ROLEX | COMEX SUBMARINER, REFERENCE 16800 A STAINLESS STEELWRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1984

Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 3035 automatic, 27 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw down case backCase number: 8'650'107Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding claspSize: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 183 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Rolex presentation box

The present watch is prominently illustrated in Rolex Submariner by Guido Mondani, page 115

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The date function is working properly. The bezel is in very good overall condition. The band with minor surface wear particularly toward the pinhole. Underneath the lugs with minor surface scratches from removing the bracelet. The case back with surface wear throughout and minor surface scratches toward the edges, however the engravings remain very sharp. The case number inside the case back matches the case. The watch is in good overall condition, however with very minor signs of polishing overall. The Oyster bracelet with minor signs of wear toward the folding clasp, otherwise it is in very good overall condition with very well defined cornet to the clasp. The numbers between the lugs are very crisp and easy to read. Overall a very nice charming example. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Starting from late 1960s, Rolex had supplied different Submariner models with or without the patented gas escape valve to COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertise) in France, a professional diving operation for the oil industry. The present watch is from the reference 16800 series, in short production from 1982 until 1986, with the COMEX designation on the outside of the screw-down case back and on the dial.