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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#61 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: England
Posts: 518
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Take it this was a nothing watch? Someone that worked their or a later gift?
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#62 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: Yes, it is !
Location: Cheshire & Mersey
Watch: Military issue Sub
Posts: 1,329
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That Submariner at Fellows appears to have been correct and I bid a little less than the winning bid. It may have had a fascinating professional diving history, but there was no provenance with it.
Its dial was not brilliant and, with 27.6% buyer's commission on top, it was probably around the right money for a watch with non-logo dial in that condition. Insta : haywood_milton_rolex
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*Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 *Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 *Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 *Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 *GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN *Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 *Milgauss 1019x3 *Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660. |
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#63 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: Yes, it is !
Location: Cheshire & Mersey
Watch: Military issue Sub
Posts: 1,329
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While writing, I see that my original photos have now been blurred by Photobucket, RIP.
As they provided a reference that some found useful, I reproduce them here in the order in which they appeared on the thread. 1665 : ![]() 5513 with Helium Escape Valve : ![]() 16800 : ![]() 16600 "Indiana Jones" (a specific connection to this watch) : ![]() My 1665 twins : ![]() Insta : haywood_milton_rolex
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*Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 *Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 *Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 *Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 *GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN *Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 *Milgauss 1019x3 *Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660. |
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#64 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: England
Posts: 518
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Quote:
I thought the case back engraving looked nice and old so was assuming it was going to fly and when I saw the sale price I thought it maybe meant some uncertainty or perhaps it was nothing to do with Comex or maybe just an employee gift or something. ps apologies for ‘their’ in my post. Funny how you read stuff back and think WTF did I write that for. Can’t edit it now but it was definitely auto spell rather than me being old ![]() |
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#65 |
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: London
Posts: 1
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Recent find - Comex Sub
Hello forum
Hope you are all well. I found my dad's rolex in our store cupboard recently and wanted to ask if I could pick your brains. Some photos are attached but as you can see it's a comex sub that I believe he would have acquired from his days flying helicopters from singapore to oil rigs in indonesia in the 1970s. Exactly how it came into his ownership is a mystery but I've read that comex did work inspecting and maintaining offshore oil platforms. It's been a wonderful find and I will be bringing it back to the UK with me. In the meantime I'll give it a clean but have been told that I shouldn't polish the crystal or service it. Is this true? Many thanks |
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#66 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Macao
Posts: 24
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Thanks for information!
我從使用 Tapatalk 的 SM-N9700 發送 |
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#67 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: Yes, it is !
Location: Cheshire & Mersey
Watch: Military issue Sub
Posts: 1,329
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Quote:
Insta : haywood_milton_rolex
__________________
*Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 *Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 *Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 *Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 *GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN *Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 *Milgauss 1019x3 *Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660. |
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#68 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Europe
Posts: 276
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Quote:
![]() ![]() Are these all yours? It would be great to read about your journey from start to now! |
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#69 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Seattle
Posts: 28
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Very Cool!
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#70 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 19
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Mr Milton, what a treasure trove of pics and info on COMEX watches, astounding collection. Here is a pic of the only COMEX watch I ever owned, I never wore the watch even once since it was still asNIB when I purchased it. I noticed you have refrained from posting caseback pics so I will as well. I am thinking you might have known the gentleman I purchased the watch from, he was the owner of an upscale shoe store in Aix-en-Provance near Marseille and he had the largest collection of COMEX I had ever seen. This watch and several like it were sold when COMEX had been bought by a Norwegian diving company, if memory serves approx 2001-2. I sold this watch which going through a divorce in 2005. On my way back to Italy (where I was living at the time) with this watch I already had buyers remorse, I had traveled there to purchase a COMEX 1665 SD which had been sold just a day or so before I arrived. Of the other watches for sale a 5514 and a 1680 neither had COMEX dials, but I really liked their patina, the 5514 inside caseback was originally marked 5513 which had lines engraved through it and 5514 engraved underneath. That is the watch I wish that I had purchased while driving home, but in the end it did not matter as I would have sold it off as well, but it was a watch I could have worn while owning it. "safe queens" were never my thing. My personal opinion of the ultimate "grail" watch would be a toss up between a 5514 and a RN 5517. Neither is in my future unless my wife wins the lottery (i don't play it) lol. Awesome collection sir, hat is off to you.
