Rolex ref 4645 Square Bubbleback

I have always love the Rolex bubbleback watches. We all know that Rolex is so closely identified with its trademark waterproof Oyster case since the 1920-30s. However, there are exceptions namely the Rolex Prince and some square handwind watches. 

Even though I have collected the Rolex Bubbleback for many years, I have yet to find one square Bubbleback that is appealing to me.  I have seen a few of these square Bubbleback in the smaller 28mm size but it doesn’t appeal to me.

It is important to mention that there are a few versions of the Rolex Square Bubbleback namely :

Ref #8126 Lady Bubbleback 22.5mm 

Ref #4663 Lady Bubbleback 24mm

Ref #4643 28mm

Ref #4645 31mm. 

Of the references, the ref 4645 is my preferred one as it has the biggest case size among the few. I was offered a rose gold ref 4646 on the 10th June 2024, but I was slow in accepting as I went overseas. In the end, I have managed to find one in yellow gold instead. It has a very interesting extended lugs, stepped case plus a very thick curved crytal.

The Rolex 4645 has an interesting stepped case

It has an interesting Pillow shaped back case

The above watch is unique as it is a 14k gold square Bubbleback and it is  an Officially Certified Chronometer. 

The watch remains in original condition with the serial number and Rolex coronet visible on the case back. Furthermore, it retains what appears to be its original crystal and the straight lugs and curved edges of the case offer a textbook and clear case of how the watch appeared as new. It has a nice Rolex acorn crown too!

The square Bubbleback is non oyster and it does not have a water-resistant Oyster case. The watch has a massive, polished, stepped sides, straight lugs. The dial is in mat silver, with applied gold indexes with an auxiliary seconds dial. "Dauphine" gold hands. M. 9 3/4� rhodiumed, 17 jewels, lever escapement, Superbalance balance adjusted to 6 positions, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. This will fit nicely into my Bubbleback collection.

Below is a Square bubbleback with nice closonnie dial being auctioned in 2016:

https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080316/824

From the internet, one can see another version of the square bubbleback case, with a flat back case:

Straight back case

Source : https://www.farfetch.com/hk/shopping/men/rolex-pre-owned-precision-31mm-item-21309535.aspx

The Ref #8094 29mm below looks like a square bubbleback but it is a Hand winding watch and and not Bubbleback automatic.

Photos from the internet