ROLEX
Sea-Dweller "COMEX 2175"
Ref. 1665 No. 6221338 Circa 1980 Steel diving wristwatch with helium escape valve delivered to Comex Case: round, graduated rotating bezel, screw-down case back with double numbering inside, signed Dial: black "Rail Dial", luminous markers and hands, central seconds hand, date window, signed Movement: automatic cal. 1570, chronometer certified, signed Bracelet: Oyster, ref. 93150, endlinks 580 Clasp: folding, ref. 93150/H, signed Wrist size: 19 cm Diam. 40 mm. Includes: a copy of a Rolex letter dated July 29, 2008, confirming that this watch was delivered to Comex on December 1, 1980; a service guarantee dated August 19, 2008; a Rolex service invoice dated August 19, 2008; box and outer packaging; a Rolex tag; and a Comex plaque. A stainless steel automatic diver's wristwatch with gas escape valve, made for Comex, Oyster bracelet with Rolex deployant clasp. Launched in 1967 by Rolex, the Sea-Dweller is a high-performance diver's watch equipped with a helium escape valve. While reference 1665 is the most desirable of the model's production run, this is naturally because it was the very first reference released commercially. Featuring a rare "Rail Dial," our example boasts a unique characteristic found primarily on watches delivered to Comex: a water resistance of 600 meters, whereas models sold to the general public are generally rated at 610 meters! Between 1976 and 1981, 300 examples of reference 1665 were reportedly delivered to Comex. These Sea-Dweller 1665 "Comex" models can be identified by their serial numbers, which range from 2000 to 2300. Our example, acquired by a French collector from a renowned dealer on New Bond Street in London, comes with a Rolex service history confirming its delivery to Comex on December 1, 1980. This rare document makes this watch a unique collector's item. A Comex plaque, bearing the historic address of 36 Boulevard des Océans in Marseille, Comex's headquarters, accompanies this "tool watch." Regularly serviced, as evidenced by the numerous service markings on the case back, this watch has undergone several servicings at the Jacques Bianchi workshop. The go-to watchmaker for Comex divers, Jacques Bianchi was appointed "Official Rolex Watchmaker" in 1974 by André Heninger and, by 1980, owned no fewer than four watchmaking workshops in Marseille and one in Aubagne. It should be noted that, for Comex, 1980 was a year of intense activity marked by a strong resurgence in offshore operations. Following the second oil crisis at the end of 1979, oil exploration intensified, and Comex had to equip its divers with gear. Our example, water-resistant to 600 meters, was probably delivered by Rolex in this context, at a time when divers were not yet capable of descending to depths greater than 360 meters! We thank Mr. Jacques Bianchi for his kind cooperation. Launched in 1967 by Rolex, the Sea-Dweller is a high-performance diving watch equipped with a helium escape valve. The most attractive model in the series is undoubtedly the 1665, as it was the very first to be released. Featuring a rare "Rail Dial," our model has a specific feature that is mainly found on the series delivered to Comex: water resistance to 600 meters, whereas models sold to the general public usually bear the inscription 610 meters! Between 1976 and 1981, 300 examples of the reference 1665 were reportedly delivered to Comex. Identifiable by their serial numbers between 2000 and 2300, the Sed-Dweller 1665 “Comex” models. Our model, acquired by a French collector from a renowned dealer on New Bond Street in London, comes with a Rolex service history confirming its delivery to Comex on December 1, 1980. This rare document makes this Rolex a unique collectible. A Comex plaque, bearing the historic address of 36 Boulevard des Océans in Marseille, the headquarters of Comex, accompanies this “tool watch.” Regularly serviced, as evidenced by the numerous service markings on the case back, the present watch has been serviced several times at the Jacques Bianchi workshop. Jacques Bianchi, the watchmaker of choice for Comex divers, was appointed “Official Rolex Watchmaker” in 1974 by André Heninger and by 1980 owned no fewer than four watchmaking workshops in Marseille and one in Aubagne. It should be noted that, for Comex, 1980 was a busy year marked by a strong revival of offshore activities. Following the second oil crisis at the end of 1979, oil exploration intensified and Comex needed to equip its divers with new gear. Our model, water-resistant to 600 meters, was probably delivered by Rolex in this context, at a time when divers were not yet able to descend to depths greater than 360 meters! With our sincere thanks to Mr. Jacques Bianchi for his kind collaboration.
