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Lot Essay
Launched in 1967, the celebrated Sea-Dweller reference 1665 was the first wristwatch designed for use in saturation diving. The HEV (Helium Escape Valve) – developed in the 1960s by Rolex in association with COMEX - allows helium to escape the case during decompression.
The present watch is an example of the "Mark III" series of the Double Red Sea-Dweller dial, in production between around 1970 to 1973. Mark III dials are distinguished by a number of details: the "double red" designation is written directly on the dial, without a white background print, and appears darker than what found on Mk 2 dials. The "SUBMARINER 2000" designation presents smaller fonts than the "SEA-DWELLER" one. The five tips and the oval at the base of the Rolex crown are clearly defined. The overall impression of the fonts is thinner and less distinct than on the earlier versions.
An additional layer of historical interest is provided by the engraving to the case back, which links this piece to Mr. Gino Salotti, a deep sea diver active on oil rigs in the North Sea during the 1970s. It is a precious testimony of how actively and intensively used such timepieces were: true tool watches, faithful companions for professionals doing one of the most technically difficult and risky jobs on the planet. It is no surprise that Mr. Salotti decided to engrave on the piece an everlasting memory of the years he spent working with this remarkable tool.
The present watch is an example of the "Mark III" series of the Double Red Sea-Dweller dial, in production between around 1970 to 1973. Mark III dials are distinguished by a number of details: the "double red" designation is written directly on the dial, without a white background print, and appears darker than what found on Mk 2 dials. The "SUBMARINER 2000" designation presents smaller fonts than the "SEA-DWELLER" one. The five tips and the oval at the base of the Rolex crown are clearly defined. The overall impression of the fonts is thinner and less distinct than on the earlier versions.
An additional layer of historical interest is provided by the engraving to the case back, which links this piece to Mr. Gino Salotti, a deep sea diver active on oil rigs in the North Sea during the 1970s. It is a precious testimony of how actively and intensively used such timepieces were: true tool watches, faithful companions for professionals doing one of the most technically difficult and risky jobs on the planet. It is no surprise that Mr. Salotti decided to engrave on the piece an everlasting memory of the years he spent working with this remarkable tool.