 hero 2.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, Sotheby's New York 2018\|The Sotheby's-catalogued "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, retailed by Mappin & Webb (New York, 24 May 2018, sale N09879, lot 136)]]

	The ~~Sotheby's~~ example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, retailed through Mappin & Webb. ~~It went to auction at Sotheby's~~ New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) ~~against~~ a $5,000~~&ndash~~;7,~~000 estimate~~ and ~~did~~ not ~~sell — a genuine market data point worth recording alongside the successful results documented~~ for ~~other Bubbleback references, not every catalogued example finds a buyer at its estimate~~.		The Sotheby’s example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, and retailed through Mappin & Webb. Sotheby’s offered it in New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) with a USD 5,000–7,000 estimate; the catalogue records no sale. Its condition report notes wear and oxidation, an associated expansion bracelet, and a movement that was running when catalogued but was not tested for accuracy or power reserve.

	A ~~second documented 3348 shows Rolex offering the reference in~~ a ~~different metal tier entirely:~~ 14k pink gold and ~~stainless~~ steel ~~bi-metal~~, ~~29mm round case, on~~ a ~~matching pink gold and steel bracelet with deployant buckle. Its~~ cream Arabic-numeral dial ~~carries a~~ Serpico y Laino ~~retailer~~ signature ~~— the Caracas~~-~~based~~ dealer ~~whose signed dials appear across several other Rolex references of the period~~, ~~including the [[Reference:3130\|3130]]~~.		A separate Gray & Sons dealer listing describes a 29mm round 14k pink-gold-and-steel watch identified as ref. 3348, with a cream Arabic-numeral dial, matching bi-metal bracelet and Serpico y Laino signature. It is useful evidence that a bi-metal example exists, but a dealer listing does not establish production totals, original fitment or a complete reference variant map.

	<span id="movement-notes"></span>		<span id="movement-notes"></span>
Line 79:		Line 79:
	== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==		== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==

	29mm stainless steel case with a flat bezel ~~— plainer than the domed or engine-turned bezels documented on other Bubbleback references —~~ screw-down ~~case back~~ and crown. ~~Sotheby's lists an associated (non-original)~~ expansion bracelet ~~sold with~~ the ~~watch~~.		The Sotheby’s lot is a 29mm stainless-steel case with a flat bezel, screw-down caseback and crown. Sotheby’s calls the expansion bracelet “associated” and does not warrant the originality of component parts; it should therefore be treated as a lot accessory, not as proven original fitment.

	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Line 89:		Line 89:
	== Related references ==		== Related references ==

	* [[Reference:3064\|Bubbleback 3064]] — same generation, bi-metal construction		* [[Reference:3064\|Bubbleback 3064]] (same generation, bi-metal construction)
	* [[Reference:3353\|Bubbleback 3353]] — same generation, steel, tonneau case		* [[Reference:3353\|Bubbleback 3353]] (same generation, steel, tonneau case)
	* [[Reference:3725\|Bubbleback 3725]] — same generation, documented in multiple metal configurations		* [[Reference:3725\|Bubbleback 3725]] (same generation, documented in multiple metal configurations)

	See also the [[Reference:oyster-perpetual\|Oyster Perpetual family index]], [[Reference:Movements\|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets\|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|serial numbers by year]].		See also the [[Reference:oyster-perpetual\|Oyster Perpetual family index]], [[Reference:Movements\|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets\|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|serial numbers by year]].
Line 105:		Line 105:
	\|}		\|}

	~~Only one~~ 3348 ~~has a located~~ auction record, ~~and that lot~~ did not sell ~~— no~~ second ~~case number~~ or ~~dial variant has surfaced to compare it against~~.		One 3348 auction record was located: Sotheby’s lot 136, which did not sell. The separate Gray & Sons listing is dealer evidence for a second watch, not a second auction result or a complete census.

