Rolex Submariner Date 16800 Comex | 1985 | Full Collector’s Set

Name: Rolex Submariner Date 16800 Comex | 1985 | Full Collector’s Set
Brand: The Time Syndicate
Price: 139999.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$139,999.00 AUD

Sale Sold out

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I honestly don’t know where to start with this.

This is grail-level Rolex collecting.

Not “nice Submariner” collecting.

Not “rare dial” collecting.

Actual history.

A 1985 Rolex Submariner Date 16800 Comex, delivered through Comex code 179, Aberdeen, and engraved to the original diver on the caseback. This wasn’t some safe queen bought to sit in a drawer. This was a Comex diver’s watch that actually did what it was built to do.

That, to me, is what makes it so special.

The condition is exactly what you want to see on a vintage piece of this level. Strong, even lugs, factory brushing and chamfers still present, crisp clasp coronet, and a dial and hand set with matching warm patina that has aged beautifully.

The lume is the standout.

That deep yellow, almost pumpkin tone against the black Comex dial is just ridiculous in person.

This is also understood to be one of only a handful of 16800 Comex pieces issued in 1985, with only 5 known examples from that year carrying this slight dial variation.

Then there is the set.

Original box, outer box, papers, calendar, tags, booklets, service items, extra links and the sort of supporting package that simply does not come together often. Once these sets are split, they’re usually gone forever.

It has also just been fully serviced by Rory McDonald, one of Australia’s leading vintage Rolex specialists, and is running beautifully.

The closest comparable I could find was a similar-condition Comex selling at Christie’s for $127,000 USD, plus buyer’s premium. Converted back, that sits around the $220,000 AUD mark.

This one is $139,999.

Still an enormous amount of money.

But for the right collector, I think this is one of those watches you either buy when it’s in front of you, or spend the next decade trying to replace.

Specs

Brand: Rolex

Year: 1985

Serial: 8.65 Million

Reference: 16800

Model: Submariner Date Comex

Dial: Black Comex Dial with Matching Patina

Materials: Stainless Steel

Case Size: 40mm

Bezel: Black Aluminium Insert

Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet

Delivery Code: Comex 179, Aberdeen