1942 Rolex 3134 Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Unpolished with Rare Salmon Dial

This is a truly exceptional and highly original Rolex Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Chronometer reference 3134, dating to 1942.

What immediately sets this Bubbleback apart is its extraordinary salmon-colored dial. The dial is completely original and untouched, with no refinishing or restoration. Its warm, naturally aged tone gives the watch an exceptional presence, but the color is only part of what makes this dial so special.

The construction of the dial is particularly sophisticated for its era. The Arabic numerals are raised from the dial itself, with luminous material applied on top, creating a construction reminiscent of the elaborate techniques used by Patek Philippe during the same period. This was a more complex and refined way of producing a dial, making this a particularly elegant and unusual configuration for an early Rolex Bubbleback.

The watch retains its original rhodium hands, including its beautiful and distinctive original red seconds hand. The combination of the salmon dial, raised Arabic numerals, aged luminous material, rhodium hands, and red seconds hand gives this Bubbleback an exceptional character.

Exceptional Original Condition

The case remains completely unpolished, retaining its original proportions, thickness, and finishes. It shows honest wear accumulated over more than eight decades, but importantly, the strong original lines and substantial case have been preserved.

The watch also retains its original Rolex crown.

The case back shows some scratches from an attempted opening by a watchmaker in the past, likely using an improper tool rather than the correct Rolex tool. These marks are visible and should be mentioned for complete transparency, but they do not affect the integrity of the case back.

Original Crystal Preserved

This Rolex Bubbleback still retains its original crystal. Naturally, it shows signs of age and wear, but it remains intact and complements the overall character of the watch beautifully.

We deliberately decided to preserve it rather than replace it. The aged crystal matches the untouched dial, original hands, and unpolished case perfectly. Replacing it would make the watch appear cleaner, but would also remove part of the character that has survived with this watch since the 1940s.

Running, but Left Untouched

The watch has not been recently serviced and is currently running approximately five minutes fast per day.

We made the conscious decision not to service this Bubbleback at this time in order to preserve its exceptional originality and avoid unnecessarily disturbing the beautiful original dial and hands. Any future service should be approached with great care.

The watch is fitted with a vintage leather strap that is correct in style and character for the period. We do not believe the strap to be Rolex issued, but it is a beautiful vintage strap that complements the watch exceptionally well.

A Very Special Rolex Bubbleback

Early Rolex Bubblebacks are becoming increasingly difficult to find in genuinely untouched condition. This example combines several qualities that rarely survive together:

• Rolex Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Chronometer ref. 3134

• 1942 production

• Rare and highly attractive salmon dial

• Completely original, untouched, and unrestored dial

• Sophisticated raised Arabic numerals with luminous material applied on top

• Original rhodium hands

• Original red seconds hand

• Original crystal

• Original Rolex crown

• Completely unpolished case

• Thick case retaining its original proportions and finishes

• Honest signs of age consistent with more than 80 years of history

• Currently running approximately +5 minutes per day

This is not a Bubbleback that has been restored to look new. It is something much more interesting: a remarkably preserved survivor from 1942.

The natural patina, untouched salmon dial, original rhodium hands, red seconds hand, aged crystal, and unpolished case all work together. This is a very special Rolex Bubbleback. an honest, highly original example with an exceptionally rare and beautiful dial.