The early production of the Sea-Dweller reference 1665 is known to collectors as the “Double Red Sea-Dweller”, or “DRSD”, named after the two lines of red printed text on its matte black dial: the upper reading SEA-DWELLER and the lower SUBMARINER 2000.
This particular example, bearing a case serial in 4.07 million range, was sold in September 1976 in Caracas, Venezuela, according to the warranty paper supplied with the watch. It features the Mark IV dial, the fourth iteration of the Double Red series, produced approximately between 1973 and 1977. Early 1978, this dial was succeeded by the so-called “Great White” version, characterized by its entirely white text.
This watch is in great condition, and is fully correct. Furthermore, it is presented full set.
The early production of the Sea-Dweller reference 1665 is known to collectors as the “Double Red Sea-Dweller”, or “DRSD”, named after the two lines of red printed text on its matte black dial: the upper reading SEA-DWELLER and the lower SUBMARINER 2000.
This particular example, bearing a case serial in 4.07 million range, was sold in September 1976 in Caracas, Venezuela, according to the warranty paper supplied with the watch. It features the Mark IV dial, the fourth iteration of the Double Red series, produced approximately between 1973 and 1977. Early 1978, this dial was succeeded by the so-called “Great White” version, characterized by its entirely white text.
This watch is in great condition, and is fully correct. Furthermore, it is presented full set.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 1665 represents a major milestone in the history of professional dive watches. It was developed in the mid-1960s to meet the needs of commercial saturation divers working with organizations such as COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises). During deep saturation dives, helium molecules could infiltrate watch cases under pressure and cause the crystal to pop off during decompression. To solve this, Rolex and COMEX jointly developed the helium escape valve (HEV), a tiny one-way valve integrated into the case flank at 9 o’clock, allowing trapped helium to escape.
The first Sea-Dwellers were experimental prototypes, based on the Submariner model. The reference 1665, introduced in 1967, became the first commercially available model equipped with this helium valve.
Thicker than the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller is equipped with a 40mm stainless steel case. Compared to the Submariner, the water resistance was tripled, up to 610 meters (2,000 feet). Powered with Caliber 1570, it features a date, but its domed acrylic crystal lacks the cyclops magnifier.
Several versions of reference 1665 have been introduced, with two main generations : during the first 10 years, the first two lines SEA-DWELLER and SUBMARINER 2000 where printed in red on the dial, then they adopted the white, like the other inscriptions. These two versions are nicknamed “Double Red” (DRSD) and “Great White”.
The story of Rolex began in London in 1905 when Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis founded Wilsdorf & Davis, a watch company that soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company. In 1919, Rolex moved its headquarters to Geneva. The brand’s success can be attributed to many “early” innovations, including the famous “Oyster” case in 1926 and the “Perpetual” self-winding movement for wristwatches in 1933. Among the most prestigious brand name in the world, Rolex has developed world-renowned collections such as the Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, Day-Date, as well as professional collections: Explorer, Submariner, GMT-Master, Daytona.
The purpose of this document is to determine whether the constituent parts of the watch are conform to the model reference /period or not, and to value their condition and importance.
All the watches are provided with a digital certificate (the Watchfid-ID), that will be uploaded on your protected and anonymous digital wallet.
This document presents each watch in the most objective and detailed manner possible, thanks to a substantiated analysis, high-resolution photos designed to highlight all elements of the watch and an innovative rating system. Available in printed and digital versions.
On request and when available, an extract of the archives from the manufacturer can be obtained.
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