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176 - ROLEX Submariner Date ‘COMEX 6333’ Ref.
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Estimate €50,000 - €80,000
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Description
ROLEX Submariner Date ‘COMEX 6333’ Ref. 16610 No. N398477 Circa 1991 Steel diving wristwatch supplied to Comex Case: round, unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down caseback, double numbering on the inside of the caseback, signed Dial: black, luminescent hour markers and hands, central seconds hand, date window, signed Movement: automatic cal. 3135, chronometer-certified, signed Bracelet: Oyster with diving extension, ref. 93150, end link 501 B Clasp: folding clasp, ref. 93150/R7, signed Diameter 40 mm Includes: a ‘punched’ warranty card, code 119 (blank), a Rolex card holder, a Rolex tag with serial number, a Rolex warranty booklet, a Rolex calendar for 1992–1993, and a Rolex translation booklet. Launched in 1988 by Rolex, the Submariner ref. 16610 occupies a unique place in the history of COMEX. It dates from the final years of the partnership between Rolex and COMEX, marking a break with previous generations: distribution at that time became more widespread and less structured. Awarded on an ad hoc basis, often presented to the company’s long-standing divers or key partners, the Ref. 16610 thus embodies a genuine period of transition. Whilst the official end of the collaboration is generally placed around 1997, several sources nevertheless indicate that Rolex continued to make certain deliveries into the early 2000s, including later versions such as the Submariner 16610T from 2003 onwards. Acquired from a collector, our example is of particular interest to any lover of COMEX watches, as it is one of the last Submariner models supplied to the company founded by Henri Germain Delauze before the historic partnership between the two firms came to an end. Estimates generally agree that around 200 examples were produced, bearing COMEX numbers between 6300 and 6499; our watch fits squarely within this late production run, which is now particularly sought after by collectors. Launched in 1988 by Rolex, the Submariner ref. 16610 holds a unique place in the history of COMEX. It corresponds to the final years of the partnership between Rolex and COMEX, marking a departure from previous generations as distribution became more widespread and less systematically structured. Allocated on a more occasional basis, often presented to long-serving company divers or privileged partners, the ref. 16610 therefore embodies a true transitional period. Although the official end of the collaboration is generally considered to be around 1997, several sources nevertheless indicate that Rolex continued to make certain deliveries into the early 2000s, including later versions such as the Submariner 16610T from 2003 onwards. Acquired from a private collector, this example is of particular interest to COMEX enthusiasts, as it is one of the last Submariner models delivered to the company founded by Henri Germain Delauze before the end of the historic partnership between the two firms. Whilst estimates generally agree on a production run of approximately 200 examples, bearing COMEX numbers ranging from 6300 to 6499, this watch fits perfectly within this late production series, which is now particularly sought after by collectors. CONDITION REPORT: Movement in working order at the time of catalogue compilation. Last serviced in December 2010 by Frojo Marseille (at least two services carried out by Frojo). Several watchmaker’s marks on the case back. Incomplete period bracelet (9 links). Signs of wear and tear. Please note that all watches are sold as is. No guarantee is given as to their working condition. Most watches have been opened to identify the type and quality of the movement, including water-resistant watches. Buyers are advised to consult a watchmaker to check the watch’s water resistance. Any information provided regarding restoration, damage or the condition of the watch remains subject to the buyer’s own judgement. The absence of any indication of replacement parts, restoration or damage does not in any way imply that an item is free from any existing defects. All items presented may have undergone previous servicing and may contain non-original parts. The dimensions and weight of the items are given as approximate figures. CONDITION REPORT: Movement operational at the time of cataloguing. Last serviced in December 2010 by Frojo, Marseille (at least two services carried out by Frojo). Several watchmaker’s service marks inside the case back. Incomplete period bracelet (9 links). Signs of wear and scratches throughout. Please note that all watches are sold “as is”. No warranty is given regarding the working condition. Most watches have been opened to identify the type and quality of the movement, including water-resistant watches. Buyers are advised to have the water resistance checked by a qualified watchmaker. Any statement regarding restoration, accident, or condition reflects the personal opinion of the cataloguer and should be assessed independently by prospective buyers. The absence of any reference to replacement parts, restoration or damage does not imply that a lot is free from defects. All items may have undergone previous servicing and may contain non-original components. Dimensions and weights are provided for guidance only.
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About the sale Collectors’ Watches
Auction location
Auction time 07/06/2026 at 5:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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