Today's offering showcases this classic Ref. 2940 Bubbleback made circa 1944 and presented in 1946.

A true piece of history, this watch is inscribed "Official 1946 European Theater Athletic Meets." By 1945 as the war was winding down, organized tournaments and games between various units and theaters of operations were being provided by the Armed Forces. Sports team provided unit identication and pride, and competition was a morale booster. Their value in war theaters was recognized by those directing the war effort.

As for the watch, named "Bubblebacks" by watch collectors, due to the heavily domed case backs needed to accommodate the large automatic movements, these were Rolex's first Oyster Perpetual (waterproof and automatic) watches.

Housed in one of Rolex's watertight Oyster cases, this wristwatch originally offered its owner protection against water, dust, and perspiration. Inside the rugged case Rolex put into service their early self-winding so-called Perpetual Chronometer movement, keeping the watch powered by movements of the wrist.

The watch has all original parts down to the dial, all hands, "Oyster Patent +" winding crown and original or period lead waterproofing gasket. The dial is a very old vintage restoration that looks to have most likely been done relatively shortly after the watch was made. And the case is in excellent condition with deep unpolished vertical grooves.

The movement is running true.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year built: c. 1944 - presented 1946
• Model: Reference 2940
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case markings (outside): A personal identifying mark (D27856F) is hand inscribed under one of the lugs
• Case condition: Excellent condition with fairly light wear and nice deep unpolished vertical grooves
• Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown), 38.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver (lightly toned to a sepia), signed Rolex, luminous mixed Arabic and baton indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions
• Note: The dial is not quite as toned as the photography lights made it appear.
• Hands: Original, blue steel, luminous batons
• Movement type: Signed Rolex, self winding automatic, Cal. 9 3/4''', rhodium-plated, straight-line lever escapement, self-compensating Breguet balance spring
• Movement markings: Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Swiss Made, Patented, Super-Balance 
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 17mm
• Crystal type: Domed, acrylic, mint condition
• Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee