Reference:2940 - Revision history

Admin: Resize hero: 340px -> 250px

2026-04-30T04:21:56Z

Resize hero: 340px -> 250px

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	<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] -> '''2940'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] -> '''2940'''</small>
	[[File:Ref 2940 hero.webp\|thumb\|right\|~~340px~~\|alt=Rolex 2940 Bubbleback steel 1942\|1942 steel Bubbleback]]		[[File:Ref 2940 hero.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex 2940 Bubbleback steel 1942\|1942 steel Bubbleback]]

	The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.		The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.

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2026-04-29T03:21:20Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 03:21, 29 April 2026
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	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex ~~Oyster Perpetual "~~Bubbleback~~" 2940~~ — BezelBase		\|title=Rolex 2940 Bubbleback — Production, Dial Variants, Serial Ranges \| BezelBase
	\|description=The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.		\|description=The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.
	\|image=Ref 2940 hero.webp		\|image=Ref 2940 hero.webp
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	\|modified_time=2026-04-29T02:34:~~37Z~~		\|modified_time=2026-04-29T02:48:42Z
	\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large		\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
	}}		}}

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2026-04-29T02:48:42Z

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2026-04-29T02:34:37Z

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Admin: Relocate images: replace gallery with section-inline placement (5513 pattern)

2026-04-28T02:57:24Z

Relocate images: replace gallery with section-inline placement (5513 pattern)

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:57, 28 April 2026
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	== Where it sits in the line ==		== Where it sits in the line ==

			[[File:Ref 2940 full.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=2940 rose-numeral dial Phillips lot\|Phillips Geneva 2015 lot, rose-numeral dial]]
	The 2940 is the volume wartime Bubbleback. The 3131 and its sweep-seconds twin 3132 had proven in 1936 that the two-piece Oyster could be manufactured at scale; the 2940 is the reference that made the same case architecture available in steel and inexpensive gold cap. It carries the sweep-seconds configuration that the 3132 pioneered, a center-mounted seconds hand running off Cal. 9¾''' rather than a subsidiary register at 6, and pairs it with a case sized for a masculine wartime wrist. Production runs from roughly 1940 through 1949, with the concentrated peak falling in the five years from 1942 through 1947.		The 2940 is the volume wartime Bubbleback. The 3131 and its sweep-seconds twin 3132 had proven in 1936 that the two-piece Oyster could be manufactured at scale; the 2940 is the reference that made the same case architecture available in steel and inexpensive gold cap. It carries the sweep-seconds configuration that the 3132 pioneered, a center-mounted seconds hand running off Cal. 9¾''' rather than a subsidiary register at 6, and pairs it with a case sized for a masculine wartime wrist. Production runs from roughly 1940 through 1949, with the concentrated peak falling in the five years from 1942 through 1947.

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	== The two-piece case ==		== The two-piece case ==

			[[File:Ref 2940 profile.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=2940 Bubbleback profile bulge\|1946 example, profile shows Bubbleback caseback bulge]]
	The 2940 uses the two-piece case architecture the 3131 introduced in 1936: a round mid-case with the bezel integral to the case middle, closed at the back by a screw-down caseback that threads directly into the case. No separate bezel ring. No discrete movement-holder. The case measures 31–32mm in diameter with a lug-to-lug of roughly 38–38.5mm and a lug width between 16 and 17mm. The bezel is smooth and domed, polished, unmarked, set slightly proud of the crystal aperture.		The 2940 uses the two-piece case architecture the 3131 introduced in 1936: a round mid-case with the bezel integral to the case middle, closed at the back by a screw-down caseback that threads directly into the case. No separate bezel ring. No discrete movement-holder. The case measures 31–32mm in diameter with a lug-to-lug of roughly 38–38.5mm and a lug width between 16 and 17mm. The bezel is smooth and domed, polished, unmarked, set slightly proud of the crystal aperture.

