Chemin’s Rolex Collection up for Auction

World-renowned record holding diver Patrice Chemin will be auctioning off his personal collection of Rolex diving watches on December 9 in New York. At the Antiquorum auction, his collection including a Rolex Comex Ref. 5514, a Double Red Sea-Dweller, and a Comex Ref. 168000 will be available. Clients can preview these remarkable timepieces in a variety of international metropolises such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Miami, and New York City.

Chemin joined Comex, the company specializing in engineering and deep diving operations, in the early 1970s and was selected to participate in several hyperbaric experimental dives including Physalie V, a world record dive at 1706 feet in November 1970, and Physalie VI, a world record at 2001 feet in May 1972 that he held for 11 years.

The exceptional Rolex Comex Ref. 5514 is among the highlights of the December sale. It’s a very rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with first generation helium escapement valve and a “maxi” dial. He’s offering it his diving helmet for a total estimated price of $40,000 to $60,000.

The Double Red Sea Dweller Ref. 1665 was giving to him by Rolex for his world record dive at 2001 feet. The stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with double red Sea Dweller logo, helium escapement valve, and date indicator was produced in 1972. For the auction it will be accompanied by a Rolex advertisement and a photo. Also, Chemin’s co-diver for the Physalie VI, Robert Gauret, was also given a Double Red Sea Dweller for the dive, which is also being offered at the auction for an estimated $25,000 to $45,000.

The Rolex Comex Ref. 168000 will also be available, if the price is right, at the Antiquorum auction. It’s a stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with date indicator produced in 1986. It’s estimated to sell at $ 30,000-$ 50,000.

Via Luxist