Reference:bubbleback: Difference between revisions

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== Pre-Oyster / Submarine (1922–1926) ==

~~Before the Oyster was the "~~Rolex Submarine~~." Wilsdorf's trademark was registered 31 March~~ 1922, ~~31 years before~~ the ~~1953 dive watch~~. ~~Based on~~ Jean Finger's 1921 Swiss patent ~~for~~ a ~~double~~-~~case hermetic design, the inner~~ watch ~~sealed inside an outer~~ protective case ~~with a screw-down bezel~~. ~~Winding or setting~~ the ~~watch required unscrewing the outer~~ case.

Rolex dates its Submarine to 1922 and describes a watch hinged inside a second case, with a screw-down bezel and crystal; reaching the crown required opening the outer case. David Boettcher distinguishes Hermetic watches sold under the Submarine name from watches branded Rolex. Jean Finger's 1921 Swiss patent CH 89276 describes a stem-wound watch with a protective case. Boettcher notes that Wilsdorf's 1922 British patent describes the same case design but does not name Finger. [https://www.rolex.com/oyster-story/visionary-undertaking/building-an-impenetrable-defence Rolex, “Building an impenetrable defence”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexhermetic.php Boettcher, “Rolex Hermetic”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexsubmarine.php Boettcher, “Rolex Submarine?”]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"

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! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction

|-

| [[Reference:3666|3666]] || 1924 ~~and~~ circa-1925 ~~examples; span unknown~~ || ~~manual~~, 15 jewels in catalogues; caliber unconfirmed || 32–33mm silver hinged-case Hermetique || ~~W&D is a sponsor mark, not proof of case maker~~; a separate 1940 chronograph ~~was also catalogued~~ as 3666

| [[Reference:3666|3666]] || Cargills catalogue: 1924; Bonhams: circa 1925 || Manual, 15 jewels in catalogues; caliber unconfirmed || 32–33mm silver hinged-case Hermetique || Cargills calls its watch “Submarine Hermetique” and reports Rolex signatures; Phillips catalogues a separate 1940 chronograph as ref. 3666 ([https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Bold Timepieces]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/watchesofknightsbridge/catalogue-id-srwatc10008/pdfexport Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 376]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080216/54 Phillips])

|}

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! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction

|-

| [[Reference:1925|1925]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1925, 1928 and to the 1930s; Antiquorum: 1920s; production span unknown || Prima (9′′′/15j and six-position description) and Ultra Prima (15j); caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, faceted tonneau and octagonal; 28 × 28 to 32 × 31mm; gold, silver, nickel || ~~Several lot~~-specific dials; ~~Bonhams calls~~ 260554 a ~~case~~ number, while ~~an early Oyster caseback shows 260554/1925 as a patent marking~~

| [[Reference:1925|1925]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1925, 1928 and to the 1930s; Antiquorum: 1920s; production span unknown || Prima (9′′′/15j and six-position description) and Ultra Prima (15j); caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, faceted tonneau and octagonal; 28 × 28 to 32 × 31mm; gold, silver, nickel || Lot-specific dials; Vintage & Prestige stock W3770 reproduces a 1930 guarantee recording sale on a Milanese band; 260554 is a British winding-crown patent number, while its role in the Bonhams watch’s catalogue field remains unverified

|-

| [[Reference:2081|2081]] || Auction dates range from the 1920s to 1948; span unproved || 10-ligne/15-jewel Prima and 10½-ligne/17-jewel lots; one 1947 lot names Cal. 700, 10½-ligne/15-jewel Extra-Prima || Cushion, 31–32mm; stainless steel, 9K gold and chrome-plated examples || “Standard Oyster,” “Oyster Imperial” and “Oyster Chronometer” catalogue labels; Antiquorum’s steel-only note conflicts with gold and chrome-plated lots

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|-

| [[Reference:2136|2136]] || c.1926–1940 || 10½′′′ Hunter, 15j manual || 32–34mm octagonal / cushion || Early manual-wind gold Oyster; Borgel-lineage three-piece construction; same reference reused c.1960 for a Cal. 1400 Precision

|-

| [[Reference:34075|34075]] || Christie’s dates the individual watch 1926; Sotheby’s reports Glasgow marks for 1926/1927; production series unproved || 9¾-ligne Hunter upgraded to Cal. 600, 17j (Sotheby’s) || 9ct gold octagonal case, wire lugs, 31 × 27mm (Christie’s) || Gleitze’s ‘Companion Oyster’; Christie’s calls it No. 34075, Sotheby’s calls it reference 34075; single object record

|-

| [[Reference:2849|2849]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1936, 1938 and 1940; Antiquorum dates two cases to 1937; production span unproved || Christie’s describes 18-jewel lever/Hunter movements; Antiquorum attributes 17-jewel Cal. 500 to two 1937 watches, with one lot’s stated caliber dates conflicting || 32–33mm; steel examples and one steel-and-gold catalogue description, disputed against a steel-only note || Broad stepped bezel; period “Oyster De Luxe” wording and later “Lifesaver” nickname

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| [[Reference:1573|1573]] || Auction examples dated circa 1930 through the 1940s; production span unknown || Manual; Antiquorum photo shows 15 jewels; Master of Time assigns Cal. 600 (17 jewels) to one Viceroy example; not confirmed across the reference || Tonneau/tortue; 28–29 × 38–39mm across catalogues; steel, steel/gold-bezel and 9ct gold examples || BEYER-signed black dial and Dobbies attribution documented; Imperial and Viceroy are sale names, not established production variants

|-

| [[Reference:2280|2280]] || Auction examples circa 1935–1943; production span unconfirmed || Manual; 15–17 jewels in catalogues; Watch LIFE News identifies one pictured example as Cal. 710 || Tonneau Oyster, ~~29–33mm~~; steel ~~and steel/~~pink-gold ~~examples~~ || Catalogue ~~names~~ include Oyster Royal, Royal Observatory and Speedking; centre/subsidiary seconds, 12/24-hour and sector dials

| [[Reference:2280|2280]] || Auction examples circa 1935–1943; production span unconfirmed || Manual; 15–17 jewels in catalogues; Watch LIFE News identifies one pictured example as Cal. 710 || Tonneau Oyster, 29–33 mm; steel, including one with a pink-gold bezel || Catalogue titles include Oyster Royal, Royal Observatory, Royalite, Majestic Observatory and Speedking; centre/subsidiary seconds, 12/24-hour and sector dials

|-

| [[Reference:2416|2416]] || Catalogue examples and marks mainly mid-1930s to circa 1940; range unproved || Manual; 15 jewels reported on several lots; one parts table lists 10½ lignes; numbered caliber unconfirmed || Cushion case, 27–28mm in 9ct examples; one 18ct example || Murdock’s Cape Town signature; dealer-described “England Dial” and Speedking inscriptions; Oyster Watch Co. cases with Rolex/Aegler movements reported

| [[Reference:2416|2416]] || Catalogue examples and marks mainly mid-1930s to circa 1940; range unproved || Manual; 15 jewels reported on several lots; Christie’s also describes an Ultra Prima movement; one parts table lists 10½ lignes; numbered caliber unconfirmed || Cushion case, 27–28mm in 9ct examples; one 18ct example || Murdock’s Cape Town signature; one white Roman-numeral dial with soldered lugs; dealer-described “England Dial” and Speedking inscriptions; Oyster Watch Co. cases with Rolex/Aegler movements reported

|-

| [[Reference:3139|3139]] || c.1940–1942 || 10½′′′ Hunter, manual || 32mm cushion Oyster, 3-piece || Only Rolex with "Army" on the dial; cushion case in the Borgel-derived 1920s family; documented British military and civilian examples

