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Lot Essay
The present Sea-Dweller reference 1665 stands out by both its chocolate brown dial, as well as its Double Red writing.
Rolex aficionados divide the classic Sea-Dweller reference 1665 into four distinct series, each one with subtle differences in dial design. The four series are also called "Mark" and are sometimes abbreviated to MK. The present watch has the much sought-after Mark II dial. One of the special features of a Mark II dial is that the word "Submariner 2000" is written smaller than the word "Sea-Dweller" above it. The oval at the base of the manufacturer's crown symbol is also much smaller than on the other three series. Moreover, the letters "D" and "W" of the word Sea-Dweller are very close to each other, almost appearing to touch, which is not the case with MKI, III or IV.
What makes Mark II dials particularly appealing to collectors is their colour-change property. On some of these watches the black colour of their dial is known to change to brown. This particular type of dial is known as "tropical".
The dial of this watch has taken a nice and warm chocolate brown tone over the years, clearly visible even from a distance. The bezel has likewise changed tone from black to brown, making the ensemble truly original and appealing.
From the serial number one can date the watch to 1967, which makes it an early Sea-Dweller model as reference 1665 was introduced in that year. The fact that the inside of the back is stamped IV.67 further backs this up. For any collector, finding an early Sea-Dweller with tropical dial is lucky as the number of such trophies is small.
Moreover, the Rolex Oyster bracelet on this watch is likewise original. The sub link or diver's extension link on the clasp of the bracelet is stamped on the inside with the word "PATETED". This incorrect spelling, omitting the letter "n" in the word "patented", was used on Rolex Oyster bracelet extension links produced between 1967 to 1969. Rolex then became aware of the error and rectified it.
The crystal for this watch without Cyclops lense above the date and with its typical dome-shape is known as "superdome". Italian collectors refer to it as "cupolone".
For a description and detailed illustration of other Double Red Sea-Dweller reference 1665 watches see Rolex Submariner Story by Franca & Guido Mondani and Lele Ravagnani, pp. 160-171.
Rolex aficionados divide the classic Sea-Dweller reference 1665 into four distinct series, each one with subtle differences in dial design. The four series are also called "Mark" and are sometimes abbreviated to MK. The present watch has the much sought-after Mark II dial. One of the special features of a Mark II dial is that the word "Submariner 2000" is written smaller than the word "Sea-Dweller" above it. The oval at the base of the manufacturer's crown symbol is also much smaller than on the other three series. Moreover, the letters "D" and "W" of the word Sea-Dweller are very close to each other, almost appearing to touch, which is not the case with MKI, III or IV.
What makes Mark II dials particularly appealing to collectors is their colour-change property. On some of these watches the black colour of their dial is known to change to brown. This particular type of dial is known as "tropical".
The dial of this watch has taken a nice and warm chocolate brown tone over the years, clearly visible even from a distance. The bezel has likewise changed tone from black to brown, making the ensemble truly original and appealing.
From the serial number one can date the watch to 1967, which makes it an early Sea-Dweller model as reference 1665 was introduced in that year. The fact that the inside of the back is stamped IV.67 further backs this up. For any collector, finding an early Sea-Dweller with tropical dial is lucky as the number of such trophies is small.
Moreover, the Rolex Oyster bracelet on this watch is likewise original. The sub link or diver's extension link on the clasp of the bracelet is stamped on the inside with the word "PATETED". This incorrect spelling, omitting the letter "n" in the word "patented", was used on Rolex Oyster bracelet extension links produced between 1967 to 1969. Rolex then became aware of the error and rectified it.
The crystal for this watch without Cyclops lense above the date and with its typical dome-shape is known as "superdome". Italian collectors refer to it as "cupolone".
For a description and detailed illustration of other Double Red Sea-Dweller reference 1665 watches see Rolex Submariner Story by Franca & Guido Mondani and Lele Ravagnani, pp. 160-171.