SIGNED ROLEX, SUBMARINER 'PANAMA CANAL' MODEL, REF. 16610, CASE NO. A732724, NO. 61⁄75, CIRCA 1999

Extremely rare and seldom seen at public auction, the present Rolex Submariner reference 16610 is perhaps one of the most exclusive modern-construction watches from the traditional manufacturer. Almost never done by the Rolex, they created a limited edition of 75 watches in steel, and 75 watches in gold and steel to commemorate the transfer of ownership of the Panama Canal from America to Panama.

Distinctively, the lower half omits the 4-lines of Submariner text and instead proudly present a Panama Canal emblem printed at the lower half. This customization was completed at the Rolex factory and not afterwards. The Rolex Submariner "Panama Canal" watches were all exclusively sold at the authorized dealer in Panama, and these watches represent the last and one of the few official limited edition timepieces by the long-established brand.