View full screen - View 1 of Lot 47. Sea-Dweller 'Tropical', Reference 1665 | A stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve, tropical dial and bracelet | Circa 1971.

Rolex

Sea-Dweller 'Tropical', Reference 1665 | A stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve, tropical dial and bracelet | Circa 1971

Auction Closed

May 12, 11:39 AM GMT

Estimate

100,000 - 200,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Dial: tropical

Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels

Movement number: D’804’035

Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back

Case number: 2’665’630

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 205 mm 

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: yes

Papers: yes

Accessories: Rolex Guarantee booklet, Attestation de Chronomètre Officiel, product literature, service card dated November 1999, document holder and presentation case with outer packaging

The Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference 1665 stands as a testament to Rolex's commitment to excellence in professional dive watches. Introduced in 1967, this legendary timepiece was developed in collaboration with COMEX, the French deep-sea diving specialists, to meet the demanding requirements of saturation divers operating in extreme underwater environments.


The Sea-Dweller 1665 is distinguished by its robust stainless steel case, helium escape valve, and iconic domed crystal, which ensures optimal legibility and durability in the depths of the ocean. What sets this particular model apart is its rare and coveted "Tropical" dial, where the black dial has aged gracefully over the years, transforming into a rich and warm chocolate brown hue. This unique patina adds plenty of character and charm to the watch. Furthermore, this watch comes with a wide array of original accessories, including its guarantee booklet, Attestation de Chronometre Officiel, product literature, service card dated November 1999, document holder and presentation case with outer packaging.


Known to collectors as the "Double Red," the Sea-Dweller 1665 earns its nickname from the two lines of red text on its dial, notably the "Sea-Dweller" and "Submariner 2000" markings. Its iconic appearance, coupled with its historical significance and rarity, makes it a prized possession for discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike.


This Rolex 1665 is featured in “A Journey Into the Deep” by John Goldberger and Daniel Bourn, pp. 48-49.