213 Rolex Very Rare and Sought After, Submariner, Automatic Diver’s Wristwatch in Steel, Made for Comex, Reference 16800, With Box, Papers, Expertise, Tag and Booklets, Published in the Mondani Submariner Book

Estimate: €75,000 –⁠ 150,000

Model: Submariner Comex
Reference: 16800
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1982
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3035
Case N°: 7 276 753, N° 6038
Dimensions: 41 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Box, Papers, Expertise, Tag and Booklets

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most coveted diver’s watch in the industry with its initial launch dating back to the 1950s. The transitional Submariner, reference 16800, was in production between 1982 and 1986. It differs from its predecessor 1680 by a deep rating to 1000 ft (300 m), sapphire crystal, quick-set date function and the entirely new movement caliber 3035. Various important technical changes were made during this short production time: the stainless steel was upgraded from 306L to 904L, extremely resistant against oxidation and much harder. The dials of early models featured luminous indexes as in reference 1680, later generations were fitted with the white-gold borders around the luminous numbers. Throughout the process of constant innovation and technical upgrades with a focus on robustness and enhanced depth ratio, Rolex turned to COMEX for their expertise. With success, the first patent was a helium gas escape valve that would be a permanent feature of the Rolex Sea-Dweller. Furthermore, all COMEX commissioned watches came with individual numbers printed on the case back. The here offered 16800 have been produced in 1982 and is preserved in remarkable conditions and complete with the full set of accessories, it bears the important signature COMEX on the black dial. The COMEX designation was also featured on the outside of the screw back as well as the issue number that in this very case is 6038.