Thank you, Vince |
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#71 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Europe
Posts: 357
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That is a story I read years ago on a forum. I don't know if it is true, but it´s interesting story. Maybe you'll like it, too.
"He walked into the shop when I already about to close down. It was one of those slow winter days that makes you want to take a holiday somewhere warm instead of getting out in the chilly drizzle. He was wearing a very old but clean brown coat, its' collars dripping with rain. A wave of cold air, and indeed darkness from the street, sneaked in with him, making me shiver. 'Good evening', he said and took of his hat. I was surprised at how grey his hair was. 'Good evening', I replied, 'How can I help you?' He did not look like the antique shopping type, common here Only in summer. If anything, he looked like an antique Himself ? 65 maybe 70, although he could be even older. His hands were clutching his wrinkle felt hat, and I noticed They were slightly shaking. He glanced around at the shelves filled with old brass plates, used silverware, china dishes and books. His eyes stopped for a moment at the stand where I had three or four old pocket watches, Which were lying there long enough for a good discount. 'I would like to sell a watch', he said, 'I hoped you would be interested.' 'A watch? We don't normally buy watches anymore I'm afraid. Not enough demand.' 'Oh dear!', he sounded very disappointed. 'I was hoping you could at least take a look. I don't really know where else to take it.' He was right. The only other two shops in the town never Dealt with watches. The days when this town was an upscale Ski resort were long gone, and now it was down to a few Eccentric collectors that would pop in looking for an old map occasionally, or mid-age couples buying each other unusual Anniversary presents, to keep us in business. Still there was something in this mans' appearance that Triggered my curiosity. Perhaps it was his face ? deeply wrinkled, yet with barely noticeable traces of past strains and endurance. His eyes were colourless and full of tired Sadness. He looked awkward and out of place. 'Okay', I said, 'Let's take a look at it. Maybe we can sort something out.' His left hand reached into the pocket of his coat, and came Out with something wrapped in a handkerchief. He put it on The counter and unwrapped it, his hands shaking visibly. It was a Rolex. A Submariner. Not in mint condition to say The least. The crystal had obvious scratches and a few bezel marks were worn off. The oyster bracelet had seen its' better days too, and was in a bad need for cleaning. What caught my attention though, was the dial of the Watch. Right below the hands, in a wide rectangle, it said COMEX. 'How long have you had this watch?' I asked the man. 'Thirty-five maybe forty years.' 'Did ' ,I paused inspecting the watch closer in my hands. 'Did you work for ''COMEX? Yes. I was a surveillance diver' 'And you wore this watch on your dives?' I asked without much thinking, with the watch still in my hands. For the first time he looked straight into my eyes. 'This watch I owe my life to this watch.' 'I looked at him. He glanced at the watch, as if he reconsidering his decision to bring it to the shop. 'In the Gulf. The timer on the platform broke', he explained, 'If I hadn't it on my wrist, I would have remained there, on the sea floor.' I stood there, not knowing if I should ask he more questions. I read about the legendary COMEX exploration dives, but never met anyone who risked their lives for oil discovery and in effect wrote the rules of modern diving with their own blood. 'May I ask', I said hesitantly, 'Why are you selling this watch? I mean, obviously it is of great value for you.' 'I wish I could afford a sentimental value,' he replied, ' but my life's memory is more important to me.' He must have noticed my puzzled look, 'It's for the monument. For her grave ' His voice trembled and I regretted ever asking him these questions. But as a salesman, I had to ask him the obligatory one. 'I am sorry Sir', I said, 'How much would you like for this watch?' I was no watch expert but I knew these were rare. 'Well I was hoping a few hundred ', he looked at me hesitantly, ' A thousand maybe?' I realised he had no idea of the true value of his watch. I Knew it would fetch a lot from some collector but at the Time I had no clue what I would do with it. Selling it here Would be almost impossible. I sighed. 'I tell you what Sir,', I said, 'I'll give you three thousand for it.' Last thing I wanted to do was to rip him off. Seeing him off with a check in his hand and happy tears In his eyes made my day, although I preferred not to think What I should do next. It has been five years since that day Rolex COMEX is still In my possession. I never got myself to display it in the shop or post it on the internet. Instead, it is on my wrist ? a mute hero of another mans life."
