Giving a face to a crown...

Inspired by EdwardL kind invitation to show the dial of the watch whose crown I pictured within Jocke recent post, I found these photographs in my files:

It is an old Oyster Perpetual (a.k.a. bubbleback) reference 3134, c. 1937/38 vintage, with a very nice dial.
As you know, the nickname "bubbleback" has never been an official Rolex denomination, but was coined by English speaking collectors. In Italy, collectors know them as "ovetto" (little egg).

You may easily understand the origin of these affectionate sobriquets, by looking to the shape of is case back, which was so deep to accomodate the rotors of the first generation automatic movements.

What I love about this dial, is the fine patina it took through its around 70 years age (Yes, Nicolas says with good reason: "Time is a great artist"!)

I also love the beautiful copper colored ring, which shines very nicely when light reaches the dial in certain angles.

Otherwise, it looks like a dark brown color, but as soon as you move your wrist, and light hits in the correct angle, it shines again, as if the watch had its own light source within the case!

Rolex dial designers surely knew how to make their homework, judging for the variety and quality of different bb dials we can observe today in collections.

Bubbleback are a little small to present day standards, but I find them a pleasure to wear on the wrist, from time to time. And they are, definitively, a little cute piece of Rolex history.

I wish you enjoy it! Best cordial regards, Abel.

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Small is ...

By: amanico : February 23rd, 2012-11:21

Elegant, charmful, and ... Spectacular, especially when you have it on your wrist. Which makes ma always smile, when I read that a watch is too small. Too small? I find it uber cool. And what a profile! Another nice detail is the word " Chronometer " on t...

Hi Nicolas! Glad you like this timepiece! Nice that you..

By: Subexplorer : February 23rd, 2012-11:40

... bring the interesting detail of the caracter of chronometer which these great old movements of the past had. That speaks of Wilsdorf insight and philosophy of high quality about his own watches. Also please note, that in those far times, the wording w...

I almost bought a BB with a black California dial, my friend.

By: amanico : February 23rd, 2012-11:58

A pity it was too highly priced, as I loved this watch so much! But this is something which is definitely under my radar. Best, Amigo. Nicolas

California dials are really beautiful...

By: Subexplorer : February 23rd, 2012-12:58

... though may be the most troublesome variant, as there are many non originals going in the field... As a matter of fact, I own one, which I feel is original, but redone. It was my first vintage, and the timepiece which fired my interest in watch collect...

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