Within the constantly evolving Rolex Submariner product line, the reference 16800 is noteworthy for being the first Submariner to be fitted with a sapphire crystal. Requiring a redesigned bezel, the enhancements significantly increased the Submariner’s water resistance, rising from a depth rating of 200 meters to 300. Considered a transitional model, the earliest versions of the 16800 were fitted with matte dials with luminous markers directly applied to the dial, whereas later versions, like the present lot, were fitted with glossy dials with luminous, white gold markers. As of the late 1960s, Rolex exclusively supplied different Submariner and Sea-Dweller models featuring the patented helium escape valve, to COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise) in Marseilles. They were issued to their specialist divers with each watch marked COMEX on the dial and numbered on the rear. A gas escape valve was fitted within the case to release built up pressure, preventing the watches from exploding when they surfaced from the depths of the oceans. Like many “issued” Rolex watches, the inside case backs of COMEX watches would bear the full serial number (or in some instances the last 3 digits) corresponding to the number found between the lugs at 6 o'clock. The present COMEX Submariner belonged to Maurice Ward, an emeritus diver who worked on the Phillips Maureen Platform, a unique device made for the search of oil in the North Sea, designed to float out to its location, and once oil production ceased, to re-float for use on another field. It is believed that the present watch was gifted to Mr. Ward on March 30, 1984. The present lot comes accompanied not only with its original fitted box and recent Rolex Service Guarantee, but also documents accounting for Mr. Ward’s professional career and dive logs. The case retains perfect proportions, the case back engraving is clear and legible, and the serial and inside caseback numbers perfectly match. A rare opportunity to obtain a special and uncommon variant of the fabled ‘COMEX Submariner’ to one's collection.