Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...

New York, Apr 17, 2008

LOT 205

Ref. 168000, COMEX Submariner Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, "Submariner, 1000 ft./ 300 m." Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified, Ref. 168000/ 16800, COMEX 6261. Made circa 1987. Fine and very rare, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel diver's wristwatch with date and a stainless steel Rolex Fliplock Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by the original fitted box and Certificate (now void).

USD 70,000 - 100,000

EUR 47,000 - 67,000

Sold: USD 96,000

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, case back engraved: COMEX 6261, graduated unidirectional revolving black bezel for the decompression times, Triplock winding crown protected by the crown guard, sapphire crystal with cyclops lens. D. Black with applied luminous round, triangular and baton steel indexes, imprint: Comex, aperture for the date. Luminous steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 3035, rhodium-plated, 27 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws, hack mechanism. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 40 mm. Thickness 13 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-9

Good

Scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Between 1987 and 1988 Rolex delivered a small batch of approximately 100 watches with the model reference 168000 (note the extra 0). The difference in the reference number indicates the use of higher quality steel (from grade 316 to grade 904L) in the later watches. It used the same case as the later ref. 16610 with the movement and dial from the ref, 16800. As with the 16800, the gloss tritium ?small? COMEX logo dials on the 168000 watches were of very poor quality and the dial often deteriorated causing problems with debris becoming loose on the dial and in the movement.