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	== Dial variants ==		== Dial variants ==

			[[File:Ref 2940 dial-detail.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=2940 dial close-up rose numerals sub-seconds\|Applied rose numerals + sub-seconds register]]
	The 2940 carries the widest dial catalog of any Bubbleback reference. Some of this breadth reflects Rolex's pre-war practice of configuring dials to retailer specification; some of it reflects the reference's long production run across multiple export markets; some of it reflects refinishing activity over the subsequent eight decades.		The 2940 carries the widest dial catalog of any Bubbleback reference. Some of this breadth reflects Rolex's pre-war practice of configuring dials to retailer specification; some of it reflects the reference's long production run across multiple export markets; some of it reflects refinishing activity over the subsequent eight decades.

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	The 2940 trades primarily through specialist dealer inventory and the secondary auction market rather than at major Geneva houses. Phillips and Heritage have handled examples; Sotheby's and Christie's have occasionally included 2940s in mid-tier vintage lots; Antiquorum and Bonhams have listed them in catalog sales. The bulk of market activity happens through vintage Rolex specialist dealers, forum-adjacent private sales, and platforms like Chrono24 and 1stDibs. Price discovery is accordingly uneven, and a given configuration can trade at widely varying prices depending on venue and market conditions.		The 2940 trades primarily through specialist dealer inventory and the secondary auction market rather than at major Geneva houses. Phillips and Heritage have handled examples; Sotheby's and Christie's have occasionally included 2940s in mid-tier vintage lots; Antiquorum and Bonhams have listed them in catalog sales. The bulk of market activity happens through vintage Rolex specialist dealers, forum-adjacent private sales, and platforms like Chrono24 and 1stDibs. Price discovery is accordingly uneven, and a given configuration can trade at widely varying prices depending on venue and market conditions.

	~~== Gallery ==~~
	~~<gallery mode="packed" widths="240">~~
	~~Ref 2940 full.webp\|Phillips Geneva 2015 lot, rose-numeral dial~~
	~~Ref 2940 dial-detail.webp\|2940 dial close-up, applied rose numerals + sub-seconds~~
	~~Ref 2940 profile.webp\|1946 example, profile shows Bubbleback caseback bulge~~
	~~</gallery>~~

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

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2026-04-28T02:51:36Z

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	\|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" 2940 — BezelBase		\|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" 2940 — BezelBase
	\|description=The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.		\|description=The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.
			\|image=Ref 2940 hero.webp
			\|image_alt=Rolex 2940 Bubbleback steel 1942
			\|type=article
			\|og_type=article
			\|published_time=2026-04-17T22:14:06Z
			\|modified_time=2026-04-28T02:49:34Z
			\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
	}}		}}

Admin: Add hero + gallery images for vintage Bubbleback/Oyster ref

2026-04-28T02:49:34Z

Add hero + gallery images for vintage Bubbleback/Oyster ref

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:49, 28 April 2026
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	<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] -> '''2940'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] -> '''2940'''</small>
			[[File:Ref 2940 hero.webp\|thumb\|right\|340px\|alt=Rolex 2940 Bubbleback steel 1942\|1942 steel Bubbleback]]

	The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.		The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.
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	The 2940 trades primarily through specialist dealer inventory and the secondary auction market rather than at major Geneva houses. Phillips and Heritage have handled examples; Sotheby's and Christie's have occasionally included 2940s in mid-tier vintage lots; Antiquorum and Bonhams have listed them in catalog sales. The bulk of market activity happens through vintage Rolex specialist dealers, forum-adjacent private sales, and platforms like Chrono24 and 1stDibs. Price discovery is accordingly uneven, and a given configuration can trade at widely varying prices depending on venue and market conditions.		The 2940 trades primarily through specialist dealer inventory and the secondary auction market rather than at major Geneva houses. Phillips and Heritage have handled examples; Sotheby's and Christie's have occasionally included 2940s in mid-tier vintage lots; Antiquorum and Bonhams have listed them in catalog sales. The bulk of market activity happens through vintage Rolex specialist dealers, forum-adjacent private sales, and platforms like Chrono24 and 1stDibs. Price discovery is accordingly uneven, and a given configuration can trade at widely varying prices depending on venue and market conditions.

