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Lot Essay
The present timepiece is a most appealing example of the rare ref. 16660 made for COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertise), distinguished by its original overall condition. Its rarity is furthermore enhanced by the full set of accessories.
The black gloss dial is in attractively aged, unrestored condition, showing “spider” lines defined by the crisscrossing of light cracks throughout its entire surface. Like the colour shift of tropical dials, this characteristic is due to ageing and amplifies the collectability and esthetic impact of the timepiece.
The Sea-Dweller, ref. 16660, also known as the "Triple Six”, was introduced in 1978 and made until 1988. It replaced the reference 1665 with an increased depth rating of 1220 meters instead of the previous 610 meters, sapphire crystal, larger helium escape valve and caliber 3035 movement.
Over the course of its brief ten-year production run there were a total of two different batches delivered to COMEX. Issue Nr. 3000 to 3099 were fitted with a mat dial with luminous indexes directly on the surface and with engraving of “Rolex Patent” to its outer ring of its case back, later replaced by “Original Gas Escape Valve”. Issue Nr. 3100 to 3199 featured a gloss dial with luminous indexes in white metal surrounds and a case back with only “Rolex” and “Comex” engraving as on the present wristwatch.
The black gloss dial is in attractively aged, unrestored condition, showing “spider” lines defined by the crisscrossing of light cracks throughout its entire surface. Like the colour shift of tropical dials, this characteristic is due to ageing and amplifies the collectability and esthetic impact of the timepiece.
The Sea-Dweller, ref. 16660, also known as the "Triple Six”, was introduced in 1978 and made until 1988. It replaced the reference 1665 with an increased depth rating of 1220 meters instead of the previous 610 meters, sapphire crystal, larger helium escape valve and caliber 3035 movement.
Over the course of its brief ten-year production run there were a total of two different batches delivered to COMEX. Issue Nr. 3000 to 3099 were fitted with a mat dial with luminous indexes directly on the surface and with engraving of “Rolex Patent” to its outer ring of its case back, later replaced by “Original Gas Escape Valve”. Issue Nr. 3100 to 3199 featured a gloss dial with luminous indexes in white metal surrounds and a case back with only “Rolex” and “Comex” engraving as on the present wristwatch.