Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 'Bubbleback' with California Dial

This is a vintage mid-century Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, colloquially known as a 'Bubbleback' due to its protruding, domed case back designed to accommodate the early automatic movement. The timepiece features a rare salmon-colored 'California' dial, characterized by a mix of Roman numerals on the top half and Arabic numerals on the bottom half. The case is constructed from stainless steel with a smooth polished bezel. The hands are a classic 'Mercedes' style, appearing to have aged luminous material. The watch is presented on a dark brown, croc-embossed leather strap showing significant signs of wear and age. The crystal shows light surface scratching consistent with a watch from the 1940s or early 1950s. The dial exhibits a heavy, uniform patina and 'tropical' fading, transforming the original finish into a warm coppery or salmon hue. Points of wear are visible on the lugs and the screw-down crown. This specific combination of the waterproof Oyster case, early Perpetual self-winding movement, and the high-contrast California dial makes it a significant piece for horological collectors, representing a pivotal era in tool-watch development.