The Rolex 1665 COMEX. The name alone conjures images of daring deep-sea dives, perilous underwater expeditions, and the unwavering reliability of a legendary timepiece. This isn't just any watch; it's a piece of horological history, a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring partnership between Rolex and the French diving company, COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises). With prices exceeding $117,000+, these highly sought-after watches represent a pinnacle of collectible horology. This article delves into the intricacies of the Rolex 1665 COMEX, exploring its history, key features, variations, and what makes it such a coveted piece amongst collectors.
A History Forged in the Depths:
The Rolex 1665 Sea-Dweller, the precursor to the COMEX models, was already a robust and reliable dive watch, boasting a significant improvement in water resistance compared to its predecessors. However, the demands of professional saturation diving, particularly the extreme pressures and extended periods underwater undertaken by COMEX divers, required an even more resilient timepiece. This led to a collaborative effort between Rolex and COMEX in the late 1960s and early 1970s, resulting in the creation of the specialized 1665 COMEX watches.
These weren't simply standard 1665 Sea-Dwellers with a COMEX logo slapped on; they underwent significant modifications to withstand the grueling conditions of professional deep-sea diving. These modifications, often subtle yet crucial, contributed to the watch's legendary status and its significantly higher value in the collector's market. The partnership resulted in several iterations, each with its own distinct characteristics and collectible appeal. Understanding these variations is crucial for any prospective buyer or enthusiast.
Distinguishing Features of the Rolex 1665 COMEX:
Several key features differentiate the Rolex 1665 COMEX from standard 1665 Sea-Dwellers. These features, often subtle yet significant, are crucial in authenticating a genuine COMEX watch and understanding its value.
* The COMEX Markings: The most obvious difference is the presence of COMEX markings on the dial. These markings, usually located above the 6 o'clock marker, serve as the defining characteristic of these special watches. The exact placement and style of the markings can vary slightly depending on the specific production run and year.
* Helium Escape Valve: A crucial feature for saturation diving, the helium escape valve (HEV) allows helium gas to escape from the watch case during decompression, preventing the crystal from shattering under pressure. This valve is prominently located at 9 o'clock on the case.
* Dial Variations: The dials themselves vary in appearance, with different shades of black and variations in the font and style of the markings. Some collectors highly value certain dial variations, influencing the overall price.
* Hands: The hands also exhibit subtle variations depending on the production run. The differences might lie in the shape, lume application, or the overall style.
* Caseback: While not always visibly distinct, the caseback engravings and markings can provide further clues regarding the watch's authenticity and specific production run.
Exploring the Variations: A Collector's Guide:
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