The Rolex Comex 1665: a name whispered with reverence among watch collectors, a grail for many, and a testament to Rolex's enduring legacy of robust, reliable, and historically significant timepieces. This article delves into the world of the Rolex Comex 1665, exploring its history, its desirability, and what to look for when considering purchasing one of these highly sought-after watches. We'll examine the key features, variations, and potential pitfalls to navigate when venturing into the exciting, and often expensive, market of vintage Rolex Sea-Dwellers.
Rolex Sea-Dweller: A Diving Legend
Before focusing specifically on the Comex 1665, it's essential to understand its place within the broader context of the Rolex Sea-Dweller lineage. The Sea-Dweller, introduced in 1967, was a significant advancement in professional diving watches. Designed to withstand the extreme pressures of saturation diving, the Sea-Dweller boasted a helium escape valve (HEV), a crucial feature allowing the safe release of helium gas accumulated during deep dives. This innovation, initially implemented in the reference 1665, differentiated the Sea-Dweller from its predecessor, the Submariner, expanding its capabilities to the most demanding underwater environments. The robust construction, the impressive water resistance (initially rated to 610 meters/2000 feet), and the highly legible dial made it a favorite among professional divers.
Rolex The Comex ref. 1665: A Partnership Forged in the Deep
The story of the Rolex Comex 1665 is inextricably linked to Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises (COMEX), a French underwater engineering and saturation diving company. COMEX's pioneering work in deep-sea exploration and research demanded a reliable and robust timepiece capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of their operations. Rolex, with its reputation for precision and durability, became the natural choice.
The collaboration between Rolex and COMEX resulted in a series of special-edition Sea-Dwellers, most notably the reference 1665. These watches, often referred to as "Comex" Sea-Dwellers, feature specific characteristics that distinguish them from standard production models. These distinguishing features, which contribute significantly to their collectibility and value, include:
* The "Great White" Dial: Many Comex 1665s sport a distinctive white dial, often referred to as the "Great White," which differs from the standard black dials found on other 1665 models. This white dial, combined with the other features, is a crucial identifier of a genuine Comex example. The variations within the "Great White" dials themselves are a fascinating area of study for collectors, with subtle differences in the font, the placement of the text, and the lume plots.
* The Helium Escape Valve (HEV): The HEV, prominently displayed at 9 o'clock, is an essential feature of the Sea-Dweller, and its presence is crucial in identifying a genuine Comex 1665. The functionality of the HEV is paramount for professional divers, ensuring that the watch's crystal isn't damaged by the pressure differential during decompression.
* The Markings: The specific markings on the dial and case back are critical for authentication. Some Comex 1665s bear the COMEX logo, while others might feature subtle variations in text or markings compared to standard production models. The careful examination of these markings is essential for verification.
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