The Rolex brand regularly makes history by accompanying numerous world records. Sponsor and often partner of the most extreme sports such as motor sports, tennis, horse riding, sailing, golf and scuba diving, its name is linked to the great innovations in these cutting-edge fields. Its positioning is clearly stated; Rolex supports those who push the limits and open up the field of possibilities.  

The Rolex Oyster, invented in 1926, was the first truly waterproof wristwatch. Although it was not designed specifically for swimmers, but simply to offer the movement impeccable protection, it accompanied the young English swimmer Mercedes Gleitze on her Channel crossing in 1927. Rolex watches are equipped with a patented Twinlock or Triplock screw-down crown, depending on the model, which makes them as effective as a submarine's airlock. 

It is therefore quite natural that Comex (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises), founded in 1961 by Henri Germain Delauze (1929-2012) became the brand's most advanced development laboratory. The Marseille-based company, a world pioneer in the development of underwater human and robotic technologies, joined forces with the watch brand in the 1970s. Rolex then officially designed two watch models for Comex divers: the Comex "Submariner" and the Comex "Sea-Dweller". Each diver received his own watch, which he wore during his missions. 

It was on the wrist of a former Comex diver that we rediscovered a rare ROLEX Sea-Dweller 1665 COMEX. Received as an endowment when he left the Comex and carefully preserved with all its original accessories, this watch accompanied its sole owner throughout his career as a pilot with Air France. In the air, on land and in the seas during amateur dives, it travelled to the four corners of the world on the wrist of this adventurer. Its beautiful "patina" on the bezel bears witness to and illustrates perfectly the "wear and tear of use". It is the first version of the Sea-Dweller produced under the reference 1665 between 1977 and 1981 with its famous helium valve. A rare model that is among the most sought after by collectors. 

ROLEX

Sea-Dweller 2000 ft=600 m " COMEX 2124

Ref. 1665. No. 5746356.

Steel diving wristwatch delivered by ROLEX SA to COMEX SERVICES SA

Round case, screwed crown and back, the back marked "ROLEX COMEX 2124". Case middle with helium valve. Rotating bezel graduated 60 minutes to calculate the time of diving.

Black "rail dial", "dot" and "baton" indexes with luminescent hands, central second hand, date window and railroad timer. Signature "COMEX".

Mechanical movement with automatic winding, 26 jewels, Cal. 1570, adjusted to 5 positions, mono-metallic balance wheel, spiral and shockproof.

Steel Oyster bracelet/clasp with folding clasp with Oyster-Lock closure.

Accessories a case and its over-box with a sticker "1665/0/B", warranty certificate dated November 27, 1979 with the handwritten mention "ROLEX SA C/O COMEX SERVICES SA", two additional links and two tags, an anchor numbered 610, a document cover with two Rolex Oyster and Submariner booklets.

Diameter 39 mm

Estimate: €70,000 - €100,000

On sale from October 27 to November 9, 2021