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Lot Essay
Offered by its original owner, the present timepiece is a most appealing example of the rare reference 16660 made for COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertise), distinguished by its original overall condition. Its appeal is furthermore enhanced by the full set of period accessories - all rarities by themselves.
The owner of the present COMEX was an employee of ConocoPhillips, active in the oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, who contracted COMEX for diving services. The watch was given to him in 1987 by the Rolex retailer Jamieson & Carry of Aberdeen, Scotland. It has been in his property ever since, a reliable companion during many leisurely diving trips all over the world.
The black gloss dial is in attractively aged, unrestored condition and has developed a beautifully even ‘stardust’ effect, which only amplifies the collectability and aesthetic impact of the watch. Like the colour shift of tropical dials, this characteristic is due to ageing.
The Sea-Dweller, reference 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 numbers 3000 to 3099 were fitted with a matte 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 numbers 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 example.
Often lost by the divers this ref. 16660 Comex is one of the “lucky survivors” to appear in public to date.
The owner of the present COMEX was an employee of ConocoPhillips, active in the oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, who contracted COMEX for diving services. The watch was given to him in 1987 by the Rolex retailer Jamieson & Carry of Aberdeen, Scotland. It has been in his property ever since, a reliable companion during many leisurely diving trips all over the world.
The black gloss dial is in attractively aged, unrestored condition and has developed a beautifully even ‘stardust’ effect, which only amplifies the collectability and aesthetic impact of the watch. Like the colour shift of tropical dials, this characteristic is due to ageing.
The Sea-Dweller, reference 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 numbers 3000 to 3099 were fitted with a matte 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 numbers 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 example.
Often lost by the divers this ref. 16660 Comex is one of the “lucky survivors” to appear in public to date.