The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wrist...

Geneva, May 14, 2006

LOT 79

Ref. 3372, So-Called ?Bubble-Back? Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual, Chronomètre?, Ref. 3372. Case No.379868. Made in 1945. Fine and rare water-resistant, tonneau shaped, centre-seconds, self-winding, stainless steel and 18K yellow gold steel gentleman's wristwatch with stainless steel and yellow gold expanding Oyster bracelet.

CHF 8,000 - 12,000

EUR 5,000 - 8,000 / USD 6,300 - 9,500

Sold: CHF 10,620

C. Three body, polished and brushed, screwed case back and crown, yellow gold graduated bezel and winding-crown, steel case. D. Matte silver with applied yellow gold gold radial Roman and baton hours, outer minute/seconds divisions. Gilt ?baton? hands. M. 9 3/4???, rhodium plated, 19 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 32 mm. Thickness 13.7mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

This shape of case is called ?Bubble-back? or ?Ovetto? by collectors due to the case shape. The Italian collectors call the watch an ?Ovetto? due to the olive like outline of the case, wail American, northern European and Asian collectors call these watches ?Bubble-Back? due to the heavily domed case back. Reference 3372 was referred to as the ?Luxury Model? in period advertising. This watch is illustrated in ?Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches?, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2001 Edition, p. 141.