The Rolex COMEX Submariner represents a fascinating intersection of horological excellence and professional diving history. It's not a specific model designation found on the watch itself, but rather a collector's term referring to a series of Rolex Submariners specifically produced for, and used by, the French underwater saturation diving company, Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises (COMEX). Understanding what a COMEX Submariner is requires delving into the history of both Rolex and COMEX, their collaborative relationship, and the unique features that distinguish these watches from standard production Submariners.
Founded in 1961 by Henri Germain Delauze, Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises – better known as COMEX – is a French deep-sea diving and underwater engineering company. COMEX pioneered many advancements in saturation diving, a technique that allows divers to live and work at significant depths for extended periods. This demanding environment necessitates highly reliable equipment, and COMEX's collaboration with Rolex played a crucial role in advancing both diving technology and watchmaking. The partnership began in the 1960s, resulting in a series of bespoke Submariners designed to withstand the extreme pressures and conditions encountered during saturation dives.
These weren't simply standard Submariners with a COMEX logo slapped on. The COMEX Submariners feature a number of distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from their commercially available counterparts. One of the most notable features is the helium escape valve. Saturation diving involves spending extended periods in pressurized chambers filled with a helium-oxygen mix. As divers ascend, the helium expands significantly, potentially damaging the watch crystal if it cannot escape. The helium escape valve, located at 9 o'clock on the case, allows the helium to escape safely, preventing the watch from imploding. This is a crucial feature for any watch intended for saturation diving, and it's a hallmark of the COMEX Submariners.
While the exact specifications varied across different batches delivered to COMEX over the years, several key features consistently appear. These include the aforementioned helium escape valve, often marked with a small triangle, and unique dial variations. The dials often feature distinctive markings, sometimes including the COMEX logo or the word "COMEX" itself. The hands, markers, and overall dial aesthetic could also differ slightly from standard production models, reflecting the specific requirements and preferences of COMEX at the time. The casebacks, too, might bear specific engravings denoting the watch's affiliation with COMEX. The exact details of these markings are a source of much fascination and discussion amongst collectors, with various subtle variations adding to the rarity and desirability of these watches.
The specific Rolex models used by COMEX were primarily based on existing Submariner references. However, the modifications and specific features make them distinct collectibles. While some COMEX Submariners were based on the 5513, others were based on later models, reflecting the evolution of both COMEX's diving operations and Rolex's watchmaking. Pinpointing the exact model year or reference number for a particular COMEX Submariner requires careful examination of its individual features. This makes authentication and grading crucial when considering purchasing one of these highly sought-after pieces.
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