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Lot Essay
The property of a private collector, the wristwatch is part of the coveted Sea-Dweller reference 1665 nicknamed “Double Red”. In excellent overall condition, it is one of the rare examples to be offered in such a great state of preservation and still retaining its original warranty and presentation box.
Launched in 1967, the Sea-Dweller reference 1665 was the first Rolex wristwatch designed for use in saturation diving. It featured a Rolex patent valve in the band, first developed on the Submariner model, to allow helium and other gases to escape, which would enable the watch to stand compression at deep depths.
Very well preserved, the dial of the present watch belongs to the "Mark IV" series of the Double Red Sea-Dweller, distinguished by the printing on its dial. The "double red" colour is of a light red shade. Upon close inspection the printing appears to be made up of a series of dots, rather than direct brush strokes or application. The two double red lines show different sizes: the second line, "SUBMARINER 2000", is smaller than the first line "SEA-DWELLER".
The white characters of the depth rating on the MK IV dial are both larger and of a different font than those found on earlier dials. In addition, the number 6 of the depth rating is closed. The crown is large, while the 5 tips and the large oval at the base of the Rolex crown are clearly defined.
Launched in 1967, the Sea-Dweller reference 1665 was the first Rolex wristwatch designed for use in saturation diving. It featured a Rolex patent valve in the band, first developed on the Submariner model, to allow helium and other gases to escape, which would enable the watch to stand compression at deep depths.
Very well preserved, the dial of the present watch belongs to the "Mark IV" series of the Double Red Sea-Dweller, distinguished by the printing on its dial. The "double red" colour is of a light red shade. Upon close inspection the printing appears to be made up of a series of dots, rather than direct brush strokes or application. The two double red lines show different sizes: the second line, "SUBMARINER 2000", is smaller than the first line "SEA-DWELLER".
The white characters of the depth rating on the MK IV dial are both larger and of a different font than those found on earlier dials. In addition, the number 6 of the depth rating is closed. The crown is large, while the 5 tips and the large oval at the base of the Rolex crown are clearly defined.