21 Rolex Fine and Historic, Bubbleback, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Fanè Silver Dial, Reference 5015

Estimate: €2,000 –⁠ 4,000

Model: BubbleBack
Reference: 5015
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1949
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 9 3/4
Case N°: 666938
Dimensions: 32 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case

The Bubbleback is, before the advent of sports watches, the model that most of all raised the Rolex name above the competition for quality and efficiency. There have been numerous references of the particular “ovetto” case, due to the addition of an oscillation weight that led to a general thickening of the movement, to be introduced on the market from 1930 onwards and among them also reference 5015, exactly like the watch offered here. This specimen features a “machined” bezel with double baton at 12 o’clock and single baton at the other hours. The present lot offered here is in stainless steel and very well preserved. The argentè dial with its patina is beautiful with Arabic and dart indexes and black hands. Made in a nearly unlimited number of variations in terms of case shape, case material and dial designs, this model is every time a discover and always new.