Important Watches: Part I
Important Watches: Part I
Retailed by Tiffany & Co.: 'Great White' Sea-Dweller, Ref. 1665, Stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet Circa 1978 | 勞力士 | 零售商為蒂芙尼:1665型號「'Great White' Sea-Dweller」精鋼鍊帶腕錶備日期顯示及排氦閥,約1978年製
Auction Closed
November 10, 02:59 PM GMT
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Rolex
Retailed by Tiffany & Co.:
'Great White' Sea-Dweller, Ref. 1665
Stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet
Circa 1978
Dial: black
Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels
Movement number: D'603'948
Case: stainless steel, screw-down back
Case number: 5'714'574
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Dimensions: 39 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 215 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: none
Launched in 1967, the celebrated Sea-Dweller reference 1665 was the first wristwatch designed for use in saturation diving. The firm fitted the model with a gas escape valve and guaranteed waterproof to 610 meters depth. The valve was first developed on the Submariner model and allows helium and other gases to escape, enabling the watch to withstand compression during saturation diving.
Around 1977, a new version of the dial was introduced. Rolex replaced the famous red Sea-Dweller inscription for a white one and removed the Submariner 2000 text. This version was nicknamed 'Great White' for its white dial and as a reference to the great white shark. Four iterations of this type of dial are known and the present lot is equipped with a Mark I dial which also bears the rare and sought-after Tiffany & Co signature. Making it instantaneously more collectible, this watch would be a great piece to add to any collection.