Rolex
Ref. 16600
A very fine, attractive and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch center seconds, date, helium escape valve, bracelet, COMEX attestation letter and presentation box, made for COMEX
Manufacturer : Rolex
Year : Circa 1991
Reference No : 16600
Movement No : 6'134'390
Case No : N'421'567
Model Name : Sea-Dweller “COMEX
Material : Stainless steel
Calibre : Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93160”, endlinks further stamped “93160”, max length 235mm
Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “R1
Dimensions : 40mm Diameter
Signed : Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Accessories : Accompanied by Comex attestation, Rolex box and outer packagingFor the connoisseurs of vintage Rolex sports watches, most would agree that one of the most celebrated and important collaborations was between Rolex and COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise) based in Marseilles.
As of the late 1960s, Rolex exclusively supplied Submariner and Sea-Dweller models featuring the patented helium escape valve to the maritime company. These utilitarian tool watches were issued to their specialist divers with each watch marked COMEX on the dial and numbered on the rear. Fabled and sought-after by collectors, each of these issued watches symbolises the endurance of professionals with a unique story behind that makes them exceptional and unique.
While Rolex was the timekeeping instrument for COMEX, a series of wristwatches exceptionally featured the “COMEX” logo on the dial throughout its decades of relationship. The last reference to feature such “COMEX” logo on the dial was in fact the Sea-Dweller reference 16600, showcased in the present example.
Released in 1988, the reference 16600 enjoyed a long production run of 20 years and was discontinued in 2008. However, it was not until 1992 that the reference 16600 was utilized by COMEX. Based on research, the reference 16600 was made with 200 examples featuring the “COMEX” logo on the dial between 1992 – 1997, with its batch number starting from 3200 and ending at 3400 (The present example bearing number 3225). During the period, the reference 16600 was used in HYDRA - LUDION missions 1 and 2, which were historical undersea missions whose purpose was to study a new deep diving process using hydrogen instead of helium.
The present example of Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16600 COMEX with an “N” serial from circa 1992 bearing batch number “3225” is inscribed in the correct manner for the period on the caseback and is further accompanied by its COMEX attestation, Rolex fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
