Rare Rolex 'COMEX' up for auction

A rare Rolex diving watch dating from 1981 is to be sold at auction

It is to be sold by Birmingham-based Fellowes on April 18th and it is estimated the watch will sell for £25,000 to £35,000.

The Rolex COMEX reference 1665 is one of a number of timepieces developed between 1977 and 1981 by the watchmaker and Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises (Comex), which are designed for deep-sea exploration and include features like a helium escape valve.

According to the auctioneer, it is notable for having the company logo rather than the sea-dweller on it, emphasising its working function rather than possible fashion status.

"These touches add additional rarity and interest to a watch which was not originally provided in large numbers and whose mettle was tested in the sea and on the land," it declared.