1941 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback 3131 18k Rose Gold WWII Era Vintage

$15,497.00

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Product Description

Available for purchase is a 1944 Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Bubbleback,” reference 3131, powered by movement number N3****. This example features a solid 14K rose gold Oyster case, a warm alloy used by Rolex during the 1930s–1940s, and is paired with its original Rolex 18K Swiss Made rose gold bracelet a rare and highly desirable surviving configuration.

Produced during the height of World War II, this early automatic chronometer represents one of the most historically significant chapters in Rolex development. The “Bubbleback” designation refers to the domed screw-down caseback engineered to house Rolex’s pioneering early Perpetual rotor movement, a mechanism that laid the foundation for all future automatic Rolex calibers.

The cream-tone dial with gilt Roman numerals shows even, honest patina consistent with eight decades of preservation. The original leaf-style hands, signed Oyster crown, smooth polished bezel, and correct case geometry all remain authentic to the period.

Condition (Added Section)

This example remains in very good vintage condition, showing honest, age-appropriate wear across the case, bracelet, crown, and bezel. The dial displays untouched natural patina, the crystal is clean for its age with typical vintage character, and the bracelet retains excellent structure for an 80-year-old gold link design. The early Perpetual rotor movement is fully operational, maintaining reliable performance consistent with a properly functioning WWII-era Bubbleback. No over-polishing, no dial refinishing, and no modern replacement parts all period-correct throughout.

A rare surviving rose-gold WWII Rolex Bubbleback historically important, mechanically strong, and carrying the unmistakable character of an untouched vintage chronometer.

Watch Specification

Brand & Model

BrandRolex
ModelOyster Perpetual “Bubbleback”
Reference Number3131
Movement NumberN3
Year Manufacturedcirca 1944 (WWII production)
Country/Region of ManufactureSwitzerland
EraWorld War II / 1940s
ConditionVintage – honest patina, very good preservation, fully operational
GenderMen’s / Unisex
StyleVintage Dress / Historical Chronometer
DisplayAnalog

Case

Material14K Rose Gold
ColorRose Gold
SizeApprox. 32–33 mm
ThicknessApprox. 13 mm
ShapeRound
FinishPolished / Domed Oyster profile
Bezel TypeSmooth Polished
Bezel Material14K Rose Gold
CrystalAcrylic (domed)
CasebackDomed Bubbleback screw-down
CrownEarly Rolex Oyster signed crown

Dial

ColorCream patina
PatternSmooth matte
NumeralsGilt Roman
HandsGilt leaf-style
LumeOriginal radium, naturally aged

Movement

TypeEarly Rolex Perpetual rotor automatic
Jewels17 (period-correct)
EscapementLever
Power ReserveApprox. 35 hours
Chronometer CertifiedYes
FunctionsHours, Minutes, Seconds:

Bracelet/Strap

Material18K Rose Gold
ColorMatching rose gold
Markings“750 Swiss Made”
Lug WidthApprox. 17 mm
Band Width17 mm
ClosureJewelry clasp (period-correct Rolex design)
Wrist FitFull bracelet as shown
Water ResistanceOriginally “Oyster Waterproof” (untested vintage):
 IncludesWatch only

Brand & Model

  • Brand: Rolex

  • Model: Oyster Perpetual “Bubbleback”

  • Reference Number: 3131

  • Movement Number: N3****

  • Year Manufactured: circa 1944 (WWII production)

  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland

  • Era: World War II / 1940s

  • Condition: Vintage – honest patina, very good preservation, fully operational

  • Gender: Men’s / Unisex

  • Style: Vintage Dress / Historical Chronometer

  • Display: Analog

Case

  • Material: 14K Rose Gold

  • Color: Rose Gold

  • Size: Approx. 32–33 mm

  • Thickness: Approx. 13 mm

  • Shape: Round

  • Finish: Polished / Domed Oyster profile

  • Bezel Type: Smooth Polished

  • Bezel Material: 14K Rose Gold

  • Crystal: Acrylic (domed)

  • Caseback: Domed Bubbleback screw-down

  • Crown: Early Rolex Oyster signed crown

Dial

  • Color: Cream patina

  • Pattern: Smooth matte

  • Numerals: Gilt Roman

  • Hands: Gilt leaf-style

  • Lume: Original radium, naturally aged

Movement

  • Type: Early Rolex Perpetual rotor automatic

  • Jewels: 17 (period-correct)

  • Escapement: Lever

  • Power Reserve: Approx. 35 hours

  • Chronometer Certified: Yes

  • Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds:

Bracelet/Strap

  • Material: 18K Rose Gold

  • Color: Matching rose gold

  • Markings: “750 Swiss Made”

  • Lug Width: Approx. 17 mm

  • Band Width: 17 mm

  • Closure: Jewelry clasp (period-correct Rolex design)

  • Wrist Fit: Full bracelet as shown

  • Water Resistance: Originally “Oyster Waterproof” (untested vintage):

  •  Includes: Watch only

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