Important Watches: Part I
Important Watches: Part I
From the Original Owner
'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.