1936 Rolex Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Watch Diamond Dial Wristwatch

Watch Overview

Offered here is an exceptional and historically important Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Bubbleback” automatic chronometer wristwatch dating to 1936 — one of the earliest self-winding waterproof wristwatches produced by Rolex.

This model belongs to Rolex’s pioneering Bubble Back series, celebrated for introducing the first successful automatic rotor wristwatch combined with the patented Oyster waterproof case. These watches laid the foundation for every modern Rolex automatic that followed.

The champagne dial features vintage elegant diamond-set hour markers, as shown, along with printed hour indexes, a railroad minute track, blued steel hands, and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The dial is signed “Rolex Oyster Perpetual” and “Chronometer.”

Powering the watch is Rolex’s original in-house “Bubbleback” Perpetual automatic movement, equipped with the patented rotor system and engraved: “Rolex Auto Rotor – Swiss Made – Patented – Super Balance.” This early chronometer-grade caliber represents a significant milestone in Rolex’s self-winding technology.

Housed in a 32mm stainless steel Rolex Oyster waterproof case with a smooth fixed gold-tone bezel and screw-down crown. It is coming on a black leather two-piece strap with a Rolex signed buckle. The case back retains full patent engravings inside, confirming Rolex manufacture from the early automatic era.

The Rolex Bubble Back was the world’s first widely successful automatic waterproof wristwatch and remains one of the most important milestones in horological history. These early Perpetual models directly led to later icons such as the Datejust, Submariner, and the modern Rolex automatic collection.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Rolex
• Type: Wristwatch
• Model: Oyster Perpetual
• Year / Era: 1936 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: Switzerland

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: Champagne
• Features: Diamond-set hour markers, small-second

Movement

• Type: Self-winding
• Movement Functions:
  • Sub-seconds

Case & Band

• Material: Stainless steel
• Case Shape: Round
• Bezel: Fixed, smooth
• Back: Screw
• Crown: Screw-down
• Crystal: Acrylic
• Band: Black leather two-piece strap, signed buckle
• Case Back Markings: OYSTER WATCH CO. GENEVA SWISS Great Britain Swiss French U.S.A. Patents 40377 3132

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 32
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 35.3
• Case Thickness: 13.4
• Lug Width: 17.4
• Band Width: 18

Additional Info

• Box & Papers: NO
• Condition: It is in good overall condition, showing light to moderate signs of wear consistent with age and careful use.
• Extras: Fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, confirming accurate timekeeping. It is ready to wear.

About Second Hand Horology

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature:

Professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience.

We also warmly invite you to visit our physical shop and explore the collection in person.

Contact Us

We appreciate you checking out our listing! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, offers, or just to talk watches — we love what we do and enjoy connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

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