Fine Watches
Fine Watches
Rolex
‘Tropical Mk II Double-Red’ Sea-Dweller, Ref. 1665 | Stainless steel wristwatch with date and helium escape valve | Circa 1971
Lot Closed
September 7, 02:09 PM GMT
Estimate
40,000 - 80,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Rolex
Sea-Dweller ‘Tropical Mk II Double-Red’, Ref. 1665
A stainless steel wristwatch with helium escape valve and date
Circa 1971
Dial: black with double red signature with present and developing tropical patina
Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels
Movement number: D837562
Caseback exterior: ROLEX "Rolex Patent - Gas Escape Valve- OYSTER"
Caseback interior : 649 - IV.67
Case: stainless steel, screw-down back
Case number: 2’665’649
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp
Dimensions: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approx. 180mm
Signed: dial, case and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Rolex suede pouch, Rolex International Service Guarantee card dated October 2013 and Rolex International Service Guarantee card dated July 2018
In 1971, Rolex introduced the first version of the Sea Dweller reference 1665. This diving watch has been specifically engineered to sustain extreme depths 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 two-lines of red text: 'Sea-Dweller' and 'Submariner 2000'. By 1977, Rolex changed opted for all-white text, these dials are nicknamed 'Great White'.
The Reference 1665 was fitted with Double Red dials made in at least seven different versions over its lifetime, defined as such:
MK I: Exclusively ‘Patent Pending’ examples with Sea-Dweller and Submariner print of equal size and with the red print printed over the white. The red print has faded to pink on many examples. The Rolex coronet with thicker style.
MK II: Such as the present lot, the Submariner 2000 text is smaller, coronet remains the same (short fingers), found on both the ‘Patent Pending’ and early ‘Patented’ versions. The "D" in Sea-Dweller lines up with "I" in Submariner 2000.
MK III: The coronet is more pronounced and elongated with flatter bottom. The "D" in Sea-Dweller lines up with the "R" in Submariner 2000.
MK IV: The final version of the original dials is again a slightly heavier print for both the red and white text, the coronet has broader fingers and a more pronounced opening.
The present lot was produced circa 1971 and features a well preserved Mark II dial. The case retains very attractive and hard-to-come-by proportions and the dial has started to develop a charming tropical patina, creating an attractive juxtaposition of colours with the much-desired double red signature. Moreover, the watch comes with its original folded link bracelet and matching caseback which displays the last 3 digits of the case number engraved to the interior. The present watch provides a rare opportunity to acquire a unique piece imbued with history and uniqueness.