Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 2940 - 'Bubbleback' Multi-Tone Silver 'Sector' Dial
If you boil Rolex down to its purest form, what do you get?
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual. This is truly the genesis for the entire Rolex brand. The very first Rolex models were called ‘Oysters’ which was owed to their innovative three part case that all screwed into each-other.
The piece that we have here, simply know as an Oyster Perpetual, is a descendant of those early watches, utilizing a water-resistant Oyster case, an automatic-winding movement, and nothing else. No frills — purely a functional timekeeping device.
Dating to circa 1946, this Reference 2940 is colloquially known to collectors and enthusiasts as a 'Bubbleback' for its early, pronounced 'bubble-back' caseback design. Like all 'Bubblebacks,' this piece features a 32mm case with distinct squared-off inner lugs, no crown guards, and a smooth bezel. This stainless steel example comes to us in very nice overall condition, with a very lightly previously polished case and steel bezel which show normal signs of wear from age throughout. It even retains an early Brevet 'cross' signed screw-down crown. Inside, it features an attractive multi-tone silver 'sector' dial with alternating 'dot' and 'Arabic' luminous indices, which exhibit a light and even patina. The dial itself exhibits a light and even patina throughout and it presents nicely. The correct blued-steel 'sword' handset also matches beautifully.
Bubblebacks are widely credited as being amongst, if not the very first collectible Rolex models, dating back to the 1980s! Because of their age, design, and early use of luminous material, so many of these have been poorly restored, making this honest example a surprisingly uncommon opportunity to snag a strong example.
Condition Report & Details
Condition:
Movement:
Bracelet/Strap:
Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
At Oliver & Clarke, we meticulously vet each watch to ensure its authenticity and quality. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our mission is to help you find the perfect timepiece. If you have any questions, we are here to assist you promptly.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
Choose options
"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."
"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."
"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."
From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
Oliver & Clarke