	== Gallery ==		== Gallery ==

Admin: Layout: three stacked side-floated images with only one short paragraph overflowed the section — moved into an inline gallery below the text instead

2026-09-18T14:47:23Z

Layout: three stacked side-floated images with only one short paragraph overflowed the section — moved into an inline gallery below the text instead

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 18 September 2026
Line 78:		Line 78:
	<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>		<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
	== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==		== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==
	[[File:Ref 3348 crown.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback case-flank view showing the rose gold winding crown\|Case-flank view of the Serpico y Laino-signed example, showing the rose gold crown and bezel edge]]
	[[File:Ref 3348 caseback.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback screw-down steel caseback with Rolex coronet\|Screw-down steel caseback of the Serpico y Laino-signed example, on its bi-metal bracelet]]
	~~[[File:Ref 3348 clasp.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback folded clasp stamped Swiss Made Steelinox\|Folded clasp on the bi-metal bracelet, stamped "Swiss Made Steelinox"]]~~

	29mm stainless steel case with a flat bezel — plainer than the domed or engine-turned bezels documented on other Bubbleback references — screw-down case back and crown. Sotheby's lists an associated (non-original) expansion bracelet sold with the watch.		29mm stainless steel case with a flat bezel — plainer than the domed or engine-turned bezels documented on other Bubbleback references — screw-down case back and crown. Sotheby's lists an associated (non-original) expansion bracelet sold with the watch.

			<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
			File:Ref 3348 crown.webp\|Case-flank view of the Serpico y Laino-signed example, showing the rose gold crown and bezel edge
			File:Ref 3348 caseback.webp\|Screw-down caseback of the Serpico y Laino-signed example, on its bi-metal bracelet
			File:Ref 3348 clasp.webp\|Folded clasp on the bi-metal bracelet, stamped "Swiss Made Steelinox"
			</gallery>

	== Related references ==		== Related references ==

Admin: Fix hero placement: move to top rp-lead block, center, 640px — matches the site-wide convention (was a small right-floated thumb before Core facts)

2026-09-18T14:44:32Z

Fix hero placement: move to top rp-lead block, center, 640px — matches the site-wide convention (was a small right-floated thumb before Core facts)

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 18 September 2026
Line 12:		Line 12:

	<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] -> '''3348'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] -> '''3348'''</small>

			<div class="rp-lead">
			[[File:Ref 3348 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback, Serpico y Laino signed, pink gold and steel\|Rolex 3348 Bubbleback, Serpico y Laino-signed pink gold and steel example]]
			</div>

	The 3348 is a stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback, 29mm, that Sotheby's catalogued under the nickname "Lifesaver Bubbleback" when it came up for sale in New York in 2018. The name is Sotheby's own, not an official Rolex term or one otherwise documented in wider collector use — worth noting rather than repeating uncritically. What is well documented is the retail history: the dial carries a second signature for Mappin & Webb, the British jeweller and silversmith, placing this example through one of Rolex's established period retail partners.		The 3348 is a stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback, 29mm, that Sotheby's catalogued under the nickname "Lifesaver Bubbleback" when it came up for sale in New York in 2018. The name is Sotheby's own, not an official Rolex term or one otherwise documented in wider collector use — worth noting rather than repeating uncritically. What is well documented is the retail history: the dial carries a second signature for Mappin & Webb, the British jeweller and silversmith, placing this example through one of Rolex's established period retail partners.

	<span id="core-facts"></span>		<span id="core-facts"></span>

	~~[[File:Ref 3348 hero.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback, Serpico y Laino signed, pink gold and steel\|Rolex 3348 Bubbleback, Serpico y Laino-signed pink gold and steel example]]~~

	== Core facts ==		== Core facts ==
Line 59:		Line 61:
	== Production outline ==		== Production outline ==
	[[File:Ref 3348 hero 2.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, Sotheby's New York 2018\|The Sotheby's-catalogued "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, retailed by Mappin & Webb (New York, 24 May 2018, sale N09879, lot 136)]]		[[File:Ref 3348 hero 2.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, Sotheby's New York 2018\|The Sotheby's-catalogued "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, retailed by Mappin & Webb (New York, 24 May 2018, sale N09879, lot 136)]]


