I just came back from helping the widow of one of our members evaluate 21 pocket watches. She mentioned that she had 7 or 8 Rolex bubblebacks and one she thought was called an arched bubbleback. I have no idea what she is talking about. I need someone on the West Coast to give us some guidance on the value of these watches. Can anybody suggest someone?

Jerry,
I sold two good condition stainless steel 17J Chronometere Rolex bubblebacks C. 1940's with hidden lugs about two years ago. At the time they each sold for around $1800.00.

I've got no idea what an arched bubbleback is.

Dave, wow, if you sold all-stainless steel hooded bubblebacks for that amount, they are really quite rare and worth more than the steel/gold models!

Here's one from James Dowling:

Adam,
both of the watches I refer to were sold on Ebay around Christmas time. Both of mine were similar to what you show, except mine had sweep second hands, refinished dials and mercedes hands.