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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 5050 'Bubble Back' Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, identified by reference 5050, dates to 1949. The watch features a 32 mm diameter case crafted from 18ct yellow gold, complemented by a matching yellow gold bracelet. The watch is distinguished by the 'Bubble back' case construction, a design feature required to accommodate early self-winding mechanisms. and a minute track positioned on the outer edge. The timepiece operates using a self-winding automatic movement, specifically the caliber 630. This model represents an iteration of the Oyster Perpetual series, incorporating historical automatic rotor technology. The construction utilizes the design conventions associated with the Bubble Back series, which were first introduced in 1933. The source indicates that the watch adheres to the chronometer standards of its time.

A frontal view of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5050 showing the dial with applied Arabic and baton markers, and yellow gold case.
A frontal view of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5050 showing the dial with applied Arabic and baton markers, and yellow gold case. — Zamanito / Somlo. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
5050
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1949
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Design

The watch is constructed with an 18ct yellow gold case measuring 32 mm in diameter. It follows the design specifications of the 'Bubble back' series, which is characterized by a prominent, domed case back. This specific configuration was developed to provide sufficient depth for the internal rotor components required for early automatic winding systems.

The dial is finished in a golden hue and features baton-style hour markers. A minute track is present on the outer circumference of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب این ساعت با قطر ۳۲ میلی‌متر از جنس طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار بوده”
  • “فرم پشت قاب این مدل با مشخصه معروف به «Bubble back» شناخته می‌شود.”
  • “صفحه ساعت دارای رنگ طلایی با مسیر دقیقه‌شمار در لبه بیرونی و نشانگرهای ساعت میله‌ای (baton) است.”

Movement and Mechanism

The timepiece is powered by the Rolex caliber 630, a self-winding automatic movement. This mechanism is housed within the Oyster Perpetual series, which leverages historical developments in rotor technology that the manufacturer began standardizing in the 1930s.

The movement is designed to function automatically, utilizing the rotor system to maintain the mainspring's energy. The caliber 630 forms the functional core of this reference 5050 model, ensuring the operation of the display within the chronometer-certified framework.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور این ساعت با کالیبر 630 به صورت خودکار (اتوماتیک) عمل می‌کند.”
  • “مدل‌های Bubble Back نخستین بار در سال ۱۹۳۳ معرفی شدند و اولین سیستم‌های روتور خودکار را در سری Oyster Perpetual”

Historical Context and Series Identification

The reference 5050 belongs to the broader category of Oyster Perpetual watches, which trace their lineage back to the 1926 inception of the Oyster case. The 'Bubble back' descriptor used for this model specifically relates to the structural requirements of the automatic movement used during this period.

It is presented on a yellow gold bracelet, adhering to the physical specifications documented in the source catalog.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت مچی Rolex مدل Oyster Perpetual با رفرنس 5050 در سال ۱۹۴۹ ساخته شده است.”
  • “در ساعت‌شناسی، عنوان «Bubble back» به دلیل ضخامت مورد نیاز مکانیزم‌های خودکوک اولیه به این ساعت‌ها اطلاق می‌شد”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific hallmarking on the case back confirming the 18ct gold composition?
  • Does the watch retain its original crown and bracelet as configured in 1949?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 5050 'Bubble Back' Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“سازنده: Rolex”
Reference5050“رفرنس 5050”
Case Material18ct yellow gold“از جنس طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار”
Case Diameter32 mm“قطر ۳۲ میلی‌متر”
Caliber630“کالیبر 630”
Dial featuresGolden dial with baton markers and minute track“صفحه طلایی با شیار دقیقه‌شمار خارجی و شاخص‌های میله‌ای”

Visible details

  • Minute track visible at the dial perimeter
  • Watch is equipped with a gold-toned link bracelet
  • Crown positioned at 3 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Source does not specify the origin of the yellow gold bracelet
  • Movement condition and functionality not detailed beyond caliber identification

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

Consulted source

18ct yellow gold Rolex ref. 5050 Oyster perpetual 'Bubble back' wristwatch. Made 1949

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c3d48ebe6f

Terms in this record

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

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