Today's offering showcases this classic Ref. 5010 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. 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 all original parts down to the dial, all hands, and the "Rolex + Oyster" winding crown. The dial is a very old vintage restoration that looks to have most likely been done relatively shortly after the watch was made.

The case is in excellent condition, and our watchmaker has freshly cleaned and oiled the movement.

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.: 646,754
• Year built: c. 1948
• Model: Reference 5010
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Excellent condition with signs of polishing
• Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown), 38.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver (now lightly toned to a sepia), signed Rolex, luminous Arabic and indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions, vintage restoration
• 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: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 17mm
• Crystal type: Domed, acrylic, mint condition
• 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