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Lot 103
  • 103

Rolex

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • A RARE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC SWEEP SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1997 REF 16610 COMEX SUBMARINER
  • diameter 41 mm
• cal. 3135 automatic movement, 31 jewels • black dial, luminescent indexes and hands, sweep center seconds, aperture for date at 3 o'clock, Comex signature below the center • sapphire crystal, rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down crown with protective shoulders, screw back with factory-engraved Comex number 6XX5 (partially obscured by factory sticker) • case, dial and movement signed • stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet • numbered Attestation de Chronomètre Officiel, numbered hang tag, chronometer hang tag, booklets, anchor, folder, box, packaging

Condition

The movement is running, however it might need service soon. We have not opened up the case back to check the movement directly, as we did not want to impose wear on the watch. The dial is very clean with no signs of wear. The case shows no signs of wear throughout. There are protective stickers to the outside of the case back. The bracelet is clean with no scratches. Overall this watch is in superb condition as it might have never been worn. It is an ideal piece for a Rolex collector. The bracelet has an overall length 180mm. The serial number is U100798.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

Comex (Cജompagnie Maritime d'Expertise) was founded in 1961, in Marseille, at a time when industri🅘al deep-sea diving did not yet exist. Very soon, however, Comex promoted new technology and became a pioneer in deep diving operations for the offshore oil industry. Today, it has more than 2,000 employees and 800 divers located around the world.

At the end of the 1960s, Comex asked Rolex to create a watch that could sustain the high pressure of deep water dives𝔍, as the compressed and saturated air began causing a build-up of pressure in the standard Submariner case, which destroyed the mechanism.

Rolex rapidly came up with a patented solution by installing a one-way pressure release valve on the side of the watch case, beside the 9 o'clock position, that allowed the release of helium from the case. This model would later become ꧃known as the Sea-Dweller.

The relationship between Comex and Rolex continues today. One of the last Comex models made was the present one, the Submariner Ref. 16610. These are rather hard to find in the market, as many of them are still in use by their original ﷽owners.

Adding to the rarity of the present lot is that fact that it has never been used or worn, and still retains its factory finish and even its protective stickers to the back of the case. As this w🌳atch was never officially retailed (it was sold directly from Rolex to Comex) the Atte🐻station paperwork is left 'open', with no retailer's name or stamp.