ROLEX | COMEX SUBMARINER, REFERENCE 16800 STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1984

Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 3055 automatic, 27 jewelsMovement number: 1'125'630Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and backCase number: 8'274'652, COMEX serial 6151Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding claspSize: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: blank Rolex Guarantee, copy of Comex release form, Rolex Oyster and Submariner booklets, 1984 calendar card, document holder, sales and chronometer tags, metallic waterproof certification anchor and presentation case with outer packaging

DIAL: in very good condition, hands in very good condition. CASE: in good condition, with strong proportions and large bevels, with dents and scuffs. Bracelet was replaced during service in Nov 1999, numbered S X 11 93150,end-links numbered 593, scuffs and dents. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

The Rolex Submariner reference 16800 was produced between 1979 and 1988, superseding reference 1680. The newly released model featured a sapphire-crystal instead of the usual Plexiglas, a new movement (cal. 3035) as well as an increased depth rating of 300m. Furthermore, the bezel would now only rotate unidirectionally, ensuring the watch would be safer for divers to time their decompression. The reference 16800 was initially introduced with a matte dial bearing tritium indexes, before Rolex fitted the model with glossy dials featuring circled indexes in 1984.

The Legendary diving company, COMEX (‘Compagnie d’Expertise Maritime’, based in Marseille, France) tasked Rolex with crafting diving watches capable of sustaining extreme pressure conditions. The collaboration between the French commercial diving specialists and Rolex lasted from the early 1970s until at least 2007, pushing Rolex to always seek further improvements and develop the best diving watch there could be.

Rolex delivered approximately 300 Submariner reference 16800 to COMEX between 1982 and 1986. The present example was manufactured in 1984 and bears an early glossy dial featuring white gold index circling. The tritium indexes and hands have developed a matching patina, further enhancing the newer dial style which was fitted on this important watch. The well-preserved case features a unique back engraved with the internal COMEX reference 6151. As for most Rolex custom-issued watches, the inner-caseback bears the full case number, matching with the serial number between the lugs.

The watch is accompanied by a comprehensive suite of accessories, including a copy of the original COMEX invoice, confirming delivery of the watch to the COMEX employee on January 14, 1986 for a price of £270. This interesting document also confirms that COMEX Rolex pieces would only be sold to employees with over 10 years of service. The COMEX-issued Rolex watches have reached legendary status for their rarity and unique attributes, however collectors further appreciate the stories of these extraordinary pieces and of those who relied on them during perilous missions. The present lot is therefore a rare opportunity to add a historical piece to any serious collection.