£5,500
100% Genuine & All Original
Fully Restored, Serviced & Guaranteed
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Model Ref. 3131
Rare 14ct Pink Gold 32mm Rolex Oyster Case
An Immaculate And Very Lightly Used Example
Beautifully Restored Ivory Cream Dial With Original Fils Hands
Cal. A296, 17 Jewel Chronometer Super Balance Movement
All in Absolutely Simply Stunning Condition in Every Aspect
Cherry Lizard Strap with Rolex Pink Gold Plated Buckle
VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee
Vintage Rolex Presentation Box Included
VGWL 12 Months’ Written Warranty Included*
Free UK Special Delivery
Free Worldwide FedEx Delivery
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Description
A simply beautiful and rare Pink Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Bubbleback’ Chronometer, gent’s dress watch from circa 1945. This is Rolex model reference 3131 in immaculate condition having been expertly restored to the very highest standards. The watch is totally original throughout including the dial which has been sympathetically restored back to its original condition.
The Dial
The great charm of this Ivory Cream and pink gilt dial is its simplicity, complemented by matching original hands. The dial is clean and clear and contrasts wonderfully with the thin applied pink gilt numerals and batons, and pink gold watch case. The numerals and batons are matched with the original pink gilt ‘Fils’ hands and blued steel ‘Lollipop’ centre seconds hand.
The dial is correctly signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’ and ‘Chronometer’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the bottom of the dial. This is the original dial which has been expertly restored to the very highest standards, by our vintage watch dial restorers which are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Watch Case
The rare 14ct Pink Gold case, with a screw-down bezel and screw-down case-back, are all in top fully restored condition. Even the knurling on the rim on the case-back is very close to perfect and there are no dings, scratches or any other signs of damage visible to the naked eye. Inside the case-back, all is correctly marked with the early Rolex scroll signature, followed by Swiss Geneva 14ct Hallmarks and the Rolex Model Reference Number 3131.
As with all small Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubblebacks made up to and until 1950, the case measures 32mm in diameter, excluding the original Rolex Oyster screw-down winding crown. At 12mm deep, this is quite a deep watch for its overall size and this helps to give the watch more presence on the wrist than a normal 32mm watch. Having said this, this is a small watch by modern standards, given current trends which seem to involve some competition to prove who can wear the biggest watch! Conversely, in its day, this was the typical size for a gentleman’s dress watch.
Although originally “watertight and dust proof” when new, the screw-down crown and screw-down ‘Bubble-Back’ of this watch has not been water pressure tested and as usual, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
This is the original, high grade, chronometer rated, Rolex Calibre A296 10 1/2’’ 17 jewels ‘Super Balance’ automatic movement. This actual movement was strictly tested and rated by the Swiss Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) as Chronometer Grade i.e. Highly Accurate and Highly Reliable. This is a nickel-finished lever movement with the rotor engraved ‘Rolex Auto Rotor’, Chronometer, Swiss Made, Patented, Super Balance. The movement serial number is N32727.
The movement has been fully restored by our Rolex trained Master Watchmaker. This comprises of the movement being completely disassembled, then its component parts cleaned, critical parts inspected under high magnification and then rebuilt using only original Rolex replacement parts and specified lubricants and seals, as required. Our watchmaker’s work is excellent and following careful calibration and re-testing on 18th March, this watch is now running within +3 seconds/day, timed and averaged over 6 positions. This truly is outstanding for a vintage watch over 70 years of age! These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making this watch perfectly suited for regular use. This movement is in A1 condition and with regular servicing, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more decades to come! We are pleased to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement*.
Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Strap
The watch is fitted with new high quality Cherry Lizard skin strap complete with a pink gold Rolex gold plated buckle. If a different colour or style strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to provide your choice, free of charge. A solid gold Rolex buckle can be arranged, but this will be at our cost price of £300.00.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to C1945. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.
The vintage Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale provided the list price is paid.
In Conclusion
This is a rare and highly attractive Pink Gold Rolex ‘Bubbleback’ watch which is in tip-top condition and running very accurately and reliably. It is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy! This watch will make a wonderful addition to any Rolex collection and also be an excellent investment and heirloom piece, especially if kept in such good condition.
Even though vintage gold Rolex watch prices continue to climb, we still feel sure that top class examples are underpriced. This is because as time passes and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to grow, a finite supply means prices will inevitably, climb ever higher.
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are very successful, charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be very fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please note, we welcome part exchanges, along with outright purchases of similar watches for us to restore, service and list. We can also offer Watch Service, Watch Repair & Watch Restoration, please see here.
If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.
We are here, ready, available and awaiting your call!
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!
Thank you.
