The Rolex Submariner, a name synonymous with rugged elegance and unparalleled diving prowess, holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Within the already highly sought-after Submariner lineage, a select group commands truly exceptional prices: the COMEX Submariners. These watches, produced for the French underwater engineering and saturation diving company, COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises), represent a fascinating intersection of history, technology, and horological artistry. This article delves into the world of COMEX Rolex values, exploring the factors influencing their price and offering a comprehensive overview of this coveted segment of the collector's market.
Understanding the COMEX Connection:
Before delving into the value, it's crucial to understand the significance of the COMEX partnership with Rolex. COMEX, known for its pioneering work in deep-sea saturation diving, demanded watches that could withstand the extreme pressures and conditions of their operations. Rolex, renowned for its robust and reliable timepieces, rose to the challenge. The resulting collaboration led to the creation of several special Submariners and Sea-Dwellers, distinguished by unique features designed to meet COMEX's rigorous specifications. These features, often subtle yet significant, are key to understanding the elevated value of these watches today.
The Rolex Submariner 16610 and its COMEX Variants:
The Rolex Submariner reference 16610, produced from 1989 to 2010, represents a significant chapter in the Submariner's history. This model, with its 40mm case, sapphire crystal, and improved movement, became incredibly popular. Within this production run, certain years are considered more desirable than others by collectors. While pinpointing the absolute "best years" is subjective and depends on individual preferences, generally, examples in excellent condition from the early to mid-1990s are highly sought after. The transition to the later, slightly modified versions of the 16610 (with changes like the slightly different dial markings) also influences collectibility. The release year of the 16610 is 1989, marking the beginning of this popular iteration of the Submariner.
The connection to COMEX doesn't mean Rolex produced a specific "COMEX" reference number within the 16610 series. Instead, COMEX-specific Submariners are generally identified by subtle details, often requiring careful examination by experienced collectors and authenticators. These details can include:
* Dial variations: Certain dial markings, fonts, and lume plots might subtly differ from standard 16610 production models.
* Caseback engravings: While not always present, some COMEX-supplied Submariners may have special engravings on the caseback, though this is not a definitive identifier.
* Hands: The hands might show slight variations in shape or lume application compared to standard production models.
* Provenance: The most reliable way to confirm a COMEX Submariner is through documented provenance. This might involve original sales records, COMEX documentation, or a clear chain of ownership linking the watch to COMEX divers.
Finding a documented COMEX 16610 is exceptionally rare and significantly increases its value. These watches represent a piece of diving history and are highly prized by serious collectors.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller COMEX:
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