1939 Rolex Bubbleback 3372 Stainless Steel & Rose Gold with Salmon Dial

An exceptionally charming and early example of the Rolex Bubbleback, reference 3372, dating from 1939. This is a particularly early version of the famous Bubbleback, fitted with the correct early movement for the reference and period.

The watch features an attractive combination of stainless steel and solid rose gold, giving it a distinctive appearance that is rarely seen compared with the more common all-steel examples. The case shows honest, normal wear consistent with its age, while remaining in very nice overall condition. The caseback also shows signs of use accumulated over its more than 85-year history.

An Early, Professionally Refinished Dial

The watch retains its original dial base, which was professionally refinished many decades ago. The refinishing included the dial printing and the use of rhodium, giving the dial its distinctive metallic appearance. The rhodium finish has aged beautifully over time, supporting our belief that this restoration was carried out long ago, likely during the 1950s or early 1960s.

Unlike many later refinished dials, this work appears to have been executed to a very high standard and on the watch's original dial base. During that era, it was common practice for watchmakers to carefully clean or wash an aging dial and restore certain elements, including the printing and luminous material. The luminous material used has aged attractively and contributes to the watch's wonderful vintage character.

The watch retains its original Mercedes hands, a particularly attractive feature that gives this early Bubbleback a distinctive and highly collectible appearance.

Movement & Timing

The movement has not been recently serviced. The watch is currently running and keeping good time, and for that reason we have decided not to perform an unnecessary service at this time.

Please note: As with any vintage watch that has not been recently serviced, timing results can vary depending on position, temperature, and how the watch is worn. The current performance should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future accuracy. A future service may eventually be required depending on use.

Strap

The watch is fitted with a brand-new Milano Straps premium Italian leather strap, carefully selected to complement the warm tones of the dial and the rose-gold elements of the case.

This is a beautiful and highly charismatic example of an early Rolex Bubbleback. It is not presented as a perfect or untouched museum piece—the dial has a long-ago professional restoration, and the case shows the honest marks of a life well lived—but that is part of what makes this watch so appealing. With its 1939 production, early correct movement, stainless-steel and solid rose-gold construction, original Mercedes hands, and beautifully aged vintage appearance, it represents a wonderful opportunity to own an important piece from the early history of the Rolex Bubbleback.