Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Bubble Back Ref. 5031
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1947
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 5031, is a two-tone wristwatch from approximately 1947, identified in the industry as a "Big Bubble Back." It features a 36mm case combining stainless steel with an engine-turned yellow gold bezel.
The watch is powered by an early self-winding rotor movement, a design innovation that necessitated the characteristic protruding, spherical case back, which gives the model its historical designation. The cream-colored dial exhibits patina, includes a chapter ring, and displays alpha-style hands alongside radium-luminous markers. A notable technical element is the "Roulette" date disc. The piece is fitted with a signed "Rolex Super Oyster" crown.
According to the source, the case shows light use and signs of previous polishing, with minor abrasions present on the steel and gold surfaces. The radium material on the dial shows expected age-related changes.
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
- Date
- 1947
- Type
- Automatic chronometer
- Bezel
- Engine-turned 14k yellow gold
- Maker
- Rolex
- Serial
- 61XXXX
- Diameter
- 36mm
- Reference
- 5031
- Case Material
- Stainless steel and 14k yellow gold
- Place recorded
- سوئیس
- Movement History
- Unknown
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch features a 36mm two-tone case constructed from stainless steel and 14k yellow gold. The bezel is yellow gold with an engine-turned finish. The watch is equipped with a Rolex Super Oyster crown made of yellow gold. The cream-colored dial features radium-luminous markers and alpha-style hands. The dial surface exhibits an aged patina described as a watercolor effect, with variations in brown, pink, and gold tones. It includes a chapter ring and a roulette-style date disc, which alternates colors for the displayed date numerals.
- Visible features
- • Alpha-style hands with aged radium luminous material • Engine-turned yellow gold bezel • Cream dial with chapter ring and red numerals in the date display • Rolex Super Oyster crown
- Reported Condition
- The source indicates that the case shows evidence of light use over time. There are minor scratches and signs of wear on the steel and gold surfaces of the bezel and case. Some polishing appears to have been performed in the past. The radium luminous material on the dial has aged in a manner consistent with the watch's age, though the markers remain intact. The movement's service history is not documented.
- Movement Development
- The Big Bubble Back model series evolved during the early 1920s. Rolex developed this design by integrating an automatic rotor module onto manual-winding movements, creating a 360-degree self-winding mechanism. This engineering configuration increased the total thickness of the movement, resulting in the distinctively protruding, spherical, or 'bubble' shaped case back. This component became a historical identifier in the evolution of Rolex automatic timepieces.
Identification
- Reference
- 5031
- Serial number
- 61XXXX
- 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: Service history of the movement is unknown
- Research required: Authenticity is reported by the seller; the site provides no independent verification