Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Jun 28, 2020

LOT 346

ROLEX, REF. 1680, SUBMARINER, COMEX, ORIGINAL PUNCHED WARRANTY, STEEL

CHF 150,000 - 250,000

HKD 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 / USD 150,000 - 250,000

Sold: CHF 524,000

A fine and extremely rare, self-winding, stainless steel diver's wristwatch sold to Comex.


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex

Model Submariner

Reference 1680

Year Sold in September 1979

Case No. 5861686/ 5037

Bracelet Stainless steel Rolex bracelet (93150/580), approx. overall length 165 mm

Caliber 1570

Dimensions 39 mm.

Signature Dial, case and movement

Accessories Fitted box, punched warranty, Submariner booklet, red chronometer seal, service receipt from Augis dated 1989, numbered hang tag

Notes

In 1978, COMEX received the Submariner Ref. 1680 from Rolex. At the time COMEX divers were equipped with the Ref. 5514 (with HEV) and had just begin to receive the Sea Dweller ref. 1665 (with HEV). Since the Ref. 1680 had no Helium Escapement Valve and was only rated to 200 meters (660 feet), COMEX used the batch for non-saturation dives; many examples were given to COMEX employees, customers and suppliers. The COMEX Ref. 1680 is perhaps the rarest of all COMEX sport watches, since COMEX only received approximately 60 examples. The great majority of those were later serviced, with the COMEX dial being replaced with a regular Rolex dial, as many owners did not like the COMEX logo on the dial (a fact perhaps surprising to today's Rolex collectors). This example has been kept in amazing condition as it was never used for diving operations and is complete with its original punched warranty, another unusual feature as most were retained by Comex and never given to the final owner. For the ultimate Rolex sports watches or Comet collector this is undoubtedly a holy grail.