ROLEX | SEA-DWELLER DOUBLE RED, REFERENCE 1665 STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET CIRCA 1975

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D’950’215 Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 4'108'831 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 190mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

DIAL: in very good condition, with even patination of luminescent material throughout the indexes and hands, hands in good condition without any visible cracks CASE: with light scuffs throughout, mainly located to the band at 10. The case has been polished and the bezel insert has been replaced during a previous service. Scratch to the plexiglass at 1 o'clock. Bracelet: ref. 93150 / S MA6, 585 endlinks (later) MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, date advances Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Rolex officially launched the first version of the Sea Dweller reference 1665 in 1967. The highly technical diving watch was specifically engineered to sustain extreme depths which the world-famous COMEX divers would reach while working on gas and oil rigs. The helium escape valve was a revolution by allowing the accumulated helium to be released out of the case without harming the movement or dislocating the plexiglass. The reference 1665 was first produced in rather conservative numbers and offered a 500m water resistance. The now iconic Double Red variant followed suit, bearing the ‘SEA-DWELLER’ and ‘SUBMARINER 2000’ text spread on two red lines. Collectors have identified four main evolutions until 1977, the year Rolex introduced ‘Great White’ dials.
The present Rolex 1665 Double Red, dated from 1975, bears a Mark IV dial with a larger font ‘2000ft = 610m’ script, a closed 6 for the depth rate and a wide oval base to the sharper coronet. The present dial displays a striking patina to its indexes with matching hands and a period correct silver date disc. Another Mark IV feature, the full case number is engraved to the inside case back as opposed to the sole last three digits until 1974.