Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips
  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    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.

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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

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 
€83,300-167,000
$91,400-183,000

Sold for CHF209,550

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023