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|-

| [[Reference:3009|3009]] || range unproved; Glasgow import mark 1937 and presentation inscription 1947 || Mostly catalogued manual, 17–18j; Cal. 700 family attribution probable; two repeated LSK automatic descriptions unresolved || 30–33mm precious-metal tonneau Oyster || White enamel Scientific dial plus Observatory, 24-hour, California and silvered layouts

|-

| [[Reference:3096|3096]] || Bonhams c.1930; Sotheby’s c.1937; span unproved. Gardiner Houlgate reports 1937 Glasgow import marks on the watch with serial 41066 || Manual winding on Bonhams example; 18-jewel/six-position and jewelled-lever descriptions elsewhere; caliber unconfirmed || 30mm gold cushion case; 9ct/9K in three records; Gardiner Houlgate describes hooded lugs || “Oyster Chronometer” wording; central seconds on one example and subsidiary seconds on three

|-

| [[Reference:4220|4220]] || c.1944–1948 || Cal. 59 manual, 17j || 30mm tonneau Oyster SS || ''Speedking'' line; California dial; a documented 1940s small-Oyster manual-wind configuration

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|-

| [[Reference:3372|3372]] || auction estimates c.1938–c.1959; factory range unconfirmed || Cal. 630 listed by Field Manual and named in one lot; other catalogues give 9¾-ligne / N 1411; centre and subsidiary seconds recorded || tonneau case; 32–33mm in cited lots; case and bezel variants || "Luxury Model" name reported in period advertising; 3372/0 listed with smooth polished bezel; dials need lot-specific originality checks

|}

== Straight-lug Empire Oyster ==

Collector Marcus Siems groups the straight-lug refs. 3548 and 3716 under the name Empire; Antiquorum says period advertisements used the Italian form “Impero.” The 3548 has centre seconds and the 3716 subsidiary seconds. Catalogue dates for 3716 examples range from circa 1940 to an outlying 1950s attribution, so the group does not supply a confirmed production span. See [[Reference:3548|3548]] and [[Reference:3716|3716]].

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"

|-

! Reference !! Production evidence !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction

|-

| [[Reference:3716|3716]] || Catalogued circa 1940–46; one 1989 catalogue gives a 1950s date || 9¾-ligne automatic; Cal. 620 / 635 assignments conflict || 31–32 mm straight-lug case; steel, yellow and pink gold examples || Subsidiary seconds; paired in collector sources with centre-seconds ref. 3548

|}

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== Post-Bubbleback / Super Oyster (1952–1953) ==

Cal. 1030, ~~the first Rolex-designed-from-scratch caliber and~~ a ~~bi-directional~~ automatic, ~~made the flat~~ caseback ~~possible and ended~~ the Bubbleback profile. ~~The~~ 6098 ~~"Super Oyster" carried 60m water resistance into the Oyster Perpetual line~~, ~~preceding the Submariner by~~ a ~~year and preceding the Explorer and~~ Submariner ~~launches of 1953 and the GMT~~-~~Master launch of 1955~~.

Cal. 1030, a bidirectional automatic, allowed Rolex to use a flatter caseback than the Bubbleback profile. A September 1953 letter from Bruno Vailati thanks Rolex for seven “Super Oyster” watches supplied to his Red Sea expedition; the letter does not identify them by reference. Perezcope attributes Vailati’s own watch to ref. 6098. Monaco Legend later used “Super Oyster” for ref. 6029, case 706020. Antiquorum dates that same case to 1950 and describes its domed, screw-down back. Abell Watchmakers calls a separately numbered ref. 6029 “Big Bubble Back.” These are source-specific labels, not evidence of a single model definition. [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, “Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches” (2023)] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, 2021, lot 181] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, 2007, lot 254] [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"

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! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction

|-

| [[Reference:6098|6098]] || 1952–1953 || Cal. 1030 (or A.296), 25j, bi-directional || 36mm Oyster, flat caseback || ~~"Super Oyster" per~~ 1953 ~~Vailati~~ letter; ~~60m water resistance; pre-Explorer / pre-Submariner ancestor; honeycomb and galaxy dials~~

| [[Reference:6098|6098]] || 1952–1953 || Cal. 1030 (or A.296), 25j, bi-directional || 36mm Oyster, flat caseback || “Super Oyster” wording in Vailati’s 1953 letter for expedition watches; Perezcope attributes his watch to 6098

|}

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* [[Reference:6150|6150]] (first Explorer, 1952)

* [[Reference:6204|6204]] (first Submariner, 1953)

* [[Reference:4643|4643]] (square Perpetual; catalogues ~~variously call~~ it ~~non-Oyster Perpetual~~, ~~Oyster Perpetual or Bubbleback, so its placement here is provisional~~)

* [[Reference:4643|4643]] (square Perpetual; published labels vary. Dorotheum says period Rolex catalogues misprinted it as 4663; the ''Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' lists 4643 and 4663 separately, and the discrepancy remains unresolved.)

