Rolex

The Rolex Submariner reference 16800 was produced between 1979 and 1988, superseding reference 1680. The newly released model featured a sapphire-crystal instead of the usual Plexiglas, a new movement (cal. 3035) as well as an increased depth rating of 300m. Furthermore, the bezel would now only rotate unidirectionally, ensuring the watch would be safer for divers to time their decompression. The reference 16800 was initially introduced with a matte dial bearing tritium indexes, before Rolex fitted the model with glossy dials featuring circled indexes in 1984.

The Legendary diving company, COMEX, ‘Compagnie d’Expertise Maritime’, based in Marseille, France, tasked Rolex with crafting diving watches capable of sustaining extreme pressure conditions. The collaboration between the French commercial diving specialists and Rolex lasted from the early 1970s until at least 2007, pushing Rolex to always seek further improvements and develop the best diving watch there could be.

Rolex delivered approximately 300 Submariner reference 16800 to COMEX between 1982 and 1986. The present example was manufactured in 1986 and bears an early glossy dial featuring white gold index circling. The tritium indexes and hands have developed a matching patina, further enhancing the newer dial style which was fitted on this important watch. The case, preserved in superior condition, features a unique back engraved with the internal COMEX reference 6208. As for most Rolex custom-issued watches, the inside of caseback bears the full case number, matching with the serial number between the lugs.

This particular watch has a wonderful provenance. Its owner was hired in the 1980’s by Cybernetix, a branch of both Comex and Ifremer, as the manager of the Automation and Robotics department.

With his team, they provided valuable support for some of the Hydra operations. It consisted in creating the equipment for deep dive tests, including for Hydra VII and Hydra VIII, as well as some autonomous or remote-controlled underwater robots.

Henri Germain Delauze offered this watch to the consignor in appreciation of his services during the Hydra venture and during other projects related to robotics in hostile environment.

This present watch is a true treasure for a Rolex collector. It is being presented on behalf of its original owner, who received it from the founder of the Comex himself. It has an incredible provenance history. It is furthermore accompanied by its original Rolex Guarantee and presentation case. Last by not least, it has been preserved in spectacular condition. Gathering all the criteria’s, this Rolex Submariner Comex would be the trophy of any serious watch collection.