Discussion
Wellingtoncromwell's unique narrative approach to watch discussions offers a refreshing take on the traditional review. Instead of a straightforward analysis, he weaves an engaging, cinematic story that subtly integrates the watch into a broader, action-packed context. This creative storytelling method invites readers to experience the Rolex Oyster Perpetual not just as a timepiece, but as a character within a compelling spy thriller.
I walked from theater 7 where I had been watching Mulan into theater 8 where Tenet was playing on the big screen.
At exactly 10:07 I sat down in row 14 seat C but there was no one in the seat next to me. Six seconds later a guy sat down next to me with a big tub of popcorn. He put the popcorn on the armrest between us.
“You’re late.” I muttered under my breath.
He pointed his Apple watch at me. It read 10:07:03.
“Never mind.” I mumbled. I reached into the popcorn and pulled out the taser hidden inside.
“He’s two rows in front of us and to the right.”
I turned my head to see the top of Dr. Zhang’s head. We had been pursuing him ever since he left his lab in Wuhan, China.
“Full rendition. Van is idling on B2, south exit”
Seven minutes later Zhang got up. We followed him to the men’s room.
“Wait here.” I ordered.
I walked into the bathroom where Zhang was at a urinal. I pulled the taser from my jacket pocket but Zhang had already seen me in the mirror.
He caught me in the chest with a spinning back kick as I fired the taser.
The taser missed but Zhang was already on top of me. His pants were still unzipped as he kicked me in the shin, then face, breaking my nose.
I felt a sharp pain as my left arm hit the sink. Zhang lunged at me with a left hook combo. I grabbed his shirt and pulled him into a rear naked choke and squeezed for twenty seconds until he was out. I zip tied Zhang and put him into a stall.
I opened the door. “Bathroom’s ready for cleaning.”
“What took so long?!” He complained.
I looked at my Omega Seamaster and the crystal and ceramic bezel both had a visible crack from hitting the bathroom sink.
I called Q the next morning.
“Don’t worry we have a new titanium Seamaster for you. 42mm with a titanium milanese bracelet. It was designed by an actor!”
“No more of that +6 bullshit! I was six seconds early to the helo extraction! I want a Rolex guaranteed to -2/+2.” I snapped at Q.
“Well you’re in luck. Rolex just released a new Submariner with the 3230 movement. MI6 can put your name on the waitlist at Harrod’s. But I’m afraid you’ll have to pay for the Rolex as MI6 now only issues Omegas.” Q replied.
“I don’t like ceramic bezels. Mine cracked when it hit the sink. And this guy “SearChart” on the rolexforums says the 3230 has some issues with lubing the pinion that makes it run worse than an Omega and that the ceramic ball bearing rotor isn't necessarily more durable than the old axel rotor design.”
“It's common for Men your age to have pinion issues.” Q replied, trying to be funny. “The 3130 was discontinued this month so if you want it, you better hit all the Rolex ADs in Bangkok today. All the 3135 Oyster Perpetual Datejusts come with polished center links and polished lugs which isn’t ideal for your operations.”
I went to nine Rolex ADs in Bangkok before I found a 114200 34mm oyster perpetual, the one SearChart himself owns. But it was the yellow “white grape” version, my last choice from the product photos.
I really wanted the polar white, blue “explorer” dial, the olive one SearChart has, the classic sports rolex black, or even the silver “explorer” dial. The only one that looked uglier than the yellow dial from the product photos was the joker purple grape color.
But this was the last watch in Bangkok with the 3130 movement so I tried it on. Hmmmm not bad. I looked at myself in the floor length mirror in the Rolex boutique. I was wearing a light blue sea island cotton shirt and a linen khaki color suit by Brunello Cucinelli with white achilles sneakers by common projects and the champagne color of the 114200 matched my linen suit better than the black or blue dials I usually favor.
But….yellow? I had to think about it.
I went back to the Kempinski where I was staying, sat down at the desk and typed 114200 into the instagram searchbar. I scrolled through all 2000+ photos and you know what? I think I like the champagne color even more than the polar, olive, or blue explorer dials after looking at all the wrist shots, especially the hand in hip pocket wrist shots.
The next morning I went back to the Rolex Boutique in Silom and picked up the 34mm oyster perpetual white grape to celebrate the capture of Dr. Zhang.
It's only a matter of time before he reveals the vaccine under interrogation.
The Rolex Bubble Back reference 3130 is a notable example of the early self-winding Oyster Perpetual watches, distinguished by its prominently domed case back designed to accommodate the rotor of the automatic movement. This particular reference represents a significant step in Rolex's development of waterproof and self-winding timepieces, offering a robust and practical watch for its era. It is part of a series that established the foundational principles for many subsequent Rolex designs, emphasizing reliability and everyday utility.
This reference typically features a case crafted from stainless steel, though other precious metal variants were also produced. The distinctive "bubble back" profile allowed for the integration of the automatic caliber, which was a relatively new innovation at the time. While specific dimensions can vary slightly across production years, these models generally presented a modest case diameter, consistent with mid-20th century watch aesthetics. The crystal was commonly made of acrylic, contributing to the watch's water resistance.
For collectors, the reference 3130 holds appeal as an early and authentic representation of Rolex's pioneering work in automatic movements and waterproof cases. Its historical significance lies in its contribution to the evolution of the modern wristwatch, making it a foundational piece for those interested in the brand's technical advancements. Various dial configurations and hand styles can be found, adding to the collecting interest in these vintage pieces.
And congratulations on your new acquisition
Wonderful looking piece Mr Bond.
I'm also starting to like steel watches with champagne/copper dials. The blue accents work well on that dial. Congratulations!
No message body
This thread is active on the Rolex forum with 17 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
