Originally launched in 1967, the Sea-Dweller was the result of a historic collaboration between Rolex and French deep sea dive company COMEX in the early 1960’s to test and develop a watch that could withstand ever increasing working depths and remain intact during ascent and decompression. The primary issue with dive watches at extreme depths had been the buildup of helium gas within the case which would increase during decompression to the point of watch failure. The solution to this problem, and born of this collaboration, was the creation of a helium escape valve which allows the helium gas to leave the case through the valve instead of blowing out the watch crystal. Found today in a number of Rolex modified reference 5513 followed by reference 5514, which was the first reference manufactured by Rolex with the escape valve. Reference 5514 was specifically designed and manufactured for COMEX and not commercially available, though because of the success of the technology the Sea-Dweller was launched commercially in 1967.

The present lot, bearing serial 2’128’241 and dating from 1968 is an outstanding early example of what is known by collectors as the “Patent Pending Double Red”. So named because of two rows of red printing “SEA-DWELLER” and “SUBMARINER 2000” on the first and second lines respectively, coupled with its “Patent Pending” engraving on the outside of the caseback. A highly collectible configuration of the Sea-Dweller consigned by the family of the original owner, the present watch will overwhelm collectors with its absolutely perfect MK1 dial, wonderful aged lume as well as its incredibly sharp case with factory finish and strong bevels. With a caseback stamped “IV. 67” and “241” (indicating the last three digits of the serial number), this watch is a case study in “Patent Pending Double Red” Sea-Dwellers and will no doubt find its way into a world class collection.