			== Gallery ==
			<gallery mode="packed" widths="240">
			Ref 2940 full.webp\|Phillips Geneva 2015 lot, rose-numeral dial
			Ref 2940 dial-detail.webp\|2940 dial close-up, applied rose numerals + sub-seconds
			Ref 2940 profile.webp\|1946 example, profile shows Bubbleback caseback bulge
			</gallery>

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

Admin: Lexical slop sweep: filler adverbs, load-bearing, stands as, breadcrumb, register

2026-04-27T13:30:01Z

Lexical slop sweep: filler adverbs, load-bearing, stands as, breadcrumb, register

Admin: Strip Chevalier (Colin A. White is not a pseudonym; remove confusing label)

2026-04-27T04:33:17Z

Strip Chevalier (Colin A. White is not a pseudonym; remove confusing label)

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:33, 27 April 2026
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	== Sources ==		== Sources ==
	* The Vintage Rolex Field Manual~~, Chevalier Edition~~ — ~~unknown~~, Morning Tundra		* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
	* [https://www.phillips.com/auctions/watches Phillips — geneva two 2015 lot277]		* [https://www.phillips.com/auctions/watches Phillips — geneva two 2015 lot277]
	* [https://www.ha.com/ Heritage Auctions — 2940 salmon]		* [https://www.ha.com/ Heritage Auctions — 2940 salmon]

Admin: Repair broken SEO template and tighten prose

2026-04-25T02:56:06Z

Repair broken SEO template and tighten prose

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:56, 25 April 2026
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	\|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" 2940 — BezelBase		\|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" 2940 — BezelBase
	\|description=The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.		\|description=The 2940 is the wartime Bubbleback: the steel, center-seconds, export-friendly expression of the earlier 3131 formula. Its broad dial range reflects the few markets Rolex still had open in the 1940s.

			}}

	<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] -> '''2940'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] -> '''2940'''</small>
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	The 2940 is the volume wartime Bubbleback. The 3131 and its sweep-seconds twin 3132 had proven in 1936 that the two-piece Oyster could be manufactured at scale; the 2940 is the reference that made the same case architecture available in steel and inexpensive gold cap. It carries the sweep-seconds configuration that the 3132 pioneered, a center-mounted seconds hand running off Cal. 9¾’’’ rather than a subsidiary register at 6, and pairs it with a case sized for a masculine wartime wrist. Production runs from roughly 1940 through 1949, with the concentrated peak falling in the five years from 1942 through 1947.		The 2940 is the volume wartime Bubbleback. The 3131 and its sweep-seconds twin 3132 had proven in 1936 that the two-piece Oyster could be manufactured at scale; the 2940 is the reference that made the same case architecture available in steel and inexpensive gold cap. It carries the sweep-seconds configuration that the 3132 pioneered, a center-mounted seconds hand running off Cal. 9¾’’’ rather than a subsidiary register at 6, and pairs it with a case sized for a masculine wartime wrist. Production runs from roughly 1940 through 1949, with the concentrated peak falling in the five years from 1942 through 1947.

	Within the ~~broader~~ Bubbleback ~~family~~, the 2940 sits ~~alongside~~ the sub-seconds 2764, the ~~steel~~-~~and-precious~~ 3065 ~~with its hooded lugs~~, and the ~~3372 with its~~ engine-turned ~~bezel~~. Steel ~~2940s carry the most~~ examples; the 14K gold-top/steel ~~configuration~~ sits above them ~~in the hierarchy~~, ~~with~~ solid 9K gold ~~examples~~ the scarcest ~~of the three materials~~. ~~Earliest surfaced serials run in~~ the low 200,000s~~, consistent with 1942 production; the latest documented examples push into~~ the high 600,000s, ~~consistent with~~ 1949. ~~The reference~~ does not ~~evolve in generational tiers the way a later Submariner does~~. ~~Variation happens~~ in dials, hands, and ~~the~~ metal ~~the case was cut from~~.		Within the Bubbleback range, the 2940 sits beside the sub-seconds 2764, the more mixed-metal 3065, and the engine-turned 3372. Steel examples are the standard configuration. 14K gold-top over steel sits above them, and solid 9K gold is the scarcest material. The documented serial range runs from the low 200,000s to the high 600,000s, which fits roughly 1942 to 1949. Unlike later sports references, the 2940 does not break into neat generations. The variation is in dials, hands, and case metal.

