Editor’s Note
An exceptional collector’s Rolex, linked to Marseille’s Comex partnership, will be showcased at an antique jewelry auction this Friday.
An exceptional collector’s Rolex watch is being exhibited this Friday, July 3, 2026, in Marseille during an auction of ‘exceptional antique jewelry.’
This is an object with a history closely tied to the city of Marseille, soon to be on the wrist of its future owner. Are you familiar with the partnership forged in the 1970s between luxury brand Rolex and Comex, a Marseille-based company specializing in industrial diving and submarines? On Friday, one of these very rare watches from this collaboration will hit the auction market.
More than just a piece of jewelry, it was used as an essential work tool for diving equipment. The lot sold in Marseille is the third model developed by Rolex for Comex under reference 1680, following the ‘Submariner 5513’ and the ‘Submariner 5514’. Six more would later be commercialized until 1997. Production of each reference is estimated between 200 and 300 units, giving each watch great value.
Silver steel bracelet engraved with the Rolex logo, black 40mm dial with luminescent indices and hands, the inscription ‘Submariner’ but… no trace of the Comex mention on this pre-owned watch, as can be seen on other models.
Maison Millon Marseille Provence nonetheless attests to its authenticity:
But how much does one need to spend to hope to get their hands on this 1977 Rolex Submariner Comex? The starting price is estimated between €10,000 and €15,000 (only). Indeed, on resale platforms, models are priced from €11,000 to… €155,000!
The lot comes with its original packaging, original warranty dated 1978, its box and outer box, an anchor and a Rolex card holder, as well as the service warranty issued by the Atelier horloger Jacques Bianchi in Marseille.
And if you’re not a watch fan, you’ll be spoiled for choice from the catalog: gold parures, sapphire rings, pearl necklaces, or signet rings are among the 255 lots on sale.
Maison Millon Marseille Provence: 201 rue Paradis, Marseille 6th. Sale organized from 2 PM.