* 6305 (first Datejust with Cyclops, 1954)

* 6604 and 6605 (first Datejust with instantaneous date change, Cal. 1065, 1956–57)

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* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36789]

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36776, sale 5004 lot 98]

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36,848]

* [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler Auktionen, ref. 2416, case 32342]

* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29894/lot/85/rolex-a-9k-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-oyster-ref-3096-circa-1930/ Bonhams, ref. 3096, case 41164, circa 1930]

* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, ref. 3096, serial 41066, Glasgow import marks dated 1937]

* [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/323442/a-rolex-oyster-9ct-gold-cushion-shape-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s, ref. 3096, caseback marked 4111/3096]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-6 Sotheby’s, Watches 2020, ref. 3096, lot 51, circa 1937]

* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/watch-9190889 EveryWatch transcription of Sotheby’s lot 51]

* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoysterwatchco.php David Boettcher, “Oyster Watch Co.”; FHF 30 and Tudor Cal. 59/59SC]

* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/wilsdorfsotherbrands.php David Boettcher, Rolex 2416 examples in Oyster Watch Co. cases]

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* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra

* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoystercase.php David Boettcher, "The Rolex Oyster Case — Hermetic, Submarine and the Borgel lineage", vintagewatchstraps.com]

* [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A, “Improvements in keyless watches”]

* [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH114948A/en Swiss patent CH114948A, “Winding watch”]

* [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/2022/9/7/the-oyster-story Owen Lawton, "The Oyster Story (Part 1)", Wind Vintage, 2022]

* [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/how-rolex-became-rolex-the-automatic-perpetual-movement-part-2 Charlie Dunne, "How Rolex Became Rolex: The Automatic Perpetual Movement, Part 2", Wind Vintage, 2023]

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* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24235/lot/115/rolex-a-very-rare-18k-gold-automatic-triple-calendar-wristwatch-with-moon-phase-padellone-ref-8171-circa-1955/ Bonhams, "Fine Watches and Wristwatches, London New Bond Street, 13 December 2017, lot 115 — 18K gold ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', cal. A.295 CPL no. 20696", Bonhams, 2017]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Antiquorum, "Ref. 3525 chronograph, Corporal Clive Nutting provenance", Geneva, 2007]

* [https://perezcope.com/ Jose Pereztroika, "~~Sesto Continente — the ref. 6098 Super~~ Oyster ~~and the 1953 Vailati letter~~", ~~Perezcope~~]

* [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, "Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches", 2023]

* [https://www.pandolfini.it/ Pandolfini Casa d'Aste, "Catalogue usage — ''Ovetto'' for 32mm Bubblebacks, ''Ovettone'' for 36mm Big Bubblebacks", Pandolfini]

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===Editorial and market===

* [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762, “Big Bubble Back”]

* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, The Rolex Connoisseur's Collection Part Two, lot 181, ref. 6029, case 706020, 2021]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, Geneva, 11 November 2007, lot 254, ref. 6029, case 706020]

* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-prima-1925/ Vintage & Prestige, ref. 1925 stock W3770, Milanese bracelet and 1930 guarantee]

* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 EveryWatch archive of Bonhams 2012 lot 127, ref. 2280 case 79,895]

* [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News / LowBEAT, ref. 2280 and Cal. 710 (Japanese, 2022)]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-2280-oyster-royal-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s New York, ref. 2280, lot 403]

* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Henrik Korpela, SJX Watches, 2015 — gold watch, movement and altered caseback]

* [https://www.watchlover.it/2016/09/21/rolex-ovettone-big-bubbleback/ Watchlover, 2016 — illustrated 6074 and smooth bezel]

