Why This Watch Matters

This "Semi Bubbleback" has all of the little details Rolex collectors are looking for in today's vastly discovered market.

The Full Story

Did you know that this ref. 6108 is one of the only Rolex watches to ever be produced with a crown logo that is recessed into the dial?

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" represents one of the most significant leap forwards in the history of sport watches. The innovative case construction featured a screw-down crown and caseback, allowing for unprecedented water-tightness of the case. Alongside the now-ubiquitous Oyster Perpetual indication, the self-winding movement inside allowed the wearer to continuously tell time without having to regularly wind the watch.

This watch dates to the early 1950s at a time when Rolex was slowly moving away from Bubbleback construction towards the more toned-down Oyster caseback we have come accustomed to at this point. Before that switch fully occurred, Rolex used the Semi Bubbleback, like the ref. 6108 we have here.

The dial details of this watch are just insane. Going to an uber level of Rolex nerdom is something we are never afraid to do. Here, a creamy dial tone is accented by rose gold-tone markers that are sunken into the surface. Similarly, the crown logo at 12 o'clock matches. We believe this be one of only a few watches ever produced with this specific feature. The look is all wrapped up by a rose gold-tone alpha handset and a blued steed central seconds hand.

On a Swiss-made Oyster rivet bracelet, the look is purely vintage, just the way we like it.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

• "Semi Bubbleback" construction
• Creamy dial patina
• Sunken hour markers and Rolex logo

Things To Know:

• Scratches on case and bracelet
• Radium lume

The watch is in overall excellent vintage condition. The case is strong with scratches. The back of the lugs show some scratches that are most likely from strap changes. The caseback has a few scratches and some more noticeable nicks. The numbers between the lugs at six o'clock are clearly visible. The smooth bezel is in good condition with scratches. 

The creamy off-white dial is in overall great condition with patina. The center of the dial has some concentrated patina. The hands and applied hour markers have developed a warm patina. The blued steel seconds hand remains vibrant. The lume on the hands and on the dial have aged to nearly the same dark color. 

The crystal has light scratches. The case, dial, movement, crown, and bracelet are signed. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.