Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 150
Rolex
Ref. 16600, centre-seconds, date; “Sea-dweller” “Comex”; stainless steel
Ref. 16600, centre-seconds, date; “Sea-dweller” “Comex”; stainless steel
EUR 50,000 - 80,000
USD 60,000 - 95,000 / HKD 462,000 - 740,000
Sold: EUR 119,600
Fine and very rare, stainless steel, self-winding, tonneau-shaped, diver’s wristwatch,
black colour dial, with centre-seconds and date.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 2 |
Very good |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model “Sea-Dweller”, “Comex” No. 3 449
Reference 16600
Year 2003
Case No. F 204 312
Bracelet stainless steel Rolex “Oyster” bracelet with deployant clasp
Diameter 40 mm
Caliber 3135
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories original fitted box and outer box, warranty, instruction booklet, leaflet, Rolex Calendar, push-pin and three additional links
Notes
Rolex “Sea-Dweller”, “Comex”
The Rolex “Sea-Dweller” was designed in collaboration with the famous French scuba diving company COMEX (Compagnie maritime d’expertise). In underwater missions, divers have encountered watch failure during decompression, when the glasses exploded due to an internal accumulation of air pressure. Rolex has modified the standard “Submariner” Ref. 5513 watches to include a helium escape valve to release air while maintaining the water-resistance of the watch. Thus, in 1967, the first Ref. 1665 “Sea-Dweller” watches were delivered to authorised dealers and selected divers for testing.
The Ref. 16600 was launched in 1989 replacing the former Ref. 16660. Although it bears the same depth rating as its predecessor at 4 000 ft, the new reference featured an upgraded calibre 3135.
After a successful and a production run of 19 years, the reference was officially discontinued in 2008 and made way for the new Ref. 116600. Such an emblematic and iconic reference is a marker both of the history of diving and of the history of Rolex.
The Rolex “Sea-Dweller” was designed in collaboration with the famous French scuba diving company COMEX (Compagnie maritime d’expertise). In underwater missions, divers have encountered watch failure during decompression, when the glasses exploded due to an internal accumulation of air pressure. Rolex has modified the standard “Submariner” Ref. 5513 watches to include a helium escape valve to release air while maintaining the water-resistance of the watch. Thus, in 1967, the first Ref. 1665 “Sea-Dweller” watches were delivered to authorised dealers and selected divers for testing.
The Ref. 16600 was launched in 1989 replacing the former Ref. 16660. Although it bears the same depth rating as its predecessor at 4 000 ft, the new reference featured an upgraded calibre 3135.
After a successful and a production run of 19 years, the reference was officially discontinued in 2008 and made way for the new Ref. 116600. Such an emblematic and iconic reference is a marker both of the history of diving and of the history of Rolex.