The collaboration between Rolex and COMEX is an intriguing story. The collaboration between Rolex’s renowned expertise and COMEX’s pioneering spirit has resulted in the creation of a highly iconic model of diving watches.
La Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises
Comex (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises) was founded by Henri Delauze (1929–2012) and specialises in underwater engineering and operations, including pipelines and oil company platforms. The company primarily employs engineers, in addition to a significant number of divers. Indeed, construction and maintenance work requires teams of experienced and well-equipped divers.
Rolex, an industry-leading watch manufacturer
Rolex watches are already well-regarded for their durability and precision. The brand’s expertise in cutting-edge watchmaking is well established. The company views this commercial partnership as a valuable opportunity to test and refine its mechanisms in extreme conditions.
A major innovation in diving
A common issue that we have observed is that of watch crystals shattering upon resurfacing. Tests have shown that, below a certain depth, helium seeps in and mixes with the oxygen inside the case. As the helium expands during the ascent, it creates excess pressure that causes the watch crystal to shatter.
The collaboration will, in particular, enable Rolex to test the helium escape valve on Comex watches: first on the Submariner reference 5513, and then on the 5514. Fitted to the side of the case, this valve opens during ascent. Allowing the helium to escape is an effective method of preventing the crystal from shattering.
The launch of an iconic model: the Sea-Dweller
The success of these tests enabled Rolex to launch the Sea-Dweller model, reference 1665. The professional version of the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller, tripled the watch’s water resistance, increasing it from 200 to 610 metres.
The collaboration between Rolex and Comex, which commenced in 1973, concluded in the late 2000s. In total, approximately ten Submariner and Sea-Dweller models were issued to Comex divers. Today, these watches are highly sought after by collectors, with prices depending on the watch’s history and provenance.
