Rolex Bubbleback ref 2940

This is a Rolex Bubbleback ref 2940 from 1946. The overall condition is nice and  original.

Commemorative watch Nixon Visit to China 1972

This is a Made in Hong Kong Commemorative watch in 1972 for Nixon trip to China, which was a significant event in the history of US-China relations. 

- In February 1972, President Richard Nixon of the United States visited the People's Republic of China for 8 days, making him the first U.S. president to visit mainland China.

- This historic visit was the result of a secret diplomatic initiative led by National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, who had made a secret trip to China in July 1971 to lay the groundwork.

- The purpose of the visit was to begin the normalization of relations between the U.S. and China, which had been hostile since the Communist revolution in 1949.

- During the trip, Nixon met with Mao Zedong and other top Chinese leaders, and they issued the Shanghai Communique which outlined the principles for future U.S.-China relations.

- Key outcomes included the establishment of liaison offices in Beijing and Washington, the unfreezing of diplomatic relations, and China's entry into the United Nations, replacing Taiwan.

- The visit was a major geopolitical shift, as it brought China out of isolation and into the international community, and helped counterbalance the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

- It paved the way for the eventual full normalization of U.S.-China relations in 1979 under the Carter administration.

I have found this unused new old stock watch in a local flea market in Hong Kong.

Rolex hooded Bubbleback ref 6064

 An old post 

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Rolex hooded bubbleback ref 6064

As many collector would know, one of the more unique Rolex watches is the Rolex Bubbleback, whose name comes from its protruding case back, which bulges in order to accommodate the thick movement and rotor that turns on a pivot, powering the winding of the mainspring. The first Bubbleback made its appearance in 1933, and the watches were produced for only about twenty years. The Bubbleback helped establish Rolex as a brand known for its reliability, and these watches certainly are reliable—as evidenced by the relatively high number still functioning today.

Most of the early Bubblebacks displayed time only. The original model featured subsidiary seconds, which later changed to sweeping seconds. Later models also included the date, becoming the first DateJust models produced by Rolex. In 1935, Rolex developed the “Super Balance,” a streamlined balance wheel that improved the functioning of the Auto-Rotor. Rolex then began producing the watch in three different sizes to make it more appealing to individuals of both genders. In 1941, Rolex launched a Bubbleback model intended specifically for ladies.

Most popular versions of the Bubbleback are Steelium (stainless steel), Rolesor (half gold, half steel) and gold (9k, 14k, 18k pink or yellow gold). The terms Steelium and Rolesor are unique creations of Rolex, who patented them in 1931 and 1933 respectively. Case style variations include engine-turned and smooth bezels as well as some with the hooded lugs. I was told that the hooded model was rare and was made for the US market,

More variation can be seen in the dial designs, which differ between black, pink or white dials, two-tone dials, 24-hour military-style dials and an atypical California dial with mixed Roman & Arabic numerals.

Even though the popular watches now is the sports model, The Rolex Bubbleback is a very iconic watch and a coveted collector’s piece and has always been very close to my heart. 

This afternoon, in my effort to streamline and reduce the quantities of my watch collection, I have managed to swap my Herdomas 8 days watch + Rolex 6694 and top up for a Rolex hooded bubbleback ref 6064, with the dial that I don't have.

1950s Triple Calendar Moonphase Watch

 1950s Triple Calendar Moonphase Watch 

Seiko 6138-0040 5Sports Speed Timer

I have previously collected two 6138-0040 bullhead chronographs with Chronograph Automatic Bullheads produced for the rest of the world wore the standard "Chronograph Automatic" markings as per below.

Seiko 6138-0040 bullhead brown international version fully restored.

Seiko 6138-0040 bullhead blue international version

As previously mentioned, There are 3 brown versions namely:

1. With Chronograph Automatic Bullheads produced for the rest of the world wore the standard "Chronograph Automatic" markings (can be marked either as "6138-0049" or "6138-0040" depending again on what market the watch was originally sold in).

2. With Seiko 5Sports SpeedTimer" at the top of the dial (Made for Japanese Domestic Market).

3. With SpeedTimer at the Top of dial (SpeedTimer Bullhead variants were those produced for the Japanese Domestic Market. They were sold in Japan and the surrounding areas).

I have managed to collect the international versions and now the Seiko 5 Sports SpeedTimer versions.

Now I need to find the last version : 

3. With SpeedTimer at the Top of dial (SpeedTimer Bullhead variants were those produced for the Japanese Domestic Market. They were sold in Japan and the surrounding areas).

Voit Diver Watch

 This is a rare 1960s Voit Diver watch 

Rolex Bubbleback ref 5010 from the 1940s

The Rolex Bubbleback 5010: A Vintage Icon of Timekeeping

When it comes to vintage watches, Rolex has a rich history of producing iconic timepieces that have stood the test of time. One such watch is the Rolex Bubbleback 5010. This vintage gem holds a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. In this article, we will delve into the history, design, and allure of the Rolex Bubbleback 5010.

The Rolex Bubbleback 5010, also known as the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback, was introduced in the 1930s and quickly gained popularity for its innovative automatic movement. The nickname "Bubbleback" refers to the distinctive domed case back that accommodated the self-winding movement. This groundbreaking technology allowed the watch to wind itself through the natural motion of the wearer's wrist, eliminating the need for manual winding.

Design and Features

The Rolex Bubbleback 5010 features a classic and elegant design that has stood the test of time. The case of the watch is typically made of stainless steel, although there are also versions available in gold. The case has a unique curvature, which gives the watch its iconic "Bubbleback" nickname. This curvature not only adds to the watch's aesthetic appeal but also allows for a comfortable fit on the wrist.

