Today's offering showcases this classic Ref. 5013 Bubbleback made circa 1948.

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. Its fine engine-turned bezel added a touch of class to the company's mid-century Oyster line.

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.

All parts are fully Rolex, and it presents nicely. The dial has just been restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America.

Our watchmaker has freshly cleaned and oiled the movement.For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

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.: 653,904
• Year built: c. 1948
• Model: Reference 5013
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Excellent condition with signs of polishing and fairly light wear to the wrench grooves in the back
• Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown), 38.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver, signed Rolex, gold Arabic and dart indexes, outer minute divisions, subsidiary dial for the seconds, expertly restored
• Hands: Gold, "batons"
• Movement type: Signed Rolex, self winding automatic, 9 3/4'' caliber 620', rhodium-plated, straight-line lever escapement, self-compensating Breguet balance spring
• Movement markings: Rolex Perpetual, Chronometer, Swiss Made, Patented, Super-Balance 
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 17mm
• Crystal type: Domed, acrylic, mint condition
• Serviced: Yes, freshly cleaned and oiled. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide