Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 2008 Reference No: 16600 Case No: V251105 Model Name: Sea-Dweller Polipetto Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped ""PJ 93160A" to the end links, max length 215 mm (without extension) Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated December 2008 signed by La Spezia, product literature, bezel protector, tool, wallet, Buehlman diving table, presentation box and outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its diving corps, the Italian State Police asked Rolex to produce this rare special edition. 78 pieces were made in total, of which 28 bear the certification number of the diver to whom it was given.
The emblem of the Italian Police Divers Corps - the octopus - is immediately apparent on the dial and is the origin of the "Polipetto" nickname for the model (Italian for "small octopus"). The caseback engraving is executed using high-voltage electro-gravure and it reads, on the present piece, "POLIZIA DI STATO SOMMOZZATORI 1958-2008".
The present watch is offered in virtually mint and unworn condition with original factory stickers still intact, and comes with its original box, guarantee, chronometer tag, a leather folder containing a double-ended tool for adjusting the bracelet, extended link, and a credit card sized Buehlman diving table. Most notably, the guarantee card is signed La Spezia, in line with other known examples.
The Sea-Dweller "Polipetto" can indisputably be considered one of the rarest and most collectible Rolex "tool" watches of modern times. Highlighting its importance in the pantheon of highly sought-after Rolex watches, the Octopus is featured on the cover of Mondani and Ravagnani's seminal work "Rolex Submariner Story". To find a Polipetto, in absolutely mint condition and accompanied of such complete accessories is without a doubt an outstandingly rare opportunity for the collector of rare timepieces.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
Ref. 16600 A fine, virtually "new-old-stock" and extremely rare diver's wristwatch with center seconds, date, engraved caseback, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box, made for the Italian Police Divers Corps
2008 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed