29,900 CHF
Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, "COMEX No. 3087", Sea Dweller 4000ft=1220m, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Ref. 16660. Produced in the 1990s. Fine and rare center-seconds, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with date and stainless steel "Fliplock" Oyster bracelet. Notes The French company COMEX Compagnie Maritime d'Expertise specialized in deep sea exploration, making advances in saturation diving in the 1960s and 70s. COMEX divers then wore Rolex Submariners, ref. 5513, rated to 200 meters. However, during the 10-day decompression period following saturation dives, the watch crystals would explode due to the pressure of the helium that had built up in the watch. To rectify the problem, Rolex invented the gas escape valve Swiss patent 492246. This simple spring-loaded one-way valve was first fitted to the standard Submariner 5513. Further research led to the first “Sea-Dweller, Submariner 2000”, Ref. 1665, in 1971. Today, COMEX still uses Submariners for “atmospheric” dives and Sea-Dwellers for “saturation” dives. Early Sea-Dwellers can be found upgraded with quick-set movements and modern dials, because the watches were regularly sent back to Rolex for revision.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2004-11-14
