Exclusive Timepieces 21 – 22 October 2023 | Monaco
Auction Details
The timepieces that we are offering at this auction are coming from all over the world and from some of the most prominent collections.
An incredibly impressive selection of truly rare Rolex Daytonas. A stunning and rare Cartier watch. A Patek Philippe in platinum from the 1920s, coming to auction for the first time, the John Goldberger Calatrava, which is one of the most sought-after reference 530s, to name but a few.
Session I: Saturday 21 October, 2:30 PM – lots 1 to 108
Session II: Sunday 22 October, 10:30 AM – lots 109 to 172
Session III: Sunday 22 October, 2:30 PM – lots 173 to 281
32 Rolex Very Rare and Sought After, Sea-Dweller, Automatic Diver’s, Wristwatch in Steel, Made for Comex, With Box and Warranty, Reference 16 660
Estimate: € 70,000 – 140,000
Sold € 84,500
Model: Sea-Dweller COMEX
Reference: 16 660
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1983
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3035
Case N°: 8354737 - 3192
Dimensions: 41 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box, Warranty, Tags and Additional Links
Released in 1978 and in production for only one decade until 1988, the Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16 660 has become through the years an extremely collectable and desirable model. Also known as the “Triple Six”, it replaced the reference 1665, bringing some major changes such as a new sapphire crystal material, new movement, larger helium escape valve, quickset date functionality and doubled water resistance. Over the course of its brief ten-year production run there were a total of two different batches delivered to COMEX. Issue Nr. 3000 to 3099 (with case numbers in the range of 7’100’xxx to 7’350’xxx) which were fitted with a matte dial with luminous indexes directly on the surface and caseback engraved “Original Gas Escape Valve”. Or issue Nr. 3100 to 3199 (case numbers spanning from 8’350’xxx and 9’300’xxx), of which the present watch is number 3192, featured a gloss dial with luminous indexes in white metal surrounds and a case back with only “Rolex” and “Comex” engraving. In recent years, COMEX models have garnered recognition and rarity among the most ardent Rolex collectors. Rolex collaborated with several professionals in the sector of deep-sea research, most notably COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises). This successful collaboration between Comex and Rolex started in the early 1970s when all divers were progressively equipped with watches especially made for Comex: the improved “Submariner” model meeting the most stringent technical and professional demands of the professional deep-sea diver. The inner case backs of COMEX watches would, like many special commission Rolex watches, repeat the serial number, either the complete serial (such as the present lot) or the final three digits. The here offered 16 660 have been produced in 1983 and is preserved in remarkable conditions and complete with the original warranty and box, it bears the important signature COMEX on the black dial.