Important Watches: Part I

Important Watches: Part I

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 11. 'Double Red' Sea-Dweller, Ref. 1665, Stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet Circa 1976 | 勞力士 | 1665型號「'Double Red' Sea-Dweller」精鋼鍊帶腕錶備日期顯示及排氦閥,約1976年製.

From the Original Owner

Rolex

'Double Red' Sea-Dweller, Ref. 1665, Stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet Circa 1976 | 勞力士 | 1665型號「'Double Red' Sea-Dweller」精鋼鍊帶腕錶備日期顯示及排氦閥,約1976年製

Auction Closed

November 10, 02:59 PM GMT

Estimate

30,000 - 50,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Rolex


'Double Red' Sea-Dweller, Ref. 1665

Stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet

Circa 1976


Dial: black

Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels

Movement number: D'129'408 

Case: stainless steel, screw-down back

Case number: 5'286'881

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Dimensions: 40 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 225 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: yes

Papers: yes

Accessories: Rolex guarantee, original invoice, calendar for 1978/1979, document holder, Submariner anchor, COSC hang tag, numbered hang tag, original Plexiglas, instruction manual, service invoices and presentation case with outer packaging

In 1967 Rolex introduced the first version of the Sea Dweller reference 1665. This diving watch has been specifically engineered to sustain extreme depth for extended periods of time. The patented helium escape valve, first used on this reference, allows for accumulated helium to escape the watch without reducing its water resistance. But for this escape valve, the accumulation of gas could dislocate the plexi or damage the movement when expanding inside the watch during decompression. The watch has been nicknamed by collectors the 'Double Red' due to its distinctive red two-line text spread: 'Sea-Dweller' and 'Submariner 2000'.


The present lot is fitted with a Mark IV dial which is distinguishable through the closed '6'and the Rolex coronet with thin and tall spikes that are clearly defined. With a circa date of 1976, the present lot t is one of the last 'Double Red' to have been made, as Rolex introduced the 'Great White' in 1977 with an all-white text on the dial. 


What makes the present lot highly collectible is the fact that it retains strong and original proportions and sharp edges, having been preserved in superb condition by its original owner. Furthermore it is offered with all of its original accessories such as the Rolex guarantee, original invoice, Submariner anchor and presentation case.