Important Watches

Rolex

Submariner "Comex", Reference 16610 | A stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, Circa 1991

Auction Closed

October 21, 07:40 AM GMT

Estimate

450,000 - 650,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Rolex

Submariner "Comex", Reference 16610

A stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, Circa 1991

Dial: black

Calibre: cal. 3135 automatic, 31 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw down case back

Case number: N398486

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 190 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Rolex instruction manual and presentation box

The Rolex Submariner was first introduced in 1953, when diving became accessible not only to scientists and the military but also to the broad public. It quickly rose in popularity as it was the first diver's watch ever during that time ensuring waterproofness to a depth of up to 100 metres. In 1969, Rolex managed to increase the waterproofness of the Submariner to up to 300 metres under water.

This led to Rolex collaborating with COMEX or “Compagnie maritime d’expertises”, a French diving company specialized in the oil industry. COMEX needed dive-watches which were tailored to their high-risk maritime explorations. During a period between 1970 and 1997 Rolex issued nine different COMEX variations, with the company selecting references from both the Sea-Dweller and the Submariner line.

The present watch, the Rolex Submariner reference 16610, was the last ever Submariner series issued to COMEX by Rolex. It features a COMEX logo on the dial and the diver’s personal COMEX identification number. It is worth noting that Rolex didn’t commercially release any of the COMEX collaborations, so encountering a co-branded, COMEX-issued Submariner is extremely rare and a true grail for Rolex collectors.

勞力士 Submariner "Comex" 型號16610

精鋼鏈帶腕錶，備日期顯示，約1991年製

附帶説明書及盒子

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."