Reference:3348: Difference between revisions

[checked revision][checked revision]
Fix Category tag: Bubbleback, not Oyster Perpetual (matches breadcrumb fix from earlier)
Add sourced case-flank/caseback/clasp images and a second documented-example photo — vintage-ref image-count fix (was hero-only)
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<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&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, 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.
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<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.
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* [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]]