Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 1665
    Case No: 5’148’108
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller, Comex issue number 2012
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1520, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 93150, end links stamped 535, max overall length 200m
    Clasp/Buckle: Rolex stainless steel deployant flip lock clasp stamped 93150 and Z2
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex International Service Guarantee dated December 12, 2005, Rolex UK service invoice dated December 12, 2005, green leather presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    During the early days of deep sea exploration, Rolex worked with a number of experts in the field, including the Marseille-based maritime company, COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises). The present watch is part of a batch of approximately 300 reference 1665 Sea-Dwellers made for COMEX between 1977 and 1981 – with engraved issue numbers ranging from 2,000 to 2,300. Distinguished by the boldly printed COMEX logo above the Sea-Dweller signature, and issue numbers engraved to the back case, these watches were issued to working divers.

    The present example, with issue number 2012, is extremely early, and features a very rare dial configuration indicating a depth rating of 600 meters instead of the 610 meters found on commercial variants. The dial further stands out for its “rail” configuration, recognizable by the alignment of the “C” of Chronometer with the “C” of Certified below, creating a very pleasing vertical “corridor” (or rail) of space between the last two lines of the designation.

    The casebacks were all deeply milled with their corresponding issue numbers, with the earliest examples like the present lot featuring straight Rolex and COMEX logo. Consistent with other “issued” Rolex watches of the era, the inside caseback is inscribed with its full case serial number.

    Today, the COMEX Sea-Dweller is a highly sought after vintage tool watch. The watch is in excellent overall condition with a well-preserved dial. The watch is further accompanied by a Rolex International Service Guarantee and UK service receipt from 2005 confirming the originality of this diver’s wristwatch, presenting a rare opportunity to own one of the most sought after and desirable vintage Rolex sports watches.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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19

Ref. 1665
A rare and fine stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with helium escape value, date, bracelet, service guarantee, and presentation box, made for COMEX

1977
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$60,000 - 120,000 
CHF54,000-108,000
€55,500-111,000
HK$469,000-938,000
S$80,700-161,000

Sold for $78,740

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023