Reference:bubbleback: Difference between revisions

[checked revision][checked revision]
Correct 3666 index entry to match cited catalogue evidence
Deep family-hub audit: ground Bubbleback chronology, remove market/superlative wording, fix lead image placement
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== Rolex Oyster & Bubbleback ==
== Rolex Oyster & Bubbleback ==
The Bubbleback is Rolex's first Oyster Perpetual family. The automatic rotor was too thick for a flat case, so Rolex domed the caseback over the movement and created the profile collectors now call Bubbleback. Production runs from 1933 into the mid-1950s, ending when cal. 1030 makes a flat back possible. Italian collectors call the standard 32mm case Ovetto and the 36mm cases Ovettone.


[[File:Bubbleback_vintage_poster.webp|thumb|center|500px|alt=Vintage Rolex Bubbleback — the Oyster Perpetual with the domed caseback, produced 1933 through the mid-1950s|Vintage Rolex Bubbleback — the Oyster Perpetual with the domed caseback, produced 1933 through the mid-1950s]]
<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Bubbleback_vintage_poster.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement|Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement]]
</div>
 
The Bubbleback is Rolex's early Oyster Perpetual family. The automatic rotor was too thick for a flat case, so Rolex domed the caseback over the movement and created the profile collectors now call Bubbleback. Production examples run from 1933 into the mid-1950s; later Cal. 1030 references could use a flatter caseback, so the line gradually moved away from the domed profile. Italian collectors call the standard 32mm case Ovetto and the 36mm cases Ovettone.


== Common entry points ==
== Common entry points ==
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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: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:4220|4220]] || c.1944–1948 || Cal. 59 manual, 17j || 30mm tonneau Oyster SS || ''Speedking'' line; California dial; the canonical 1940s small-Oyster look on a manual movement
| [[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 !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
|-
| [[Reference:4467|4467]] || 1945–1949 || Cal. A.295 (= 740/745), 18j || 36mm 18K YG/PG tonneau, 2-piece || First Datejust; first Jubilee bracelet; first solid end-links; ''Ovettone''; date wheel evolves all-black → all-red → roulette
| [[Reference:4467|4467]] || 1945–1949 || Cal. A.295 (= 740/745), 18j || 36mm 18K YG/PG tonneau, 2-piece || Early Datejust; early Jubilee and solid end-link configuration; ''Ovettone''; date wheel evolves all-black → all-red → roulette
|-
|-
| [[Reference:5030|5030]] || circa 1948 || Cal. A.295 / 740 (see reference-specific sources) || 36mm; solid gold examples || Early date-equipped Oyster Perpetual; paired with the 5031 in some collector usage
| [[Reference:5030|5030]] || circa 1948 || Cal. A.295 / 740 (see reference-specific sources) || 36mm; solid gold examples || Early date-equipped Oyster Perpetual; paired with the 5031 in some collector usage
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! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
|-
| [[Reference:8171|8171]] || c.1949–1953 || Cal. A.295 CPL automatic triple calendar moonphase, in-house Aegler || 38mm non-Oyster snap caseback, 18K YG/PG, SS rare || Triple calendar + moonphase; ''Padellone''; ~1,000–1,200 produced; record Christie's NY Dec 2002 "Sleeping Beauty" USD 1,145,000 in SS
| [[Reference:8171|8171]] || c.1949–1953 || Cal. A.295 CPL automatic triple calendar moonphase, in-house Aegler || 38mm non-Oyster snap caseback, 18K YG/PG, SS rare || Triple calendar + moonphase; ''Padellone''; published examples include stainless steel and gold cases
|}
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