One of the standout features of the Rolex Bubbleback 5010 is its engine turned bezel. The dial is often adorned with a variety of styles, including simple and elegant designs, as well as more elaborate options with intricate patterns and numerals. The dial is typically protected by a durable and scratch-resistant acrylic crystal, which adds to the watch's durability and longevity.

The Rolex Bubbleback 5010 is equipped with the brand's patented Oyster case, which ensures water resistance and protects the movement from external elements. This feature was revolutionary at the time of its introduction and set the standard for future Rolex watches. The watch also features a screw-down crown, further enhancing its water resistance capabilities.

Collectibility and Value

The Rolex Bubbleback 5010 holds significant collectible value due to its historical significance and timeless design. As a vintage timepiece, it is highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage associated with Rolex watches. The value of the Bubbleback 5010 can vary depending on factors such as the specific model, condition, rarity, and market demand.

It is important to note that due to the age of the Bubbleback 5010, finding one in pristine condition can be challenging. However, this adds to the allure for collectors who appreciate the patina and character that comes with vintage watches

Vintage Omega Constellation Pie pan dial

The iconic Omega "pie pan" dial - a true classic in the world of luxury watches. The Omega Constellation line was first introduced in 1952 and quickly became one of Omega's flagship collections. The "pie pan" dial, so named for its gently sloping concentric circular grooves that resemble the look of a pie tin, was a hallmark of the early Constellation models produced in the 1950s and 1960s. In short, the nickname “pie pan” comes from the dial resembling a pie pan turned upside down.

These vintage Constellation "pie pan" watches are highly sought after by collectors today for their elegant, vintage-inspired aesthetic and the high-quality, chronometer-certified movements that powered them. The attention to detail in the dial finishing and case design made these Constellations stand out even when they were first released. In addition to the pie pan dial, it has what collectors called the dog leg lugs.

Many collectors regard the Omega Constellation “pie pan dog leg” as one of the most iconic vintage constellations and I completely agree. The dial is surrounded by applied markers with onyx inlay. In my opinion, the pie pan dials found in vintage Constellations are among the most beautiful dials to be found in any vintage watch. The dog legged case was designed by the legendary watch designer Gerald Genta, who later designed more iconic watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. 

In my opinion, condition is everything when it comes to this reference. These cases have so much angles, that any severe polishing would completely take away everything that makes this design so outstanding. This watch has a sharp case with all the angles still sharp and visible. 

Well-preserved examples in good condition can command significant sums from passionate vintage watch enthusiasts. The use of precious metals like gold, the historical significance of the Constellation line, and the enduring appeal of the "pie pan" dial all contribute to the desirability of these timepieces. More often then not, the solid gold version tended to be well preserved.

This is a nice condition stainless steel vintage Omega Constellation Pie pan dial 欧米茄星座系列八卦表盘 all original conditions. It still retains the nice bevelled edge across all its lugs.

Longines Art Deco Tonneau watch

I have always long for a Longines Art Deco Tonneau watch as I used to have one in silver more than 20 years ago. Not sure why I sold it away. After much searching, I finally found one by trading two watches for this beauty from the 1920s. The following are a nice write up from a fellow collector Ryan from Singapore :

Like most wristwatches born in the 1920-30s and earlier, this Longines exists as either a pièce unique or one among a meagre handful. This is because wristwatches were still a novelty among civilian men and few timepieces would have survived a whopping hundred years, much less a solid gold one through the countless economic crises. 

After World War I ended in 1918, two trends were largely responsible for the birth of this tonneau shape watch that we see today as a charming centenarian. The wristwatch steadily gained popularity over the pocket watch as a man's masculine accessory due to the former's crucial role in the trenches of war. 

The flamboyant Art Deco style emerged as an representation of hope and optimism in the post-war era, which explains the unprecedented pairing of trench watch-style wire lugs (albeit a fancier execution that pivots for a perfect fit on any wrist) with ultra-stylised exploding Arabic numerals, which has become a trend in modern days.

Because men's wristwatches were not yet popular enough to prompt serial production - especially ones incorporating eccentric shapes and fonts - this dial had to be crafted entirely by hand. Everything, from the minute and second tracks to the Art Deco numerals and even brand name, was first engraved into the dial by hand before being filled in with paint by hand.

To the seasoned collector of the very old and rare, the most peculiar trait here for the Art deco watch would be the oversized case measuring 31 mm wide excluding the crown, a whopping 45 mm lug to lug, and 10 mm thin including the curved acrylic crystal. This is an exceptionally contemporary size that would have looked like a pocket watch strapped to the wrist in the 1920s when round men's wristwatches were around 30 mm in diameter (they had wire lugs, so their visual lug-to-lug would be around 30 mm as well). 

However, Longines did not create a piece purely for shock factor without considering ergonomics - quite the opposite. In addition to pivoting lugs, the caseback had been made to curve gently across the wrist, resulting in an elegant yet fanciful façade reminiscent of Dali's melting clocks which wears more comfortably than the common round wristwatch. This tonneau shape later was revised by Franck Muller.

it is interesting to note that Logines launched the Evidenza basing on the inspiration from the vintage series

1960’S Vintage Ulysse Nardin Swiss Automatic Date Men Watch Rare Gold medallion

1960’S Vintage Ulysse Nardin Swiss Automatic Date Men Watch with rare Gold medallion