RolexSubmariner

KEY FACTS

• This rare COMEX Submariner is featured in collector John Goldberger’s famous book 'A Journey Into The Deep' and was also previously owned by Reza Ali Rashidian, widely considered the world’s most prolific dive watch collector
• Offered by a private vendor based in Oxfordshire, England
• Accompanied by the display box, outer box, service card dated to 1987, booklet, Rolex wallet, anchor pendant and a business card of George A Arnoux, the COMEX diver who was originally presented with the watch
• Reported to be in good working order by the vendor and graded ‘A’ for condition  

FUNCTIONS

• Hours, minutes, seconds and date
• Powered by the chronometer-certified calibre 3035
• Self-winding with a 48-hour power reserve
• Uni-directional rotating bezel with 60-minute graduation
• Screw-down crown provides 300m of water resistance (water resistance has not been tested)

This watch is being managed by Watch Collecting for the duration of the auction and is being held in a secure third-party facility. Watch Collecting will release the watch to the successful bidder after the vendor confirms they have received payment.

SUMMARY

In the world of watch collecting, a discrete dial detail can take an already popular model to new heights in desirability. A marking or logo small enough to go unnoticed can indicate a special provenance, and when it comes to watches with unrivalled history, very few compare to COMEX-branded Submariners.

Rolex’s archetypal diver requires little in the way of an introduction, but the partnership with French deep-sea diving company Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises, better known as COMEX, is an interesting footnote in the Geneva giant’s history. It also reflects a time when the now secretive watchmaker opened its doors to collaboration.

The association with COMEX dates back to 1970 with both brands sharing a common pursuit of progressing underwater exploration. Watches were supplied at zero cost in return for insight and analysis of their performance underwater. Produced in limited numbers, they were used rigorously in extreme conditions with many being damaged or ruined over the years, making the total number in existence even smaller.  

This particular example, a ref. 16800 from 1984, has a special provenance, being originally gifted to diver Georges Arnoux for his 10th anniversary of working for COMEX, and is featured in collector John Goldberger’s famous book 'A Journey Into The Deep'. It’s also previously been owned by Reza Ali Rashidian, widely considered the world’s most prolific dive watch collector and custodian of every watch featured in Goldberger’s book.

The watch’s condition is exemplary and shows little signs of refinishing. The lugs are sharp and the chamfers are intact. There are some light marks and scratches on the case and bracelet commensurate with age and regular use. Looking closely at the dial, the tritium luminous material in the hands and hour markers has faded to a characterful patina, also evident on the bezel insert’s pip. The watch is paired with an Oyster bracelet stamped 93150 with 501B end links. This lot offers collectors a unique opportunity to acquire a rare and sought-after Rolex Submariner with a truly unique provenance.

All watches offered for sale are searched and cleared against The Watch Register database and a certificate is available to the winning bidder upon request.

Any watch not covered by a current sales or service warranty should be considered as potentially requiring a service, even if in full working order on the date of purchase.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Watch Collecting requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.