Named "Bubblebacks" by watch collectors, due to the heavily domed case backs needed to accommodate the large automatic movements, these were Rolex's first Oyster Perpetual (waterproof and automatic) watches.
Housed in one of Rolex's watertight Oyster cases, this wristwatch originally offered its owner protection against water, dust, and perspiration. Inside the rugged case Rolex put into service their early self-winding so-called Perpetual Chronometer movement, keeping the watch powered by movements of the wrist.
The watch has fully Rolex parts down to the dial, all hands, and later period Rolex "Twinlock" winding crown. The silver dial was restored in vintage times giving it a true vintage look.
The case is very honest and appears never to have been polished - it is in excellent condition with deep original vertical grooves. And the movement is running true.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. Photos of the inside available upon request.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new Teju lizard strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
Note: A published example of this reference can be found in Osvaldo Patrizzi's work Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches, 2001 Edition, Guido Mondani editor, Vol. 1, p. 145.
- Manufacturer: Rolex
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Serial no.: 403,151
- Year built: c. 1946
- Model: Reference 2940
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case condition: Excellent honest condition with light wear and nice deep unpolished vertical grooves. Clearly retains all of its markings. It appears never to have been polished.
- Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown), 38.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Silver, signed Rolex, luminous Arabic indexes, outer 1/5 minute/seconds division, restored in vintage times. Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored.
- Hands: Original, blue steel, luminous "batons"
- Movement type: Signed Rolex, self winding automatic, Cal. 9 3/4''', rhodium-plated, straight-line lever escapement, self-compensating Breguet balance spring
- Movement markings: Rolex Perpetual, Chronometer, Swiss Made, Patented, Super-Balance
- Band: Genuine Teju lizard , fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Width between lugs: 17mm
- Crystal type: Domed, acrylic, excellent condition
- Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Keeping very accurate time.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
