Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 344
Rolex
Ref. 16800, self-winding, diver’s, centre-seconds; “Submariner” “Comex”; stainless steel
Ref. 16800, self-winding, diver’s, centre-seconds; “Submariner” “Comex”; stainless steel
EUR 30,000 - 50,000
USD 35,700 - 60,000 / HKD 278,000 - 462,000
Sold: EUR 65,000
Stainless steel, self-winding, tonneau-shaped, diver’s wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back, “triplock” winding-crown protected by the crown guards, 60-minute graduated unidirectional revolving bezel with black insert for the decompression times, black colour dial with centre-seconds and one horological complication:
• Instantaneous date of the month (aperture at 3 o’clock under Cyclops lens)
Case-back engraved “Rolex / Comex / 6206”
• Instantaneous date of the month (aperture at 3 o’clock under Cyclops lens)
Case-back engraved “Rolex / Comex / 6206”
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-7-8-01 |
Good Oxidized Slightly scratched HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model “Oyster Perpetual” “Submariner, 1000 ft - 300 m” “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” “Comex” No. 6 206
Reference 16800
Year circa 1987
Movement No. unnumbered
Case No. R 381 967
Bracelet stainless steel Rolex “Oyster” bracelet with “fliplock” deployant clasp (Ref. 93150 / 501 B)
Diameter 40 mm. (bezel)
Length 180 mm (approx.)
Caliber 3035
Dimensions 47.3 x 39.5 mm
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories original fitted box, certificate of origin, booklet
Notes
Rolex, Ref. 16800, “Comex”
Approximately 200 watches of model Ref. 16800 were delivered to the Comex between 1982 and 1989.
The Ref. 16800 featured the calibre 3035 with instantaneous date mechanism and a scratch-proof sapphire crystal.
The first batch of 100 Ref. 16800 were delivered in 1982 with a matt tritium “Comex” logo dial. These are often referred to as the ‘transitional’ models by collectors, due to mix of the old-style matt dials and new style sapphire crystals. The other 50 watches in the first batch were delivered with a gloss tritium dial with a ‘small’ “Comex” logo.
The second batch of 100 Ref. 16800 watches that were delivered to the Comex also featured a gloss tritium dial with a ‘small’ “Comex” logo.
Both the matt logo dials and gloss tritium ‘small’ logo dials were of very poor quality, the condition often deteriorated causing problems with debris becoming loose on the dial and in the movement.