@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 == Pre-Oyster / Submarine (1922–1926) ==
-Before the Oyster was the "Rolex Submarine." Wilsdorf's trademark was registered 31 March 1922, 31 years before the 1953 dive watch. Based on Jean Finger's 1921 Swiss patent for a double-case hermetic design, the inner watch sealed inside an outer protective case with a screw-down bezel. Winding or setting the watch required unscrewing the outer case.
+Rolex dates its Submarine to 1922 and describes a watch hinged inside a second case, with a screw-down bezel and crystal; reaching the crown required opening the outer case. David Boettcher distinguishes Hermetic watches sold under the Submarine name from watches branded Rolex. Jean Finger's 1921 Swiss patent CH 89276 describes a stem-wound watch with a protective case. Boettcher notes that Wilsdorf's 1922 British patent describes the same case design but does not name Finger. [https://www.rolex.com/oyster-story/visionary-undertaking/building-an-impenetrable-defence Rolex, “Building an impenetrable defence”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexhermetic.php Boettcher, “Rolex Hermetic”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexsubmarine.php Boettcher, “Rolex Submarine?”]
 {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 ! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
 |-
-| [[Reference:3666|3666]] || 1924 and circa-1925 examples; span unknown || manual, 15 jewels in catalogues; caliber unconfirmed || 32–33mm silver hinged-case Hermetique || W&D is a sponsor mark, not proof of case maker; a separate 1940 chronograph was also catalogued as 3666
+| [[Reference:3666|3666]] || Cargills catalogue: 1924; Bonhams: circa 1925 || Manual, 15 jewels in catalogues; caliber unconfirmed || 32–33mm silver hinged-case Hermetique || Cargills calls its watch “Submarine Hermetique” and reports Rolex signatures; Phillips catalogues a separate 1940 chronograph as ref. 3666 ([https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Bold Timepieces]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/watchesofknightsbridge/catalogue-id-srwatc10008/pdfexport Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 376]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080216/54 Phillips])
 |}
@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 ! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
 |-
-| [[Reference:1925|1925]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1925, 1928 and to the 1930s; Antiquorum: 1920s; production span unknown || Prima (9′′′/15j and six-position description) and Ultra Prima (15j); caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, faceted tonneau and octagonal; 28 × 28 to 32 × 31mm; gold, silver, nickel || Several lot-specific dials; Bonhams calls 260554 a case number, while an early Oyster caseback shows 260554/1925 as a patent marking
+| [[Reference:1925|1925]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1925, 1928 and to the 1930s; Antiquorum: 1920s; production span unknown || Prima (9′′′/15j and six-position description) and Ultra Prima (15j); caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, faceted tonneau and octagonal; 28 × 28 to 32 × 31mm; gold, silver, nickel || Lot-specific dials; Vintage & Prestige stock W3770 reproduces a 1930 guarantee recording sale on a Milanese band; 260554 is a British winding-crown patent number, while its role in the Bonhams watch’s catalogue field remains unverified
 |-
 | [[Reference:2081|2081]] || Auction dates range from the 1920s to 1948; span unproved || 10-ligne/15-jewel Prima and 10½-ligne/17-jewel lots; one 1947 lot names Cal. 700, 10½-ligne/15-jewel Extra-Prima || Cushion, 31–32mm; stainless steel, 9K gold and chrome-plated examples || “Standard Oyster,” “Oyster Imperial” and “Oyster Chronometer” catalogue labels; Antiquorum’s steel-only note conflicts with gold and chrome-plated lots
@@ Line 59: / Line 59: @@
 |-
 | [[Reference:2136|2136]] || c.1926–1940 || 10½′′′ Hunter, 15j manual || 32–34mm octagonal / cushion || Early manual-wind gold Oyster; Borgel-lineage three-piece construction; same reference reused c.1960 for a Cal. 1400 Precision
+|-
