SIGNED ROLEX, BUBBLEBACK MODEL, REF. 3130, CASE NO. 3120, CIRCA 1945

The present watch is a superb example of the rare 18k gold Oyster ‘Bubbleback’ reference 3130 featuring a stunning black ‘California’ luminous dial, one of the most enigmatic and highly desirable of Rolex’s Art Deco period vintage dials. The condition and general state of preservation of this watch is exceptional, the dial, featuring half Arabic and half Roman numerals, is unrestored and shows no signs of cosmetic intervention. The case is crisp with a deep hallmark and the screw-back still retains its serial and case numbers and Rolex crown symbol.

The so-called ‘California’ dial is one of the most recognizable of all vintage Rolex dial designs. Patented on 30 May, 1941 (Swiss patent no. 221643), the dial was advertised in period literature as having a ‘Error Proof’ dial. This suggests that the intriguing half Roman/half Arabic dial design was intended so that there could be no mistake in reading the correct time if the watch was upside down in darkness. Although it is not known how the nickname ‘California’ was coined, it is thought that watches with this dial type were particularly popular on the west coast of America.

A wonderful vintage Rolex for the collector, this all-gold Bubbleback with black California dial is certainly one of the finest to be offered at auction in recent years.