Rolex Empire ref 3548 bubbleback

This is a Rolex Empire in gold ref 3548 (perpetual) with a cylinder style case , which looks similar to the Rolex Athlete, but its case is much thicker as it has an automatic movement . The ref 3548 is quite rare owing to its design and I have not come across another after I have bought one in the late 1980s. The watch was priced the same as the `Rolex Prince jump hour at that time and I have chosen this Rolex Empire bubbleback instead. After more than 30 years, I have finally managed to get one Rolex Prince Jump hour too.

There are about  5 references sporting the "Empire" Oyster case with 32mm x 13mm dimensions, using the Automatic M. 9 3/4''' caliber from Rolex (cal. 620) and were regulated to Chronometer specifications. 

These "Empire" models were produced over various batches approximately between 1938 and 1944.The two standard references were the 3548 (center-second) and 3716 (sub-second). On top, you can find small variations of the classic design with the ref. 3877 (sub-second, coin-edge case), and the ref. 4548 (center-second, domed bezel).

Rolex Empire ref 3548