	<span id="the-wartime-commercial-position"></span>		<span id="the-wartime-commercial-position"></span>

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:30, 27 April 2026
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	\|-		\|-
	\| movement		\| movement
	\| Cal. ~~9¾’’’~~, 17 jewels (some 18j); some examples Cal. 630		\| Cal. 9¾''', 17 jewels (some 18j); some examples Cal. 630
	\|-		\|-
	\| case materials		\| case materials
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	== Where it sits in the line ==		== Where it sits in the line ==

	The 2940 is the volume wartime Bubbleback. The 3131 and its sweep-seconds twin 3132 had proven in 1936 that the two-piece Oyster could be manufactured at scale; the 2940 is the reference that made the same case architecture available in steel and inexpensive gold cap. It carries the sweep-seconds configuration that the 3132 pioneered, a center-mounted seconds hand running off Cal. ~~9¾’’’~~ rather than a subsidiary register at 6, and pairs it with a case sized for a masculine wartime wrist. Production runs from roughly 1940 through 1949, with the concentrated peak falling in the five years from 1942 through 1947.		The 2940 is the volume wartime Bubbleback. The 3131 and its sweep-seconds twin 3132 had proven in 1936 that the two-piece Oyster could be manufactured at scale; the 2940 is the reference that made the same case architecture available in steel and inexpensive gold cap. It carries the sweep-seconds configuration that the 3132 pioneered, a center-mounted seconds hand running off Cal. 9¾''' rather than a subsidiary register at 6, and pairs it with a case sized for a masculine wartime wrist. Production runs from roughly 1940 through 1949, with the concentrated peak falling in the five years from 1942 through 1947.

	Within the Bubbleback range, the 2940 sits beside the sub-seconds 2764, the more mixed-metal 3065, and the engine-turned 3372. Steel examples are the standard configuration. 14K gold-top over steel sits above them, and solid 9K gold is the scarcest material. The documented serial range runs from the low 200,000s to the high 600,000s, which fits roughly 1942 to 1949. Unlike later sports references, the 2940 does not break into neat generations. The variation is in dials, hands, and case metal.		Within the Bubbleback range, the 2940 sits beside the sub-seconds 2764, the more mixed-metal 3065, and the engine-turned 3372. Steel examples are the standard configuration. 14K gold-top over steel sits above them, and solid 9K gold is the scarcest material. The documented serial range runs from the low 200,000s to the high 600,000s, which fits roughly 1942 to 1949. Unlike later sports references, the 2940 does not break into neat generations. The variation is in dials, hands, and case metal.
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	Hooded-lug 2940s should be treated with suspicion. Hooded-lug Bubblebacks are real Rolex watches, but that case form belongs to the 3065, not the 2940. Collector consensus is that most hooded-lug 2940s are modified cases made to imitate the rarer 3065. Caseback stamping and lug geometry are the key checks.		Hooded-lug 2940s should be treated with suspicion. Hooded-lug Bubblebacks are real Rolex watches, but that case form belongs to the 3065, not the 2940. Collector consensus is that most hooded-lug 2940s are modified cases made to imitate the rarer 3065. Caseback stamping and lug geometry are the key checks.

	When a 2940 appears for sale with hooded lugs, the presumption is modification. The burden is on the seller to ~~demonstrate~~ otherwise, and the published collector record does not contain a documented example where that demonstration has succeeded.		When a 2940 appears for sale with hooded lugs, the presumption is modification. The burden is on the seller to show otherwise, and the published collector record does not contain a documented example where that demonstration has succeeded.

