Rolex

COMEX & Rolex, two companies who were deeply committed to technical excellence an engineering. While Rolex’s technical prowess was in the world of watchmaking, COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises) was a pioneering diving company for the oil industry.  Together they pushed the envelope of what was possible, as divers relied upon the accuracy and robustness of their watchers for deep water dives. These collaborations resulted in a number of specially modified Submariners - some of them featuring Helium Escape Valves, issued in the mid-to-late 1960s and designed to prevent damage from an accumulation of helium after full-saturation diving. 

The present example from Hammer’s collection is one of two COMEX’s that he owned. It’s 2.8 million case number, dates it to circa 1970, and displays the quintessential two-lines of text proudly proclaiming its 660ft of water resistance, and model name ‘Submariner’. The COMEX logo is in equally crisp and excellent condition just under the center post, and the dial and hands have all aged to a consistent and beautiful cream color. It is still fitted to a period correct 9315 Rolex Oyster bracelet, in well preserved condition. The case displays its helium escape valve on the left-hand side, and COMEX name and number are still very deep and crisp on the case back. When examining the dial-out shots, you can see that condition of the dial is even better than meets the eye – truly collector-grade in every sense.

Importantly, this COMEX 5513 also comes with a photocopy of its COMEX Certificate of Issuance stating that it was issued to Derek Stewart and confirming its case serial number. Even more interesting, is that during Hammer’s ownership of the watch he found a photograph of Derek Stewart and details of his work on offshore oil rigs in the book titled ‘The Oil Men’ which will accompany the watch. While that would be enough to delight any collector, the present COMEX is further supplemented by desirable ephemera like COMEX postcards, vintage Rolex-COMEX advertisements, and a COMEX lighter. It should also be worth noting that this 5513 also retains a Rolex Service card from 2012, all of it making for an attractive and grail-worthy addition to any watch collection.