Rolex Ladies’ 18k Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ‘Serpico y Laino’, Ref. 5003
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1949
Maker / issuer
RolexThis is an 18k gold ladies' Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback wristwatch, reference 5003, dating circa 1949 according to Christie's. Catalogued as lot 170 in the Keystone Collection sale, the watch measures 24 mm in diameter and features a textured bezel divided by polished markers.
The silvered dial exhibits applied indices, an Arabic numeral 12, alpha hands, a subsidiary seconds dial, and dual retailer branding for Caracas jeweler Serpico y Laino alongside 'Super Precision'. The watch is fitted with an 18k gold expanding rivet Oyster bracelet and houses an automatic movement.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Dial
- Silvered with Serpico y Laino signature
- Type
- Automatic wristwatch
- Circa
- 1949
- Movement
- Automatic
- Reference
- 5003
- Case Diameter
- 24mm
- Case Material
- 18k gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Bracelet Material
- 18k gold Oyster expanding rivet
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Visible features
- • Fluted and textured bezel divided into sections by raised hour blocks • Silvered dial with sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock and alpha-style hands • Visible aging, spotting, and surface wear on the dial face and crystal • Riveted three-link yellow gold metal bracelet attached via straight end pieces • Co-branded dial signed 'SERPICO Y LAINO' beneath the Oyster Perpetual designation
- Dial Configuration
- The silvered dial includes a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock and alpha-style hands. The dial is co-branded with the retailer signature 'SERPICO Y LAINO' beneath the 'Oyster Perpetual' designation. The dial and hands appear to be original, though they exhibit signs of age, discoloration, and patina.
- Case and External Construction
- The Rolex reference 5003 is an 18k gold ladies' wristwatch measuring 24 mm in diameter. The bezel features a fluted and textured design divided into sections by raised hour blocks. The case has been polished and shows scratches on the case back. Serial numbers are visible between the lugs. The watch is fitted with an 18k gold expanding rivet Oyster bracelet, which appears to be a later addition showing stretch, patina, wear, and slight damage to the end link at 12 o’clock.
- Mechanical and Maintenance Status
- The watch contains an automatic movement. While the movement was in working order at the time of cataloging, it has not been tested for accuracy and a service is recommended due to the watch's age. The inside case back bears watchmaker’s marks. Maintenance is required, specifically a new gasket, and the crystal shows crazing.
Identification
- Reference
- 5003
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement is not visible in the provided image.
- Research required: Christie's condition report notes the bracelet appears to be later with slight end-link damage at 12 o’clock.
- Research required: No original box or papers are included.
- Research required: The source report indicates the watch has been polished, shows crazing on the crystal, and requires a new gasket.