	<span id="serial-and-reference-engraving"></span>		<span id="serial-and-reference-engraving"></span>
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	The 2940 runs on Rolex's 9 3/4 ligne automatic family, usually 17 jewels and sometimes 18 in better-grade or later-service examples. The practical point is simple: this is a Bubbleback-era automatic with center sweep seconds, not a special one-off movement.		The 2940 runs on Rolex's 9 3/4 ligne automatic family, usually 17 jewels and sometimes 18 in better-grade or later-service examples. The practical point is simple: this is a Bubbleback-era automatic with center sweep seconds, not a special one-off movement.

	The ~~2940’s~~ movement is non-hacking. Pulling the crown to the setting position stops the hands from advancing but the seconds continue to sweep; setting to the exact second requires a fractional backlash adjustment that is second nature on contemporary vintage Rolex but foreign to any Rolex made after the introduction of hacking seconds in the 1970s.		The 2940's movement is non-hacking. Pulling the crown to the setting position stops the hands from advancing but the seconds continue to sweep; setting to the exact second requires a fractional backlash adjustment that is second nature on contemporary vintage Rolex but foreign to any Rolex made after the introduction of hacking seconds in the 1970s.

	Cal. 630 is cited on some 2940 examples and is the formal numbered caliber for the ~~9¾’’’~~ sweep-seconds configuration. The two designations refer to the same movement family under different naming conventions. The ligne measurement (~~9¾’’‘~~) is older, and the numbered caliber (630) is the catalog reference Rolex used in service documentation. A 2940 described with Cal. ~~9¾’’’~~ and a 2940 described with Cal. 630 are, in practice, the same watch.		Cal. 630 is cited on some 2940 examples and is the formal numbered caliber for the 9¾''' sweep-seconds configuration. The two designations refer to the same movement family under different naming conventions. The ligne measurement (9¾''') is older, and the numbered caliber (630) is the catalog reference Rolex used in service documentation. A 2940 described with Cal. 9¾''' and a 2940 described with Cal. 630 are, in practice, the same watch.

	<span id="dial-variants"></span>		<span id="dial-variants"></span>
	== Dial variants ==		== Dial variants ==

	The 2940 carries the widest dial catalog of any Bubbleback reference. Some of this breadth reflects ~~Rolex’s~~ pre-war practice of configuring dials to retailer specification; some of it reflects the ~~reference’s~~ long production run across multiple export markets; some of it reflects refinishing activity over the subsequent eight decades.		The 2940 carries the widest dial catalog of any Bubbleback reference. Some of this breadth reflects Rolex's pre-war practice of configuring dials to retailer specification; some of it reflects the reference's long production run across multiple export markets; some of it reflects refinishing activity over the subsequent eight decades.

	The sector dial, multi-tone silver with dot and Arabic indices, divided into concentric or radial zones, is rare on the 2940. The sector dial is one of the signature 1940s Rolex dial configurations and surfaces occasionally on 2940 cases, where it carries a significant premium over the standard silvered or black dial.		The sector dial, multi-tone silver with dot and Arabic indices, divided into concentric or radial zones, is rare on the 2940. The sector dial is one of the signature 1940s Rolex dial configurations and surfaces occasionally on 2940 cases, where it carries a significant premium over the standard silvered or black dial.
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	Two-tone contrasting-zone dials divide the dial into inner and outer zones with contrasting finishes, typically a silver outer zone with a darker inner track or vice versa. The two-tone layout traveled across several contemporaneous references and appears on the 2940 in examples dated to 1942 and the surrounding years.		Two-tone contrasting-zone dials divide the dial into inner and outer zones with contrasting finishes, typically a silver outer zone with a darker inner track or vice versa. The two-tone layout traveled across several contemporaneous references and appears on the 2940 in examples dated to 1942 and the surrounding years.

