Rolex The chocolate brown Double Red Sea-Dweller ref. 1665
| Model: | Rolex, Sea Dweller |
| Year of issue: | 1968 |
| Reference number: | 1665 |
| Condition: | mint |
| Status: | available |
| Dealer country: | Monaco |
| Dealer name: | Corrado Mattarelli |
| Price in EUR € | 80.000 |
Description
Extraordinary example of Rolex Double Red Sea-Dweller ref. 1665, manufactured in 1969. In 1967, the Sea-Dweller joined the Milgauss, Daytona, Submariner, and GMT-Master as part of Rolex’s tool watch line up. The Sea-Dweller may on the surface seem redundant to the Submariner, which could at the time reach a respectable 660 feet, more than necessary for most divers. However, Rolex wanted to accompany those pioneers seeking to reach the deepest parts of the ocean – and stay there for an extended period of time. The Sea-Dweller saw the ingenious addition of a helium escape valve. When working in helium-rich atmospheres, tiny helium molecules would seep through the crystal and rubber gaskets into the watch and create pressure once the diver had surfaced. This would usually result in the crystal popping off. The development of the valve was meant to prevent this issue by letting the gas escape the watch case and easing the pressure. While the ref. 1665 was officially released in 1971, the first examples of the reference were unofficially produced since 1967. The highly coveted “double red” lines were ceased in 1977 and subsequently replaced by white writing on the dial until the end of the reference’s production in 1981. Of all the dial configurations seen on the ref. 1665, the “Mark II” dials are perhaps the most coveted, thanks to a few distinctive desirable features. The most apparent characteristic of this dial is the crisp and well-defined print of the lines “Sea-Dweller, Submariner 2000” in bright red. The font is also smaller on the second line. Another interesting nuance is that the coronet spikes are distorted and the "O" under it is almost non-existent. The present Double Red Sea-Dweller is preserved in superb overall condition. While the bezel has developed into an attractive blue-grey hue, the dial has aged with a beautiful deep tropical tone further enhancing its charm and vintage allure. Case n.: 1.759xxx Cal.: Automatic, cal. 1570 Diam.: 40 mm Box & Papers: none Manufactured in: 1968