	The Sotheby's example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, retailed through Mappin & Webb. It went to auction at Sotheby's New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) against a $5,000–7,000 estimate and did not sell — a genuine market data point worth recording alongside the successful results documented for other Bubbleback references, not every catalogued example finds a buyer at its estimate.		The Sotheby's example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, retailed through Mappin & Webb. It went to auction at Sotheby's New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) against a $5,000–7,000 estimate and did not sell — a genuine market data point worth recording alongside the successful results documented for other Bubbleback references, not every catalogued example finds a buyer at its estimate.
Line 80:		Line 81:
	[[File:Ref 3348 caseback.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback screw-down steel caseback with Rolex coronet\|Screw-down steel caseback of the Serpico y Laino-signed example, on its bi-metal bracelet]]		[[File:Ref 3348 caseback.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback screw-down steel caseback with Rolex coronet\|Screw-down steel caseback of the Serpico y Laino-signed example, on its bi-metal bracelet]]
	[[File:Ref 3348 clasp.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback folded clasp stamped Swiss Made Steelinox\|Folded clasp on the bi-metal bracelet, stamped "Swiss Made Steelinox"]]		[[File:Ref 3348 clasp.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback folded clasp stamped Swiss Made Steelinox\|Folded clasp on the bi-metal bracelet, stamped "Swiss Made Steelinox"]]


	29mm stainless steel case with a flat bezel — plainer than the domed or engine-turned bezels documented on other Bubbleback references — screw-down case back and crown. Sotheby's lists an associated (non-original) expansion bracelet sold with the watch.		29mm stainless steel case with a flat bezel — plainer than the domed or engine-turned bezels documented on other Bubbleback references — screw-down case back and crown. Sotheby's lists an associated (non-original) expansion bracelet sold with the watch.

Admin: Add machine-style Gallery section (build_ref_gallery.py not usable standalone for this ref)

2026-09-18T14:27:23Z

Add machine-style Gallery section (build_ref_gallery.py not usable standalone for this ref)

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:27, 18 September 2026
Line 103:		Line 103:

	Only one 3348 has a located auction record, and that lot did not sell — no second case number or dial variant has surfaced to compare it against.		Only one 3348 has a located auction record, and that lot did not sell — no second case number or dial variant has surfaced to compare it against.

			== Gallery ==
			<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
			File:Ref 3348 hero.webp\|Serpico y Laino-signed pink gold and steel example
			File:Ref 3348 hero 2.webp\|Sotheby's "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006
			File:Ref 3348 crown.webp\|Case-flank view, rose gold crown and bezel edge
			File:Ref 3348 caseback.webp\|Screw-down caseback and bi-metal bracelet
			File:Ref 3348 clasp.webp\|Folded clasp stamped "Swiss Made Steelinox"
			</gallery>

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

Admin: Add sourced case-flank/caseback/clasp images and a second documented-example photo — vintage-ref image-count fix (was hero-only)

2026-09-18T14:26:51Z

Add sourced case-flank/caseback/clasp images and a second documented-example photo — vintage-ref image-count fix (was hero-only)

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:26, 18 September 2026
Line 58:		Line 58:
	<span id="production-outline"></span>		<span id="production-outline"></span>
	== Production outline ==		== Production outline ==
			[[File:Ref 3348 hero 2.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, Sotheby's New York 2018\|The Sotheby's-catalogued "Lifesaver Bubbleback," case no. 154006, retailed by Mappin & Webb (New York, 24 May 2018, sale N09879, lot 136)]]


	The Sotheby's example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, retailed through Mappin & Webb. It went to auction at Sotheby's New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) against a $5,000–7,000 estimate and did not sell — a genuine market data point worth recording alongside the successful results documented for other Bubbleback references, not every catalogued example finds a buyer at its estimate.		The Sotheby's example is dated circa 1940, case no. 154006, retailed through Mappin & Webb. It went to auction at Sotheby's New York on 24 May 2018 (sale N09879, lot 136) against a $5,000–7,000 estimate and did not sell — a genuine market data point worth recording alongside the successful results documented for other Bubbleback references, not every catalogued example finds a buyer at its estimate.
Line 75:		Line 77:
	<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>		<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
	== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==		== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==
			[[File:Ref 3348 crown.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback case-flank view showing the rose gold winding crown\|Case-flank view of the Serpico y Laino-signed example, showing the rose gold crown and bezel edge]]
			[[File:Ref 3348 caseback.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback screw-down steel caseback with Rolex coronet\|Screw-down steel caseback of the Serpico y Laino-signed example, on its bi-metal bracelet]]
			[[File:Ref 3348 clasp.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Rolex 3348 Bubbleback folded clasp stamped Swiss Made Steelinox\|Folded clasp on the bi-metal bracelet, stamped "Swiss Made Steelinox"]]


	29mm stainless steel case with a flat bezel — plainer than the domed or engine-turned bezels documented on other Bubbleback references — screw-down case back and crown. Sotheby's lists an associated (non-original) expansion bracelet sold with the watch.		29mm stainless steel case with a flat bezel — plainer than the domed or engine-turned bezels documented on other Bubbleback references — screw-down case back and crown. Sotheby's lists an associated (non-original) expansion bracelet sold with the watch.
Line 101:		Line 107:

	* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual-chronometer/ref-rolex-3348/lpi "Rolex Retailed By Mappin & Webb: A Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch Ref 3348 Case 154006 'Lifesaver Bubbleback'", Sotheby's New York, sale N09879, lot 136, 2018, via CollectorSquare Luxprice Index]		* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual-chronometer/ref-rolex-3348/lpi "Rolex Retailed By Mappin & Webb: A Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch Ref 3348 Case 154006 'Lifesaver Bubbleback'", Sotheby's New York, sale N09879, lot 136, 2018, via CollectorSquare Luxprice Index]
			* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09879/lot.136.html "Rolex Retailed By Mappin & Webb: A Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch Ref 3348 Case 154006 'Lifesaver Bubbleback'", Sotheby's New York, sale N09879, lot 136, 2018]
	* [https://www.grayandsons.com/w527238-rolex-bubble-back-29mm-3348 "Used Rolex Bubble Back 3348 14k pink gold & stainless steel", Gray & Sons]		* [https://www.grayandsons.com/w527238-rolex-bubble-back-29mm-3348 "Used Rolex Bubble Back 3348 14k pink gold & stainless steel", Gray & Sons]
	* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, "The Rolex Bubbleback And Why It Still Matters", Hodinkee, 2024]		* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, "The Rolex Bubbleback And Why It Still Matters", Hodinkee, 2024]

	[[Category:Bubbleback]]		[[Category:Bubbleback]]

Admin: Fix Category tag: Bubbleback, not Oyster Perpetual (matches breadcrumb fix from earlier)

2026-09-17T13:20:13Z

Fix Category tag: Bubbleback, not Oyster Perpetual (matches breadcrumb fix from earlier)

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:20, 17 September 2026
Line 104:		Line 104:
	* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, "The Rolex Bubbleback And Why It Still Matters", Hodinkee, 2024]		* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, "The Rolex Bubbleback And Why It Still Matters", Hodinkee, 2024]

	[[Category:~~Oyster Perpetual~~]]		[[Category:Bubbleback]]

Admin: Fix breadcrumb: 3348 is Bubbleback, not Oyster Perpetual (registry-audit fix)

2026-09-17T03:48:20Z

Fix breadcrumb: 3348 is Bubbleback, not Oyster Perpetual (registry-audit fix)

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:48, 17 September 2026
Line 11:		Line 11:
	}}		}}

	<small>[[Reference:~~oyster-perpetual~~\|~~Oyster Perpetual~~]] -> '''3348'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] -> '''3348'''</small>

	The 3348 is a stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback, 29mm, that Sotheby's catalogued under the nickname "Lifesaver Bubbleback" when it came up for sale in New York in 2018. The name is Sotheby's own, not an official Rolex term or one otherwise documented in wider collector use — worth noting rather than repeating uncritically. What is well documented is the retail history: the dial carries a second signature for Mappin & Webb, the British jeweller and silversmith, placing this example through one of Rolex's established period retail partners.		The 3348 is a stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback, 29mm, that Sotheby's catalogued under the nickname "Lifesaver Bubbleback" when it came up for sale in New York in 2018. The name is Sotheby's own, not an official Rolex term or one otherwise documented in wider collector use — worth noting rather than repeating uncritically. What is well documented is the retail history: the dial carries a second signature for Mappin & Webb, the British jeweller and silversmith, placing this example through one of Rolex's established period retail partners.

Admin: site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

2026-09-05T01:21:19Z

site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 5 September 2026
Line 21:		Line 21:
	== Core facts ==		== Core facts ==

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable rp-facts"
	\|-		\|-
	! detail		! detail