The Rolex Bubbleback occupies an important place in the development of the automatic wristwatch. Emerging during the 1930s, it combined Rolex's established Oyster case with its self-winding Perpetual mechanism. Accommodating the automatic movement required a noticeably domed caseback, creating the distinctive profile that later inspired the Bubbleback nickname. Through the 1930s and 1940s, these compact watches helped establish the technical foundations upon which Rolex would build generations of automatic Oyster Perpetual models.

What's On Offer

We are delighted to offer this wonderfully characterful Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubbleback, Reference 2940, dating from circa the 1940s.

At 32mm across, this is a compact watch by modern standards, yet the distinctive construction gives it considerably more presence than its dimensions might suggest. The stainless-steel Oyster case has the characteristic deep, rounded screw-down caseback associated with the Bubbleback family, together with a screw-down Oyster crown and gently shaped lugs.

The case displays scratches and surface marks consistent with its considerable age, but remains very presentable and retains the unmistakable proportions of the reference.

Its ivory dial is particularly attractive. Decades of natural ageing have produced a warm creamy tone, while the full set of Arabic numerals gives the watch an unusually bold and highly legible appearance.

The numerals retain their aged luminous material, which has mellowed considerably over time and now provides much of the dial's vintage character. They are complemented by black outlined pencil-style hour and minute hands with luminous-filled centres, rather than the cathedral or Mercedes hands seen on some other Bubbleback configurations. A slender central seconds hand completes the simple three-hand arrangement.

The dial is signed beneath the coronet Rolex / Oyster Perpetual / Chronometer, neatly summarising three of the characteristics that made these early watches so significant: Rolex manufacture, the Oyster case and automatic Perpetual winding combined with chronometer status.

Power comes from the Rolex Calibre 630, a 17-jewel mechanical automatic movement associated with Ref. 2940 Bubblebacks of this period. The movement incorporates Rolex's Super Balance system and provides approximately 41 hours of power reserve.

One of the pleasures of early Bubblebacks is the sheer variety found among surviving watches, and this example has a particularly appealing almost field-watch quality. The aged ivory dial, oversized luminous Arabic numerals, black hands and grey NATO-style strap give it a much more utilitarian appearance than many of the dressier Bubbleback configurations.

At 39mm lug-to-lug with 17mm lugs, it remains nicely proportioned on the wrist, while the pronounced caseback provides the characteristic Bubbleback profile when viewed from the side.

Rated at 8.5/10, this is a charming and increasingly collectible early Rolex automatic, combining one of the brand's most recognisable vintage case designs with an exceptionally attractive and naturally aged Arabic numeral dial.

NB: This watch is offered for sale as seen, as its service history is unknown, and as we are selling it on behalf of a watch collector's family who has asked us to help sell an entire collection. As there are quite a few watches to dispose of, the clients do not wish to spend unnecessary money on servicing each watch before it is sold, so we have priced the watches to reflect being sold unserviced and without a warranty. A service can be arranged with our watchmaker at an additional cost if required. Once you have made the purchase, please add a note when placing it in your basket and we will contact you to discuss this. Once serviced, the watch will be given a 12-month warranty.