ROLEX | SEA-DWELLER DOUBLE RED, REFERENCE 1665 STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1973

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D’288’682 Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 3’520’752 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding claspDimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex service booklet and card, suede travel pouch

DIAL: dial and hands in excellent condition, with some slight marks to the periphery of the dial at 5 o'clock. CASE: in overall good condition with signs of previous polishing, maintaining the strong proportions. With scuffing throughout, mainly to the case bands and surface of the lugs. The bottom of the lugs bear bracelet changing marks. Bezel has been changed some time ago as there is patination to the pearl. Bracelet: stamped 93150-DT4 with 580 endlinks. Bracelet with minor scuffing throughout, displaying a small amount of stretch. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, date advances, seconds hack when crown is pulled out The watch was serviced by Rolex in October 2018 and is covered by a 2-year warranty from that time. 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. The helium escape valve was revolutionary as it allowed 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 quite limited 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.

This lot is fitted with its original Mark III dial distinguished by the lining up of the 'D' of 'Sea-Dweller' and the 'R' of 'Submariner. The writing has a thinner font and has an open '6' for the meter depth. The indexes have aged to an attractive ivory patina. Furthermore, this watch has its original case back with the 3 last case number digits engraved on the inside.

This watch is presented on behalf of the family of the original owner.