COMEX · Rolex Submariner 16610 · Reference
COMEX 16610
Reference
Rolex Submariner 16610
Delivered to COMEX
1986–1997
Production Quantity
Approx. 150 examples
Helium Escape Valve
No (non-HEV)
Crystal
Sapphire
Dial
Glossy · Tritium markers · White gold surrounds · COMEX logo
Caseback
Specific COMEX issue number per watch
End of COMEX Programme
COMEX sold in 1997 — longstanding Rolex watch policy discontinued
Common Condition
Many examples seen complete with original box and papers — frequently issued to non-saturation divers or as executive gifts
The current production Submariner was delivered to COMEX between 1986 and 1997 — just before the COMEX company was sold and the longstanding policy of using Rolex watches for divers was finally discontinued.
Approximately 150 examples were delivered, and many are commonly seen complete with box and papers. Many were issued to non-saturation divers or presented as gifts.
Watch Characteristics
As with other COMEX watches, the 16610 had the COMEX logo on the dial. Key characteristics that distinguish it from a standard 16610 include:
- Originally a glossy dial with tritium markers and white gold surrounds, bearing the COMEX logo.
- The caseback carries a specific COMEX issue number unique to each watch.
- No Helium Escape Valve — unlike the 5514, 1665, 16660, and 16600 COMEX models.
- Sapphire crystal — a later production specification.
The COMEX 16610 Submariner — glossy dial with COMEX logo, tritium markers, and white gold surrounds.
Collector Discussion
The 16610 Sub is a desirable watch as a COMEX piece. However, it carries a stigma among serious collectors as being the least desirable COMEX model — due to being a late sapphire crystal model, non-HEV, and more likely associated with desk duties or executive gifting than genuine deep-sea exploration work.
Ed Delgado’s View
Since these watches were made to order by COMEX and still share many of the special delivery characteristics and specifications common to all COMEX watches, they will remain part of the COMEX watch myth. And due to very low production numbers, they remain a highly collectible and desirable watch in any serious collection.
16610 & 5514 Side by Side
Below: a 16610 COMEX Submariner alongside a 5514 COMEX Submariner — the bookend models of the COMEX Submariner programme, spanning over two decades.
A 16610 COMEX Submariner (right) alongside a 5514 COMEX Submariner (left) — two eras of the COMEX Submariner programme together.