	Salmon-finish dials are scarcer still. The Heritage Auctions ~~“Two~~ Tone Salmon ~~Dial”~~ example, a c.1942 2940, is the best-documented salmon dial in the public auction record, and any appearance at auction or dealer inventory draws collector attention disproportionate to the reference's general market position.		Salmon-finish dials are scarcer still. The Heritage Auctions "Two Tone Salmon Dial" example, a c.1942 2940, is the best-documented salmon dial in the public auction record, and any appearance at auction or dealer inventory draws collector attention disproportionate to the reference's general market position.

	Silvered and champagne-finish dials with applied hour markers and a minute track represent the baseline dress-watch configuration for 2940s sold to retailers who did not specify a more unusual dial treatment. These are the most commonly surfaced dial type in dealer inventory.		Silvered and champagne-finish dials with applied hour markers and a minute track represent the baseline dress-watch configuration for 2940s sold to retailers who did not specify a more unusual dial treatment. These are the most commonly surfaced dial type in dealer inventory.
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	The 24-hour military dial is the most unusual 2940 variant, with hour markers running 1 through 24 rather than 1 through 12. It surfaces on a small number of cases, typically in connection with military or specialized-use procurement, and any example at auction commands a substantial premium over standard-dial prices.		The 24-hour military dial is the most unusual 2940 variant, with hour markers running 1 through 24 rather than 1 through 12. It surfaces on a small number of cases, typically in connection with military or specialized-use procurement, and any example at auction commands a substantial premium over standard-dial prices.

	Dealer-signed dials surface on 2940s more frequently than on most later Rolex references, reflecting the 1940s practice of retailers commissioning co-signed dials for their own stock. The ~~“Erbe Basel”~~ signature, for the Erbe jewelry retailer in Basel, Switzerland, is one of the documented dealer signatures on 2940 dials.		Dealer-signed dials surface on 2940s more frequently than on most later Rolex references, reflecting the 1940s practice of retailers commissioning co-signed dials for their own stock. The "Erbe Basel" signature, for the Erbe jewelry retailer in Basel, Switzerland, is one of the documented dealer signatures on 2940 dials.

	<span id="hand-variants"></span>		<span id="hand-variants"></span>
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	Three case materials appear in the 2940 corpus.		Three case materials appear in the 2940 corpus.

	Stainless steel is the most commonly encountered. The 2940 was ~~Rolex’s~~ workhorse steel Bubbleback of the wartime period, and steel examples constitute the bulk of the surviving population. The Phillips 2015 Lot 277 example is steel; so are the majority of dealer inventory listings across 1stDibs, Chrono24, and specialist vintage dealers.		Stainless steel is the most commonly encountered. The 2940 was Rolex's workhorse steel Bubbleback of the wartime period, and steel examples constitute the bulk of the surviving population. The Phillips 2015 Lot 277 example is steel; so are the majority of dealer inventory listings across 1stDibs, Chrono24, and specialist vintage dealers.

	14K gold-top over steel is the mid-tier configuration. A gold-top case carries a solid gold bezel and top-side of the mid-case with a steel caseback and internal structure. The gold appears on the visible surfaces without the cost of a fully solid gold case. 14K gold-top/steel 2940s sit in dealer inventory at a modest premium over comparable steel examples and were particularly common in the US and UK export markets.		14K gold-top over steel is the mid-tier configuration. A gold-top case carries a solid gold bezel and top-side of the mid-case with a steel caseback and internal structure. The gold appears on the visible surfaces without the cost of a fully solid gold case. 14K gold-top/steel 2940s sit in dealer inventory at a modest premium over comparable steel examples and were particularly common in the US and UK export markets.
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	== The Zell Bros Turtle variant ==		== The Zell Bros Turtle variant ==

	The 2940 carries one clear retailer-specific branch: the Zell Bros ~~“Turtle~~ Perpetual Timer.” It is still a standard 2940 underneath, but the name and dial signature are enough to put it in its own small collector lane.		The 2940 carries one clear retailer-specific branch: the Zell Bros "Turtle Perpetual Timer." It is still a standard 2940 underneath, but the name and dial signature are enough to put it in its own small collector lane.