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"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword, obviously never encountered automatic weapons." – General Douglas MacArthur "I can resist everything except temptation." – Oscar Wilde |
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#72 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Europe
Posts: 276
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Thanks for sharing!
Where does the story come from? Sent from my SM-A505FN using Tapatalk |
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#73 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Europe
Posts: 357
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Quote:
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"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword, obviously never encountered automatic weapons." – General Douglas MacArthur "I can resist everything except temptation." – Oscar Wilde |
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#74 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7
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Seems like a tricky area of collecting hey, when there's so much money invovled and it can be faked so easily! I personally probably would only go full full full set with a clear path to the original purchaser.
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#75 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: Yes, it is !
Location: Cheshire & Mersey
Watch: Military issue Sub
Posts: 1,329
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Quote:
Would you care to share some examples? Instances where people have been fooled because they didn't know their subject should not bear much weight. Insta: haywood_milton_rolex
__________________
*Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 *Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 *Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 *Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 *GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN *Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 *Milgauss 1019x3 *Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660. |
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#76 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Nevada
Posts: 1
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COMEX, is the French commercial diving company that commissioned Rolex to create dive watches. COMEX needed watches that could plunge down to extreme depths, handle pressurized chambers, and survive ensuing decompression periods.
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#77 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 198
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So interesting to read about the Comex/Rolex history,especially with the expert knowledge of Mr Milton.
Learnt more about Rolex in my short time on this forum than in 30 years plus ownership! |
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#78 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 198
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Have just read Mr Milton's earlier post of the recollections of the former Navy CD,really fascinating and hugely informative on all sorts of subjects,these were special individuals and one should be proud to wear the same brand of timepiece as a lasting memory to their achievements.
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#79 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: italy, Rimini
Posts: 62
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Hi
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#80 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: United States
Posts: 85
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#81 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 1
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Love the Comex!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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#82 |
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: usa
Posts: 10
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beautiful
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#83 |
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: usa
Posts: 10
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i love it
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#84 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Europe
Posts: 276
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Is there a sort of registry of all known Rolex Comex somewhere?
Also, is there a place where the price of previous comex sales are published? I'm trying to purchase a 16610 Comex but finding reliable info seems harder than I thought. Thanks! |
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#85 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: nottingham
Posts: 6
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![]() Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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#86 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 3
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There is a beautiful Rolex comex for sale on the McTear’s auction house website. Anyone have a view on it? Thanks !
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#87 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: UK
Watch: 6263, 1019, DSSD.
Posts: 154
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#88 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 3
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Rolex comex
Why do you say it’s a mess? Fairly sweeping statement….
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#89 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 149
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Few weeks ago I had a conversation with the guy who runs a local car boot got talking about watches and Rolex watches.
Said oh I’ve got a Rolex I used to work for a diving company in the 80’s it’s got the name on the dial Asked if was COMEX oh yes he replied then proceeded to tell me his dive story’s Doesn’t wear the watch just sits in a box at his home |
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#90 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 3
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Interesting. The early Rolex comex didn’t have comex on the dial. They are stunning watches and the story behind many of them adds a nice history.
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