Today's offering features this classic 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.

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

The marriage of steel and 18K rose gold on a vintage Rolex Bubbleback is one of those combinations that feels both quietly luxurious and irresistibly distinctive. The warm blush of the rose gold bezel and crown softens the technical austerity of the steel case, creating a harmony of tones that elevates the watch without ever making it feel ostentatious. The tone has slightly more rose color than our photos seem to suggest.

On the wrist, the contrast reads as intentional and artistic—an early example of Rolex experimenting with mixed-metal design long before it became a mainstream aesthetic. It’s the kind of color palette that draws the eye in a subtle, refined way: elegant, slightly romantic, and wonderfully uncommon and beautiful on these early automatic Oysters.

Housed in one of Rolex's first watertight Oyster cases, this wristwatch offered its owner complete protection against water, dust, and perspiration. Inside the rugged case Rolex place an early self-winding Perpetual movement, keeping the watch powered by slight 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 the timekeeping standards of discriminating owners.

This historical Rolex has all of its original parts down to its original Rolex + Oyster crown.

Its thick, stainless steel case is in very good condition. The body and back are in excellent condition. The engine turning on the bezel is light in places, but it still catches the light nicely.

Its silver dial was restored in vintage times. Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored.

One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a correct new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (an $895 value).

Its high-grade, Rolex Perpetual movement is running strong and true. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap and aftermarket Rolex style matching rose gold tone buckle 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 and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Please note: A published example of this model can be found in Osvaldo Patrizzi's work Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches, 2001 Edition, Vol. 1, p. 145.

Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year built: c. 1948
Serial no.: 655,908
Model: Reference 5010
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel and 18K rose gold
Case markings (inside): Rolex, Geneve, Suisse, Ref. 5010
Case condition: Its thick, stainless steel case is in very good condition. The body and back are in excellent condition. The engine turning on the bezel is light in places, but it still catches the light nicely.
Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown), 39.5mm long lug tip-to-tip, 13.5mm thick
Dial: Egg shell white, signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Officially Certified Chronometer, luminous gold dart indexes with "Explorer" style configuration of numerals for the primary hours, outer 1/5 second graduations, matching original luminous 'alpha' hands, restored in vintage times. Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored.
Hands: Original, luminous rose gold "alphas", relumed in vintage times
Movement type: Highest quality, fully jeweled, rhodium plated, self-winding, self-compensating Breguet hairspring, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance
Movement markings: Rolex Perpetual, Chronometer, Swiss Made, Patented
Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket Rolex style buckle
Width between lugs: 17mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.
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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - 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

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