RolexOyster Perpetual

KEY FACTS

• A rare and collectable vintage Oyster Perpetual ‘Bubbleback’ stamped by Venezuelan jeweller, ‘Serpico Y Laino’
• Offered as a watch-only lot by a trade seller located in Nice, France
• Graded ‘A’ for condition by the vendor who notes the watch is in good condition, and would benefit from a service

FUNCTIONS

• Hours, minutes seconds
• Automatic mechanical movement (18,000 vph)  

SUMMARY

In the 1930s, Rolex began fitting their watches with automatic movements. To incorporate the thicker self-winding calibres, rounded case backs were fitted. This design and unique shape led to the references becoming affectionately known as ‘Bubblebacks’. They pre-date many of Rolex’s better-known models but represent an important part of the company’s history. This particular example, a ref. 5028, has the added provenance of a dial stamped by jeweller, ‘Serpico Y Laino’. Founded by two Italians in the 1920s, it became the exclusive agent for Rolex in Venezuela, after a meeting with Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf. These collectable stamped dials are rare and from a bygone era when Rolex promoted the customisation of its dials.

All watches offered for sale are searched and cleared against The Watch Register database and a certificate is available to the winning bidder upon request.

Any watch not covered by a current sales or service warranty should be considered as potentially requiring a service, even if in full working order on the date of purchase.

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