Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

Rolex. A gold automatic wristwatch, Ref. 6048, Oyster Perpetual Chronometer ‘Bubbleback’, circa 1950.
Movement: automatic, no. N1989.
Dial: gilt, applied dagger indexes, centre seconds.
Case: 18ct gold, screw-down back, no. 681433.
Signed: case, dial and movement.
Dimensions: diameter 32mm.
£2600-3000

The reference 6048 is among one of the many different models that have become known as a ‘Bubble Back’. These early automatic movements are fitted with a large oscillating weight that required additional clearance to move freely, hence the large, dome-shaped case backs.