+| [[Reference:34075|34075]] || Christie’s dates the individual watch 1926; Sotheby’s reports Glasgow marks for 1926/1927; production series unproved || 9¾-ligne Hunter upgraded to Cal. 600, 17j (Sotheby’s) || 9ct gold octagonal case, wire lugs, 31 × 27mm (Christie’s) || Gleitze’s ‘Companion Oyster’; Christie’s calls it No. 34075, Sotheby’s calls it reference 34075; single object record
 |-
 | [[Reference:2849|2849]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1936, 1938 and 1940; Antiquorum dates two cases to 1937; production span unproved || Christie’s describes 18-jewel lever/Hunter movements; Antiquorum attributes 17-jewel Cal. 500 to two 1937 watches, with one lot’s stated caliber dates conflicting || 32–33mm; steel examples and one steel-and-gold catalogue description, disputed against a steel-only note || Broad stepped bezel; period “Oyster De Luxe” wording and later “Lifesaver” nickname
@@ Line 77: / Line 79: @@
 | [[Reference:1573|1573]] || Auction examples dated circa 1930 through the 1940s; production span unknown || Manual; Antiquorum photo shows 15 jewels; Master of Time assigns Cal. 600 (17 jewels) to one Viceroy example; not confirmed across the reference || Tonneau/tortue; 28–29 × 38–39mm across catalogues; steel, steel/gold-bezel and 9ct gold examples || BEYER-signed black dial and Dobbies attribution documented; Imperial and Viceroy are sale names, not established production variants
 |-
-| [[Reference:2280|2280]] || Auction examples circa 1935–1943; production span unconfirmed || Manual; 15–17 jewels in catalogues; Watch LIFE News identifies one pictured example as Cal. 710 || Tonneau Oyster, 29–33mm; steel and steel/pink-gold examples || Catalogue names include Oyster Royal, Royal Observatory and Speedking; centre/subsidiary seconds, 12/24-hour and sector dials
+| [[Reference:2280|2280]] || Auction examples circa 1935–1943; production span unconfirmed || Manual; 15–17 jewels in catalogues; Watch LIFE News identifies one pictured example as Cal. 710 || Tonneau Oyster, 29–33 mm; steel, including one with a pink-gold bezel || Catalogue titles include Oyster Royal, Royal Observatory, Royalite, Majestic Observatory and Speedking; centre/subsidiary seconds, 12/24-hour and sector dials
 |-
-| [[Reference:2416|2416]] || Catalogue examples and marks mainly mid-1930s to circa 1940; range unproved || Manual; 15 jewels reported on several lots; one parts table lists 10½ lignes; numbered caliber unconfirmed || Cushion case, 27–28mm in 9ct examples; one 18ct example || Murdock’s Cape Town signature; dealer-described “England Dial” and Speedking inscriptions; Oyster Watch Co. cases with Rolex/Aegler movements reported
+| [[Reference:2416|2416]] || Catalogue examples and marks mainly mid-1930s to circa 1940; range unproved || Manual; 15 jewels reported on several lots; Christie’s also describes an Ultra Prima movement; one parts table lists 10½ lignes; numbered caliber unconfirmed || Cushion case, 27–28mm in 9ct examples; one 18ct example || Murdock’s Cape Town signature; one white Roman-numeral dial with soldered lugs; dealer-described “England Dial” and Speedking inscriptions; Oyster Watch Co. cases with Rolex/Aegler movements reported
 |-
 | [[Reference:3139|3139]] || c.1940–1942 || 10½′′′ Hunter, manual || 32mm cushion Oyster, 3-piece || Only Rolex with "Army" on the dial; cushion case in the Borgel-derived 1920s family; documented British military and civilian examples
@@ Line 92: / Line 94: @@
 |-
 | [[Reference:3009|3009]] || range unproved; Glasgow import mark 1937 and presentation inscription 1947 || Mostly catalogued manual, 17–18j; Cal. 700 family attribution probable; two repeated LSK automatic descriptions unresolved || 30–33mm precious-metal tonneau Oyster || White enamel Scientific dial plus Observatory, 24-hour, California and silvered layouts
+|-
+| [[Reference:3096|3096]] || Bonhams c.1930; Sotheby’s c.1937; span unproved. Gardiner Houlgate reports 1937 Glasgow import marks on the watch with serial 41066 || Manual winding on Bonhams example; 18-jewel/six-position and jewelled-lever descriptions elsewhere; caliber unconfirmed || 30mm gold cushion case; 9ct/9K in three records; Gardiner Houlgate describes hooded lugs || “Oyster Chronometer” wording; central seconds on one example and subsidiary seconds on three
 |-
