THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 5050
YEAR: 1949
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 32mm
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: ROLLED GOLD
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
In the world of luxury timepieces, few innovations have left as lasting an impact as the Rolex Oyster. Launched in 1926, the Oyster was a game-changer, being the first wristwatch to be both waterproof and dustproof. This technological leap was significant, but what truly elevated the Oyster to iconic status was the brilliant marketing strategy of Rolex's founder, Hans Wilsdorf.
Just a year after the Oyster's debut, British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze set out to swim the English Channel for a second time. Her initial record-breaking swim had been questioned, so this attempt was under intense public scrutiny. Gleitze took on the challenge with a Rolex Oyster around her neck. Despite swimming for 10 hours in frigid waters and not completing the crossing, she demonstrated incredible endurance. Her persistence reaffirmed her original record, and through it all, the Oyster maintained perfect time. Gleitze was so impressed that she wrote to Wilsdorf, noting how surprised the press was by the watch’s performance.
Wilsdorf capitalised on this success by placing a full-page advertisement in the Daily Mail, celebrating both Gleitze’s determination and the Oyster’s reliability. To further demonstrate the watch's waterproof capabilities, Rolex even sent fish tanks to their authorised dealers, allowing customers to see the Oyster in action.
But Rolex’s commitment to innovation didn’t stop with the Oyster. Between 1933 and 1955, they introduced a series of watches that would later be dubbed “Bubble Backs.” These vintage models got their name from their rounded, protruding case-backs. While the design was visually distinctive, it was actually a practical solution for housing Rolex’s new self-winding movements.
In the 1930s, Rolex began to transition from manually wound calibers to automatic movements. The addition of an oscillation weight made the movements thicker, requiring more room inside the case. Instead of making the entire watch bulkier, Rolex cleverly designed the case-back to curve outward, creating the bubble shape that became one of the brand’s most recognisable features.
This example dates to 1949 and is in superb condition. The solid gold case is in great shape for its age, the dial has just the right amount of patina and the original crown is still present. The hands are also in great condition with minimal oxidisation. The watch is paired with a rolled gold British made period stye bracelet. We think it looks brilliant
The movement has just been serviced and is running at +8 s/d, 230 amps with a beat error of 0.3. Exceptional for its age.
We think these offer incredible value for the money, considering the heritage and historical importance of the bubblebacks.