Antiquorum Auctioneers since 1974

Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Jun 23, 2012

LOT 399

ROLEX, REF.16660, COMEX SEA DWELLER, FORMER PROPERTY OF BERNARD KABRANE Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual Date, Comex, Sea Dweller 4000ft=1220m, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified?, Ref. 16660. Made circa 1980. Fine and rare, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with second generation gas escape valve, date and stainless steel ?Oysterlock? bracelet. Accompanied by its original warranty (now void), booklets,and original fitted box.

HKD 300,000 - 400,000

USD 40,000 - 52,000 / EUR 30,000 - 40,000

Sold: HKD 312,500

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down engraved case back No. 3110, graduated unidirectional revolving bezel for the decompression times, "Triplock" winding- crown protected by the Crown Guard, gas escape valve at 9, sapphire crystal. D. Black with luminous steel round, triangular and baton indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions, aperture for the date, Comex logo at six. Luminous steel "skeleton" hands. M. Cal. 3035, rhodium-plated, 27 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, free-sprung mono metallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 40 mm. Height 15 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

This watch belonged to Bernard Kabrane, a Comex diver and technician who was legendary in the years 1980-1990. Kabrane specialized in soldering for undersea constructions such as pipelines and offshore platforms. He was known for being able to remain longer than one and a half hours at depths greater than 50 meters, which was an exceptional feat. He achieved diving records for Comex, while working on the Panama Canal and many undersea pipelines.