Rolex Oyster Perpetual 4984
Bubbleback → 4984
The 4984 is a gold Oyster Perpetual from the Bubbleback period. Two photographed examples date to the 1940s: a pink-gold watch likely sold by Christie's in 1998 and HENRY's in 2026, and a separate yellow-gold watch listed by About Time New Zealand. Both are about 32 mm; their dials and seconds displays differ.
Core facts
| detail | value |
|---|---|
| reference | 4984 |
| family | Oyster Perpetual; grouped with Bubblebacks by collectors and catalogues |
| production | two documented watches dated circa 1945 and circa 1947; production span unknown |
| movement | automatic Oyster Perpetual; numeric caliber not identified in the records reviewed |
| case | documented 18 ct pink- and yellow-gold examples, about 32 mm |
| bezel | smooth in the HENRY's example |
| dial | examples include two-tone dials with small seconds and a silver dial with gold quarter numerals |
| crown | screw-down Oyster crown on the HENRY's example |
| crystal | not established by the records reviewed |
| bracelet | no factory bracelet fitment established |
Where it sits in the line
Collectors group the 4984 with the Bubblebacks, early automatic Oyster Perpetuals with a domed caseback. Christie's and HENRY's use “Bubbleback” in their catalogue descriptions. Sohu places the 4984 in a round-end, 30–32 mm grouping; that is collector terminology, not a Rolex model designation.
Production outline
The records place both watches in the 1940s. HENRY's estimates its pink-gold example at around 1945; Christie's had catalogued a 1940s example with the same movement number, N15927, in 1998. The matching number and similar dial suggest the two sales involved the same watch. About Time New Zealand dates a separate yellow-gold example to around 1947 from its case serial. These dates anchor individual watches, not the production limits.
Movement notes
The documented watches are automatic and carry Oyster Perpetual or Perpetual Chronometer markings. Christie's records movement no. N15927, which is visible on HENRY's movement photograph. The matching number supports the likely repeat-sale identification. About Time's separate watch has movement no. N880639. These are movement numbers, not caliber identifications; the records name no numeric caliber for the 4984.
Dial map
The pink-gold watch has a patinated two-tone dial with luminous Arabic numerals and small seconds, as described by HENRY's and Christie's. About Time's yellow-gold example has a silver dial with gold 3, 6, 9, and 12 numerals, batons, and central seconds. The two descriptions belong to separate watches; the records do not establish dial originality or a factory dial range.
Case, bezel, crystal, and crown
HENRY's documents a pink-gold case of about 32 mm; About Time reports 32 × 31 mm for its yellow-gold example. HENRY's describes a smooth bezel, screwed caseback, and screw-down crown. Its caseback photograph shows the reference and 18K marks. About Time's photograph shows ref. 4984, case no. 619504, and 0.750/18K marks. The records give no crystal specification or complete case range.
Bracelets and straps
The HENRY's and About Time examples are shown on leather straps. Their records give no bracelet, end-link, or clasp details, so the original-delivery combination remains undocumented.
Auction record
Christie's sold a gold ref. 4984 as lot 164 in its London Rolex Watches sale on 24 June 1998 for £4,025, against an estimate of £3,500–4,000. The catalogue records movement no. N15927. HENRY's sold a pink-gold ref. 4984, also with movement no. N15927, in lot 09-03248 on 19 September 2026 for €6,500, against an estimate of €3,000–6,000. The matching number and similar dial suggest this was the same watch. HENRY's recommends an overhaul.
Related references
See the Bubbleback family index, movement reference, and serial-number guide. The serial-number guide's pre-1948 dating cautions apply. Case no. 619504 belongs to one documented watch; it does not establish a reference-wide serial range.
Gallery
-
HENRY's Auktionshaus, lot 09-03248: pink-gold example, circa 1945 -
HENRY's Auktionshaus, lot 09-03248: patinated dial and small seconds -
HENRY's Auktionshaus, lot 09-03248: automatic movement -
HENRY's Auktionshaus, lot 09-03248: inside caseback marked 4984 and 0.750 18K
Sources
- "Rolex ref. 4984, HENRY's Auktionshaus, 19 September 2026, lot 09-03248", HENRY's Auktionshaus, 2026-09-19
- "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubbleback ref. 4984, Christie's lot 965073", Christie's
- "Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 4984, case 619504", About Time New Zealand
- "Collector article on Rolex Bubbleback case and dial families", Sohu / Hunter