Bubblebacks

[Lo']

These are the "pre-Explorers", the watches that really travelled to the top of the world (Sherpa Tenzing wore a 6084).

Nowadays some of these glorious pieces can be had at bargain prices as their diminutive size (34mm in diameter) render them obsolete in these times of +47mm wristwatches.

Here's my 1953 6106 just back from a full overhaul.

[dieselpower]

Lovely piece. I remember when I used to work for Nick Urul just off Bond St he used to rave about bubblebacks, they were the vintage Rollie that everyone wanted. He was selling 5513's for about £600 then. Happy days.

[Lo']

Lovely piece. I remember when I used to work for Nick Urul just off Bond St he used to rave about bubblebacks, they were the vintage Rollie that everyone wanted. He was selling 5513's for about £600 then. Happy days.

Thanks for sharing. I'd love to hear your story about that period!

I think that you either love or hate these watches. My watchsmith is selling a 1950-ish 6084 bearing a gorgeous waffle dial (red "officially"!) at a ridiculous price. It's been on display for almost a year without anybody even enquiring about it. As I wrote earlier this fashion of wearing cuckoo clocks on one's wrist has been both a blessing for collectors.

This for instance, one of the most gorgeous little watches I have ever seen, came practically for free. The reason? 32mm. It takes a woman with a taste for small, beautiful, precious things to appreciate it. Not many of those around these days.