Today's offering showcases this incredible all-original ref. 5015 Bubbleback made circa 1948. It is not only without question the finest example of a Bubbleback to ever pass through these halls, it is the finest example we can ever remember seeing in person.

Featuring an attractive, engine-turned bezel and perpetual designation, it added a touch of class to Rolex's mid-century Oyster line.

Housed in one of Rolex's first water-tight Oyster cases, this wristwatch originally offered its owner complete protection against water and dust. Inside the ruggedly elegant case Rolex placed an early self-winding Perpetual movement, keeping the watch powered by movements of the wrist.

Equipped with a 9 3/4 ''' Bubbleback movement with self-compensating Breguet mainspring, and the company's patented Super-Balance system for greater accuracy, this fine watch is the timekeeping standards of discriminating owners.

If I'm being really honest, I have to say that for some reason Bubblebacks have never turned me on. The bezels and lugs always have lost at least a light bit of their shape from wear or polishing over the years, so their aesthetic has never deeply appealed to me. Until this watch.

Seeing what one of these watches looked like leaving the factory, has completely changed my mind. The shape of the lugs is actually quite pleasing and the profile of the engine turned bezel with guilloche concentric circles is gorgeous! If only every Bubbleback could look like this... If you are a serious Bubbleback or Rolex collector, this watch is at least on par if not surpassing many of the Bubblebacks that were part of the Mondani offering in 2006.

It is in stunning all-original condition an presents as near new-old-stock. The dial is immaculate - the nicest Bubbleback dial to ever pass through our hands. The case is just short of perfect mint.

Our Master Watchmaker has performed any needed servicing on its high-grade Rolex Perpetual movement. It winds very well and the crown screws down extremely well.

It is running strong and true, keeping time nearly on par with a new Rolex in our testing position.

It comes equipped with a new leather strap and a Rolex buckle that is likely the watch's original 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 attesting to its performance.

Please note: A published example of this model can be found in Osvaldo Patrizzi's work Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches, 2001 Edition, Guido Mondani editor, Vol. 1, around p. 214.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year built: c. 1948
• Serial no.: 638,330
• Model: Reference 5015
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 14K gold
• Case markings (inside): Rolex, Geneve, Suisse, Ref. 5015
• Case condition: Mint. A couple of the case back grooves have the slightest marks from the previous owner opening the case back. Otherwise the grooves present as mint.
• Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip, 14mm thick
• Dial: Silver, gold Arabic and dart indexes, signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Officially Certified Chronometer, original and untouched, mint condition
• Hands: Original, gold, "feuille" hour and minute hands, blue steel center seconds hand
• Movement type: High grade, signed Rolex, 9 3/4''', fully jeweled, self-winding, compensating Breguet hairspring
• Jewels: 19 rubies
• Band: Leather, remborde, brand new with what appears to be the watch's original buckle
• Width between lugs: 17mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: Our Master Watchmaker has performed any needed servicing.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true, keeping time nearly on par with a new Rolex.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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.
• 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

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