 | [[Reference:4220|4220]] || c.1944–1948 || Cal. 59 manual, 17j || 30mm tonneau Oyster SS || ''Speedking'' line; California dial; a documented 1940s small-Oyster manual-wind configuration
@@ Line 126: / Line 130: @@
 |-
 | [[Reference:3372|3372]] || auction estimates c.1938–c.1959; factory range unconfirmed || Cal. 630 listed by Field Manual and named in one lot; other catalogues give 9¾-ligne / N 1411; centre and subsidiary seconds recorded || tonneau case; 32–33mm in cited lots; case and bezel variants || "Luxury Model" name reported in period advertising; 3372/0 listed with smooth polished bezel; dials need lot-specific originality checks
+|}
+== Straight-lug Empire Oyster ==
+Collector Marcus Siems groups the straight-lug refs. 3548 and 3716 under the name Empire; Antiquorum says period advertisements used the Italian form “Impero.” The 3548 has centre seconds and the 3716 subsidiary seconds. Catalogue dates for 3716 examples range from circa 1940 to an outlying 1950s attribution, so the group does not supply a confirmed production span. See [[Reference:3548|3548]] and [[Reference:3716|3716]].
+{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
+|-
+! Reference !! Production evidence !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
+|-
+| [[Reference:3716|3716]] || Catalogued circa 1940–46; one 1989 catalogue gives a 1950s date || 9¾-ligne automatic; Cal. 620 / 635 assignments conflict || 31–32 mm straight-lug case; steel, yellow and pink gold examples || Subsidiary seconds; paired in collector sources with centre-seconds ref. 3548
 |}
@@ Line 175: / Line 190: @@
 == Post-Bubbleback / Super Oyster (1952–1953) ==
-Cal. 1030, the first Rolex-designed-from-scratch caliber and a bi-directional automatic, made the flat caseback possible and ended the Bubbleback profile. The 6098 "Super Oyster" carried 60m water resistance into the Oyster Perpetual line, preceding the Submariner by a year and preceding the Explorer and Submariner launches of 1953 and the GMT-Master launch of 1955.
+Cal. 1030, a bidirectional automatic, allowed Rolex to use a flatter caseback than the Bubbleback profile. A September 1953 letter from Bruno Vailati thanks Rolex for seven “Super Oyster” watches supplied to his Red Sea expedition; the letter does not identify them by reference. Perezcope attributes Vailati’s own watch to ref. 6098. Monaco Legend later used “Super Oyster” for ref. 6029, case 706020. Antiquorum dates that same case to 1950 and describes its domed, screw-down back. Abell Watchmakers calls a separately numbered ref. 6029 “Big Bubble Back.” These are source-specific labels, not evidence of a single model definition. [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, “Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches” (2023)] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, 2021, lot 181] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, 2007, lot 254] [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762]
 {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
@@ Line 181: / Line 196: @@
 ! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
 |-
-| [[Reference:6098|6098]] || 1952–1953 || Cal. 1030 (or A.296), 25j, bi-directional || 36mm Oyster, flat caseback || "Super Oyster" per 1953 Vailati letter; 60m water resistance; pre-Explorer / pre-Submariner ancestor; honeycomb and galaxy dials
+| [[Reference:6098|6098]] || 1952–1953 || Cal. 1030 (or A.296), 25j, bi-directional || 36mm Oyster, flat caseback || “Super Oyster” wording in Vailati’s 1953 letter for expedition watches; Perezcope attributes his watch to 6098
 |}
@@ Line 190: / Line 205: @@
 * [[Reference:6150|6150]] (first Explorer, 1952)
 * [[Reference:6204|6204]] (first Submariner, 1953)
-* [[Reference:4643|4643]] (square Perpetual; catalogues variously call it non-Oyster Perpetual, Oyster Perpetual or Bubbleback, so its placement here is provisional)
+* [[Reference:4643|4643]] (square Perpetual; published labels vary. Dorotheum says period Rolex catalogues misprinted it as 4663; the ''Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' lists 4643 and 4663 separately, and the discrepancy remains unresolved.)
 * 6305 (first Datejust with Cyclops, 1954)
 * 6604 and 6605 (first Datejust with instantaneous date change, Cal. 1065, 1956–57)
@@ Line 213: / Line 228: @@
 * [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36789]
+* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36776, sale 5004 lot 98]
+* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36,848]
 * [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler Auktionen, ref. 2416, case 32342]
+* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29894/lot/85/rolex-a-9k-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-oyster-ref-3096-circa-1930/ Bonhams, ref. 3096, case 41164, circa 1930]
+* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, ref. 3096, serial 41066, Glasgow import marks dated 1937]
+* [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/323442/a-rolex-oyster-9ct-gold-cushion-shape-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s, ref. 3096, caseback marked 4111/3096]
+* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-6 Sotheby’s, Watches 2020, ref. 3096, lot 51, circa 1937]
+* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/watch-9190889 EveryWatch transcription of Sotheby’s lot 51]
 * [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoysterwatchco.php David Boettcher, “Oyster Watch Co.”; FHF 30 and Tudor Cal. 59/59SC]
 * [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/wilsdorfsotherbrands.php David Boettcher, Rolex 2416 examples in Oyster Watch Co. cases]
@@ Line 221: / Line 243: @@
 * ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
 * [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoystercase.php David Boettcher, "The Rolex Oyster Case — Hermetic, Submarine and the Borgel lineage", vintagewatchstraps.com]
+* [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A, “Improvements in keyless watches”]
+* [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH114948A/en Swiss patent CH114948A, “Winding watch”]
 * [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/2022/9/7/the-oyster-story Owen Lawton, "The Oyster Story (Part 1)", Wind Vintage, 2022]
 * [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/how-rolex-became-rolex-the-automatic-perpetual-movement-part-2 Charlie Dunne, "How Rolex Became Rolex: The Automatic Perpetual Movement, Part 2", Wind Vintage, 2023]
@@ Line 242: / Line 266: @@
 * [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24235/lot/115/rolex-a-very-rare-18k-gold-automatic-triple-calendar-wristwatch-with-moon-phase-padellone-ref-8171-circa-1955/ Bonhams, "Fine Watches and Wristwatches, London New Bond Street, 13 December 2017, lot 115 — 18K gold ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', cal. A.295 CPL no. 20696", Bonhams, 2017]
 * [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Antiquorum, "Ref. 3525 chronograph, Corporal Clive Nutting provenance", Geneva, 2007]
-* [https://perezcope.com/ Jose Pereztroika, "Sesto Continente — the ref. 6098 Super Oyster and the 1953 Vailati letter", Perezcope]
+* [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, "Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches", 2023]
 * [https://www.pandolfini.it/ Pandolfini Casa d'Aste, "Catalogue usage — ''Ovetto'' for 32mm Bubblebacks, ''Ovettone'' for 36mm Big Bubblebacks", Pandolfini]
@@ Line 250: / Line 274: @@
 ===Editorial and market===
+* [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762, “Big Bubble Back”]
+* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, The Rolex Connoisseur's Collection Part Two, lot 181, ref. 6029, case 706020, 2021]
+* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, Geneva, 11 November 2007, lot 254, ref. 6029, case 706020]
+* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-prima-1925/ Vintage & Prestige, ref. 1925 stock W3770, Milanese bracelet and 1930 guarantee]
 * [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 EveryWatch archive of Bonhams 2012 lot 127, ref. 2280 case 79,895]
 * [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News / LowBEAT, ref. 2280 and Cal. 710 (Japanese, 2022)]
+* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-2280-oyster-royal-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s New York, ref. 2280, lot 403]
 * [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Henrik Korpela, SJX Watches, 2015 — gold watch, movement and altered caseback]
 * [https://www.watchlover.it/2016/09/21/rolex-ovettone-big-bubbleback/ Watchlover, 2016 — illustrated 6074 and smooth bezel]