Today's offering showcases this classic Ref. 2940 Bubbleback made circa 1941.

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 "Rolex + Oyster" winding crown. The silver dial is untouched and has warmed to a light sepia tone, giving it a true vintage look.

The case is in excellent condition with deep unpolished 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 crocodile 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.

From the collection of a renowned wristwatch collector and extensive contributor to watch publications.

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.: 393,086
• Year built: c. 1946
• Model: Reference 2940
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Excellent condition with fairly light wear and nice deep unpolished vertical grooves. Clearly retains all of its markings.
• Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown), 38.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver (toned to a sepia), signed Rolex, luminous Arabic indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions, loss of printing around periphery, original and untouched
• Hands: Original, blue steel, luminous "feuilles"
• 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. We also stock lizard and 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
• Warranty: 1-year international 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; 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