Rolex
Ref. 16660
A rare and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, helium escape valve, bracelet and presentation box, made for COMEX
Manufacturer : Rolex
Year : Circa 1984
Reference No : 16660
Movement No : 1’838’650
Case No : 8’348’304, inside caseback stamped “16660, 8348304”, Caseback issue number “3100
Model Name : Sea-Dweller “COMEX
Material : Stainless steel
Calibre : Automatic, cal. 3035, 27 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped “592”, max length 195mm
Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “93160A”“U3
Dimensions : 40mm diameter
Signed : Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed. Dial stamped COMEX
Accessories : Accompanied by Professional Diver’s Log Book, Diver’s pin, screwdriver, additional extension link, green booklet holder, diver’s photograph and fitted presentation box Introduced between 1978-1988, the present specimen was acquired by the original owner Yann Bourhis that year in 1988 as a Sogetram diver. At that time Sogretram, a maritime works company was bought by COMEX. Being part of the Sogretram, Doris, Stolt Comex Seaway and Hydrex’s professional diving team from 1983 until 1997, this Sea-Dweller has seen it all. From offshore dives to maritime dives in France, this ref. 16660 was with Bourhis as diver for control missions during French nuclear tests at CEA.
In two main batches, the initial batch of approximately 80/100 pieces from Rolex arrived in 1982 featuring matte dial with case numbers in the range of 7 million. The remaining batch was likely delivered in 85' with glossy dials and case numbers spanning from 8 to 9 million. Bearing a caseback number of 3100 and a 8’34X’XXX serial came directly from the original owner. A journey that can be shared of its owner and its future collector, a personal professional diver’s log book and dive photographs are accompanied with the present lot.
A symbol of endurance and passion, and further charmed with the personal properties from the original owner. This admirable 16660 is preserved in original condition, and most definitely a true field watch with a man's life story behind, which makes it exceptional collectible for any vintage lovers.
