Rolex Submariner Date COMEX 16610LN 1991

Model: Rolex Submariner Date COMEX 16610LN
Gender: Male / Unisex
Year of production: 1991
Year of sale: 1997
Warranty: 2 years
Condition: Very good.*
Movement: Automatic

BRACELET
Material: Steel
Clasp: Steel deployment buckle

CASE
Case material: Steel
Dial color: Black
Bezel: Black graduated aluminium
Case diameter: 40 mm
Date: Yes
Crystal type: Sapphire

FUNCTION
Hours, Water-resistant 30 ATM (300m)

CONTENTS INCLUDED
Box: Rolex original
Documentation: Rolex original

FRANCINE’S REVIEW:
Rolex Submariner Date COMEX 16610LN in very good condition. The watch is an N series, therefore made in 1991, and the original warranty is dated 1997 in the name of COMEX. At the time it was entirely common for a Rolex to be manufactured one year and sold a few years later. The steel case measures 40 mm in diameter; it has not been over-polished and is still thick, as are the lugs. The bracelet is also steel, with a black aluminium dial and bezel, and shows no stretch. Date display at 3 o’clock. The watch is sold with its box, original papers and a one-year warranty.
The Rolex Submariner is the ultimate diving watch and the most popular in the world, offering water resistance to 300 metres. This model is discontinued, having been replaced by reference 116610LN and then the 126610LN with a 41mm case. Since then its value has risen steadily and it ranks among the most sought-after watches on the market. It is a favourite among collectors for its slimmer profile compared with recent Submariner Date models; it is also lighter, with smaller hour markers…

The Rolex Submariner COMEX is a watch that embodies a fascinating story of collaboration and technical innovation. COMEX, short for Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises, is a French company specialising in deep-sea engineering and underwater intervention, founded in 1961. The relationship between Rolex and COMEX began in the 1970s, when Rolex started supplying Submariner watches to COMEX for use during dives at extreme depths.

This collaboration was crucial for Rolex, allowing the company to improve the underwater resistance of its watches thanks to feedback from COMEX divers. One of the major problems encountered during deep dives was the effect of pressure on the watch, in particular the watch’s ability to expel the helium that seeped into the case under high pressure, a phenomenon that could potentially damage the watch during ascent. To solve this problem, Rolex developed the helium escape valve, a technical innovation that lets helium escape automatically, thereby preventing over-pressure and protecting the watch.

The Submariner COMEX is recognisable by its COMEX logo on the dial, making these watches highly prized by collectors. They symbolise not only Rolex’s technical expertise in the field of diving watches but also the story of a successful collaboration between two leaders in their respective fields, contributing to significant advances in the safety and performance of deep dives. The rarity and unique history of these watches increase their value and desirability, making the Rolex Submariner COMEX a true treasure in the world of watchmaking.

Brand: Second-hand Rolex watch