ROLEX | STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETREF 1665 CASE 4073788 "DOUBLE RED" SEA-DWELLER CIRCA 1974

Movement: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down case back engraved with "Rolex Patent"Bracelet/Clasp/Buckle: stainless steel Rolex bracelet and folding claspSize: 39 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximatively 193 mmSigned: case, dial and movement 

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing, the date functions are working properly. The dial is original and the lumes have aged a very nice yellow which perfectly matches the hands. The hands with minor tarnishing throughout. The bezel is in very good overall condition with minimal signs of wear. The band with very minor signs of wear particularly at 4 and 10 o'clock, otherwise the case is in excellent overall condition for it's age and with very sharp and crisp bevel edges. Underneath the lugs with minor surface wear from removing the bracelet. The case back with minor surface wear toward the center. Inside case back is stamped with "4073788, 1655". The bracelet is in excellent overall condition with minor signs of wear more toward the folding clasp. With end links stamped "585,93150". The watch is in excellent overall condition. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

Toward the end of the 1960’s, the reference 1665, Sea-Dweller was introduced to the market by Rolex. Many variations of this reference were made and the earliest variations known to the market were prototypes with either the word “SEA-DWELLER” written in red or the case without a helium escape valve. After such prototypes were released, 4 different variations of reference 1655 in double red lines were recognised. The present watch is in fabulous overall condition with a very crisp case and the lumes have aged a very warm yellow that is perfectly matching with the hands. The dial is a MK III that can be found fitted to both thinner and thicker case versions. The present watch is fitted with a thicker case that gives the watch a lot of presence on the wrist.