Reference 16660 was introduced in 1978 and remained in production for only a decade, being discontinued in 1988. Highly collectible and sought-after, the model is in the eyes of Rolex collectors a sort of transitional link between “old school” production and the modern one. In fact, the watch was originally devised bearing a matte dial with tritium lume plots applied directly on it - such as the present version - thus following in the path of its ancestor reference 1665. However, later examples of reference 16660 feature gold-rimmed indexes and gloss dial, traits which will come to define the later production of Rolex diver’s watches. To our knowledge, the present example is one amongst the first batch, of which less than 100 examples were fitted with a matte dial.

The caseback as well presents an evolution; early versions read “Rolex Patent” where as later versions were changed to “Rolex Oyster Original Gas Escape Valve”.

Its peculiar place in the evolution of Rolex diver’s models already make ref. 16660 one of the most appreciated and collectible, but the present piece truly is a step beyond the “usual” 16660 - even one in condition as remarkable as this one.The watch is in fact a COMEX issued model, as it is obvious with the most cursory glance at the dial and caseback.

A pioneer of deep sea exploration, COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises) first contacted Rolex in 1963. This resulted in a number of modified Submariner ref 5513 - some of them featuring Helium Escape Valves - issued in the mid-to-late 1960s. These first experiments would eventually lead to the development of the Sea-Dweller, featuring a thicker case for improved water resistance, which would eventually be released to the public in 1971.

Given the intertwined history of COMEX and Rolex diver’s watches, the rarity of these models, the professional vocation of the piece sublimely exemplifying the core values of Rolex, and the dramatic aesthetic impact of the COMEX logo on the dial, these rare pieces reside at the top echelon of collectability for Rolex diver’s timepieces.

This watch is complete of absolutely every accessory it was originally delivered with, including the Rolex anchor and the numbered sale tag. This detail, paired with its superlative condition, make this timepiece the "ultimate" COMEX 16660 in terms of collectability.