ROLEX | DOUBLE RED SEA-DWELLER, PATENT PENDING, REFERENCE 1665 A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, GAS ESCAPE VALVE, THIN PATENT PENDING CASE, MK 2 DIAL AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1968

Dial: blackCalibre: cal.1570 automatic, 26 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw down case backCase number: 1'719'735Closure: stainless steel Rolex bracelet and folding claspSize: 39 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 193 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Rolex Garante, instruction manual and presentation box

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The date function is working properly. The dial is in excellent overall condition. The bezel with minor wear and pinhead dings at places and slight fading toward the outer ring. The band with minor wear throughout, however it is appropriate for its age. The case back with minor wear throughout, but the engravings is legible. The watch is in good overall condition with no signs of excess polishing and the bevels to the case is still apparent. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

In 1967 Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller, the first ever sports watch to feature the integration of a helium escape valve (HEV). This design allowed divers to dive deeper without worrying that the watch might fail. When initially released, Rolex was still working towards the patent for this new technology and the early Sea-Dwellers were engraved with the wording “Patent Pending Rolex Oyster Gas Escape Valve” on the case back.  This Patent Pending reference 1665 is a very fine and early example. Dating from 1967, the dial is a Mark 2 (Mk2) type with the double red printed Sea-Dweller on the first line and Submariner 2000 on the second. The Mark 2 dial is identified by the long and skinny cornet with the letters “D” and “W” for the word “Sea-Dweller” almost touching. What is also very charming is the uniform way that the lumes and hands have aged consistently and the warm ivory tone they have become. Striking still, is the black finish of the dial that has started to turn a very subtle shade of brown that can be identified in certain lights. The inside case back is stamped IV.67 and the watch is fitted with an Oyster bracelet, with a rare “Pat Pend”-signed extension piece. It is interesting to note that a very similar Double Red Sea-Dweller with patent pending case and mk2 dial bearing the case number 1’720’913 was sold at public auction in December, 2012. According to literature, only around 150 examples of these early examples were made with serial numbers ranging between 1.7 million and 2.2 million.