An honest early Rolex Oyster Perpetual Officially Certified Chronometer dating to 1946 (serial 404966), from the classic Bubbleback era. These watches sit at a really important point in Rolex history — the period where Rolex perfected the waterproof Oyster case and combined it with their early automatic Perpetual movements. The thicker case profile that earned the “Bubbleback” nickname was a direct result of the rotor architecture used in these first-generation automatics.
Bubblebacks have become increasingly collectible over the past decade, particularly examples that remain original and unrefinished. They represent Rolex’s transition from experimental automatic movements into the foundation of everything that followed, and they carry a very different feel on the wrist compared to later, slimmer references.
The dial is completely original and unrestored, having developed a soft cream tone with light, even patina over time. The printing remains clear and well defined, signed “Rolex Oyster Perpetual”, “Officially Certified Chronometer” and “Swiss”, with raised arrow-head markers, the original blued centre seconds hand and the original luminous steel dauphine hands with lume still present. Nothing has been cleaned or refinished, and the ageing is consistent across the surface, which is exactly what seasoned collectors tend to look for.
The stainless steel Oyster case is in good vintage condition with honest wear and no heavy polishing. Reference 2940 is stamped inside the caseback along with Geneve / Swiss / Rolex / Brevete. Case size is approximately 32mm excluding the crown, which is correct for the era and wears true to period proportions.
Inside is the correct Rolex Perpetual Chronometer automatic movement, signed on the rotor and plates with period markings including “Rolex Perpetual Chronometer”, “Patented” and “Viz Tirette”. These early movements were instrumental in establishing Rolex’s reputation for reliable automatic chronometers and are a big part of why Bubblebacks remain so respected today.
The watch winds, sets and keeps good time, and the screw-down crown engages smoothly and tightens down properly.
Currently fitted to a modern leather strap with an aftermarket Rolex buckle.
An honest early Rolex Oyster Perpetual Officially Certified Chronometer dating to 1946 (serial 404966), from the classic Bubbleback era. These watches sit at a really important point in Rolex history — the period where Rolex perfected the waterproof Oyster case and combined it with their early automatic Perpetual movements. The thicker case profile that earned the “Bubbleback” nickname was a direct result of the rotor architecture used in these first-generation automatics.
Bubblebacks have become increasingly collectible over the past decade, particularly examples that remain original and unrefinished. They represent Rolex’s transition from experimental automatic movements into the foundation of everything that followed, and they carry a very different feel on the wrist compared to later, slimmer references.
The dial is completely original and unrestored, having developed a soft cream tone with light, even patina over time. The printing remains clear and well defined, signed “Rolex Oyster Perpetual”, “Officially Certified Chronometer” and “Swiss”, with raised arrow-head markers, the original blued centre seconds hand and the original luminous steel dauphine hands with lume still present. Nothing has been cleaned or refinished, and the ageing is consistent across the surface, which is exactly what seasoned collectors tend to look for.
The stainless steel Oyster case is in good vintage condition with honest wear and no heavy polishing. Reference 2940 is stamped inside the caseback along with Geneve / Swiss / Rolex / Brevete. Case size is approximately 32mm excluding the crown, which is correct for the era and wears true to period proportions.
Inside is the correct Rolex Perpetual Chronometer automatic movement, signed on the rotor and plates with period markings including “Rolex Perpetual Chronometer”, “Patented” and “Viz Tirette”. These early movements were instrumental in establishing Rolex’s reputation for reliable automatic chronometers and are a big part of why Bubblebacks remain so respected today.
The watch winds, sets and keeps good time, and the screw-down crown engages smoothly and tightens down properly.
Currently fitted to a modern leather strap with an aftermarket Rolex buckle.
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