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Lot Essay
Striking example of the rare reference 1665 made for COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise), the present wristwatch impresses through its excellent overall condition and number of details considered treasures by the discerning collectors. With an estimated production of only 300 examples, the Sea-Dweller reference 1665 fitted with a gas escape valve were supplied to COMEX in Marseille, a professional diving operation for the oil industry. Never available for the public, watches manufactured were often subject to extreme conditions and only few examples have survived in such an appealing and well preserved overall condition.
Highly attractive, the dial of the wristwatch is free of any kind of wear or scratches. Beautifully preserved, the luminous ascents have aged to an attractive uniform tone and provide warmth to the dial. The COMEX signature is preserved in pristine overall condition with intact script and contrasting colors. Of paramount importance, the rarity of the timepiece is enhanced through its so-called “rail” dial, found on examples usually produced between 1977 and 1979, with a name deriving from the symmetric division of the two lines below the centre, “Superlative” and “Officially” to the left and “Chronometer” and “Certified” to the right.
Adding to the collectability of the wristwatch, the timepiece is offered with a document from Rolex Geneva confirming the date of sale of the timepiece in 1978 and confirming the timepiece as being a Rolex Sea-Dweller in steel, Reference 1665, sold to COMEX.
COMEX reference 1665 is described and illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 222 & 223.
Highly attractive, the dial of the wristwatch is free of any kind of wear or scratches. Beautifully preserved, the luminous ascents have aged to an attractive uniform tone and provide warmth to the dial. The COMEX signature is preserved in pristine overall condition with intact script and contrasting colors. Of paramount importance, the rarity of the timepiece is enhanced through its so-called “rail” dial, found on examples usually produced between 1977 and 1979, with a name deriving from the symmetric division of the two lines below the centre, “Superlative” and “Officially” to the left and “Chronometer” and “Certified” to the right.
Adding to the collectability of the wristwatch, the timepiece is offered with a document from Rolex Geneva confirming the date of sale of the timepiece in 1978 and confirming the timepiece as being a Rolex Sea-Dweller in steel, Reference 1665, sold to COMEX.
COMEX reference 1665 is described and illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 222 & 223.