Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhône, Nov 12, 2006

LOT 323

Ref. 5513 Submariner 660 ?COMEX H.E.V. Prototype No. 24? Rolex Oyster Perpetual, "Submariner 660ft = 200m", Ref. 5513 "COMEX 24". Case No. 2833552. Made in 1970. Very fine, rare and important tonneau-shaped, center seconds, self-winding, waterresistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with first generation helium escape valve and stainless steel "Fliplock" Oyster bracelet.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

EUR 20,000 - 25,000 / USD 24,000 - 32,000

Sold: CHF 76,700

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, graduated revolving black bezel for the decompression times, helium escape valve at 9 , "Triplock" winding-crown protected by the "Crown Guard", case back engraved "Comex 24", inside of the case back engraved with the last three numbers of the case number. D. Black with tritium-coated round, triangular and baton indexes, above the 6 the ?COMEX" logo. Luminous steel ?skeleton? hands. M. Cal. 1520, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance sprng. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 40 mm. Thickness 14 mm. Approx. overall length 180 mm. Property of an Asian Collector


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The present watch bearing COMEX inventory number 24 makes it one of the first batch of 25 watches delivered to COMEX in the autumn of 1970. These watches are amongst the rarest of Rolexes production and the present watch baring number 24 is the earliest example to have appeared at auction. Furthermore the excellent unrestored condition of the present lot makes it one of the finest examples of this rare watch to have appeared on the open market. 1970-1972/3 Submariners Ref. 5513 with HEV. 1972-1978 Submariners Ref: 5514 with HEV made for COMEX only. 1978-1979 Submariner Ref. 1680 no HEV. 1977-1980 Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 with HEV. 1980-1984 Sea-Dweller sapphire Ref.16660 with HEV. 1982-1986 Submariner Sapphire Ref. 16800 no HEV. 1988-1989 Submariner Ref. 168000 no HEV. 1986-1997 Submariner Ref. 16610 no HEV. 1992-1997 Sea-Dweller Ref.16600 with HEV and sapphire crystal. COMEX. The Comex company, based in Marseille, specializes in underwater engineering. In 1972, Comex divers used the Rolex Sea-Dweller in a world recordsetting simulated dive which took them down to 2000 feet for one hour and a half. The watch performed so well that Comex decided to use only Rolex diving watches and chronometers in their work. In June 1972, divers Alain Jourde and Claude Bourdier again went down to 2000 feet, in an experiment which lasted 28 days. The divers remained at the lowest point, 2000 feet under sea level (610 meters), for 50 hours, a record-breaking feat, while wearing Rolex Sea-Dweller watches. At 2000 feet, the atmosphere contains a high percentage of helium gas, which can penetrate even a water-tight watch case. The gas cannot escape quickly enough upon resurfacing, and as the outside pressure decreases, the pressure remaining inside the watch due to the built-up gas can causing the watch to explode. The Rolex Sea-Dweller watch is fitted with a special helium valve, allowing the gas to escape quickly during decompression. The watches made by Rolex for the Comex company bear the word "Comex" on the dial. A similar watch is published in ?Rolex, Collecting Modern and Vintage Wristwatches?, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, 2005, vol. I, pp. 355, 357, 358, and 359.