	The Turtle example is one of several mid-century US retailer variants where a jewelry chain contracted with Rolex for signed-dial stock and gave the resulting watches retail-specific names. The practice was more common on 1940s and 1950s Rolex production than it is on any modern reference; the Zell Bros Turtle is the ~~2940’s~~ best-known example.		The Turtle example is one of several mid-century US retailer variants where a jewelry chain contracted with Rolex for signed-dial stock and gave the resulting watches retail-specific names. The practice was more common on 1940s and 1950s Rolex production than it is on any modern reference; the Zell Bros Turtle is the 2940's best-known example.

	<span id="auction-and-market-record"></span>		<span id="auction-and-market-record"></span>
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	== Collecting considerations ==		== Collecting considerations ==

	The 2940 is a reference where dial configuration drives value more decisively than case material or condition alone. A standard Arabic-radium steel 2940 in good unrestored condition trades in the low-to-mid four figures. A California-dial steel 2940, in comparable condition, trades at roughly double that. A salmon or sector dial example can push to the top of the ~~reference’s~~ documented range. A 24-hour military 2940 surfaces rarely enough that price discovery happens case by case. The dial catalog is the first item of diligence on any 2940 purchase.		The 2940 is a reference where dial configuration drives value more decisively than case material or condition alone. A standard Arabic-radium steel 2940 in good unrestored condition trades in the low-to-mid four figures. A California-dial steel 2940, in comparable condition, trades at roughly double that. A salmon or sector dial example can push to the top of the reference's documented range. A 24-hour military 2940 surfaces rarely enough that price discovery happens case by case. The dial catalog is the first item of diligence on any 2940 purchase.

	Original-dial diligence on the 2940 is hard. Refinished dials are common, so radium matching, print quality, correct fonts, and any surviving provenance matter a lot more here than they do on easier later references.		Original-dial diligence on the 2940 is hard. Refinished dials are common, so radium matching, print quality, correct fonts, and any surviving provenance matter a lot more here than they do on easier later references.
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	Case material verification matters at the high end of the market. 14K gold-top/steel and 9K solid gold examples carry substantially different value positions from steel 2940s, and hallmark photography is non-negotiable on any precious-metal listing. Cases that have been replated, regilded, or otherwise worked should be identified as such, and the premium a solid gold case commands should survive the verification step to be worth paying.		Case material verification matters at the high end of the market. 14K gold-top/steel and 9K solid gold examples carry substantially different value positions from steel 2940s, and hallmark photography is non-negotiable on any precious-metal listing. Cases that have been replated, regilded, or otherwise worked should be identified as such, and the premium a solid gold case commands should survive the verification step to be worth paying.

	The 2940 trades primarily through specialist dealer inventory and the secondary auction market rather than at major Geneva houses. Phillips and Heritage have handled examples; ~~Sotheby’s~~ and ~~Christie’s~~ have occasionally included 2940s in mid-tier vintage lots; Antiquorum and Bonhams have listed them in catalog sales. The bulk of market activity happens through vintage Rolex specialist dealers, forum-adjacent private sales, and platforms like Chrono24 and 1stDibs. Price discovery is accordingly uneven, and a given configuration can trade at widely varying prices depending on venue and market conditions.		The 2940 trades primarily through specialist dealer inventory and the secondary auction market rather than at major Geneva houses. Phillips and Heritage have handled examples; Sotheby's and Christie's have occasionally included 2940s in mid-tier vintage lots; Antiquorum and Bonhams have listed them in catalog sales. The bulk of market activity happens through vintage Rolex specialist dealers, forum-adjacent private sales, and platforms like Chrono24 and 1stDibs. Price discovery is accordingly uneven, and a given configuration can trade at widely varying prices depending on venue and market conditions.

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==