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.