The Bubbleback was made in several types of metals, including steel, half gold, and 9, 14, and 18 karat pink or yellow gold with various sizes and dials also available.
History of the Bubbleback
The Bubbleback was launched in 1933 and featured the first auto-rotor. Rolex was not the first to create the automatic movement, but this watch does signify the company's success in developing a self-winding movement. Rolex created the auto-rotor movement from the Aegler movement in Hunter watches that featured a “perpetual motion” winding mass. Rolex patented its first successful perpetually self-winding wristwatch in 1932 and introduced the Bubbleback one year later. Like most authentic timepieces offered at Bob's Rolex Watches , this one comes with our 100% Authenticity Guarantee.Bubbleback Development
Despite the ubiquitous name, Rolex never engraved “Bubbleback” anywhere on the watch or officially recognized the name. However, the thick auto-rotor required a fatter case, and the decision was made to move the case out in the back rather than make the watch larger overall. This led not only to the English designation of “Bubbleback” but the Italian ovettone or “Little Egg,” as well as the more sinister “Little Coffin” name in Hong Kong.The first Bubbleback model was 1858, powered by a Reference 520 movement. Early Bubblebacks featured a three-piece case. However, in 1936, Rolex introduced a two-piece case with models 3131 and 3132. These were also some of the first Rolex watches to feature Steelium, a stainless steel material, and Rolesor a steel and gold combination. In 1941, a ladies version of the Bubbleback was introduced with a Reference 420 movement. The Bubbleback was marketed in three sizes to appeal to both gender markets.
The culmination of the line was the “Big Bubbleback,” which led to the development of the DateJust.