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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Automatic chronometer

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Bubble Back Ref. 5031

Partially verified

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 5031, is a two-tone wristwatch from approximately 1947, identified in the industry as a "Big Bubble Back." It features a 36mm case combining stainless steel with an engine-turned yellow gold bezel. The watch is powered by an early self-winding rotor movement, a design innovation that necessitated the characteristic protruding, spherical case back, which gives the model its historical designation. The cream-colored dial exhibits patina, includes a chapter ring, and displays alpha-style hands alongside radium-luminous markers. A notable technical element is the "Roulette" date disc. The piece is fitted with a signed "Rolex Super Oyster" crown. According to the source, the case shows light use and signs of previous polishing, with minor abrasions present on the steel and gold surfaces. The radium material on the dial shows expected age-related changes.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Bubble Back Ref. 5031, featuring a two-tone case and aged cream dial with a roulette date wheel.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Bubble Back Ref. 5031, featuring a two-tone case and aged cream dial with a roulette date wheel. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Automatic chronometer
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
5031
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1947
Source-reported place
سوئیس
Source-reported serial
61XXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch features a 36mm two-tone case constructed from stainless steel and 14k yellow gold. The bezel is yellow gold with an engine-turned finish. The watch is equipped with a Rolex Super Oyster crown made of yellow gold.

The cream-colored dial features radium-luminous markers and alpha-style hands. The dial surface exhibits an aged patina described as a watercolor effect, with variations in brown, pink, and gold tones. It includes a chapter ring and a roulette-style date disc, which alternates colors for the displayed date numerals.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از ترکیب استیل و قاب چرخان موتورخورده (Engine-turned) از جنس طلای زرد ۱۴ عیار”
  • “صفحه کرم‌رنگ و پتینه‌خورده ساعت دارای حاشیه چاپ‌شده (Chapter Ring) و نشانگرهای رادیومی است”
  • “دیسک تاریخ موسوم به رولت (Roulette)”

Movement Development

The Big Bubble Back model series evolved during the early 1920s. Rolex developed this design by integrating an automatic rotor module onto manual-winding movements, creating a 360-degree self-winding mechanism.

This engineering configuration increased the total thickness of the movement, resulting in the distinctively protruding, spherical, or 'bubble' shaped case back. This component became a historical identifier in the evolution of Rolex automatic timepieces.

Evidence for this section
  • “توسعه مدل‌های بابل بک به اوایل دهه ۱۹۲۰ بازمی‌گردد”
  • “این ساختار مهندسی باعث افزایش ضخامت موتور و در نتیجه ایجاد درب پشتی برآمده و کروی شکل گردید”

Reported Condition

The source indicates that the case shows evidence of light use over time. There are minor scratches and signs of wear on the steel and gold surfaces of the bezel and case. Some polishing appears to have been performed in the past.

The radium luminous material on the dial has aged in a manner consistent with the watch's age, though the markers remain intact. The movement's service history is not documented.

Evidence for this section
  • “وضعیت فیزیکی قاب نشان‌دهنده استفاده سبک در طول زمان و پولیش اندک در گذشته است”
  • “ماده شب‌نمای رادیوم روی صفحه دچار کهنگی مورد انتظار شده اما نشانگرها سالم باقی مانده‌اند”
  • “تاریخچه سرویس موتور در منبع نامشخص ذکر شده”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement contain a specific caliber number associated with this reference?
  • Are the indices original to this specific dial layout or replacements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Bubble Back Ref. 5031
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“برند: Rolex”
Reference5031“شماره رفرنس: 5031”
Date1947“سال تولید: 1947”
Case MaterialStainless steel and 14k yellow gold“جنس بدنه: فولاد ضدزنگ و طلای زرد ۱۴ عیار (Two-Tone)”
BezelEngine-turned 14k yellow gold“نوع زه (بزل): طلای زرد ۱۴ عیار با تراش Engine-turned”
Diameter36mm“قطر قاب: ۳۶ میلی‌متر”
Serial61XXXX“شماره سریال: 61XXXX”
Movement HistoryUnknown“تاریخچه سرویس موتور در منبع نامشخص ذکر شده”

Visible details

  • Alpha-style hands with aged radium luminous material
  • Engine-turned yellow gold bezel
  • Cream dial with chapter ring and red numerals in the date display
  • Rolex Super Oyster crown

Research qualifications

  • Service history of the movement is unknown
  • Authenticity is reported by the seller; the site provides no independent verification

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی رولکس Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Bubble Back رفرنس 5031

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record dffd0661f8

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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