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View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2129. ‘Double Red’ Sea-Dweller “Tropical MK II”, Reference 1665 | A stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet and tropical dial, Circa 1972.

Rolex

‘Double Red’ Sea-Dweller “Tropical MK II”, Reference 1665 | A stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet and tropical dial, Circa 1972

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

500,000 - 800,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Rolex

‘Double Red’ Sea-Dweller “Tropical MK II”, Reference 1665

A stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet and tropical dial, Circa 1972

Dial: tropical

Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw down case back

Case number: 3’066’109

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp with diver’s extension

Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Rolex Garanzia

Following the monumental success of the Submariner and with the booming diving industry, Rolex began to notice a strange recurring phenomena - saturation divers would report the crystals of their Submariners popping off during regular usage. After a thorough investigation, the cause was finally found: helium gas would accumulate inside the watch case during long saturation dives and would need to escape, explosively if necessary, during decompression.

The defining feature of the Sea-Dweller was the helium escape valve, invented and patented by Rolex themselves, located on the non-crown side case flank. This stroke of genius immediately remedied the crystal issue and was immediately adopted by diving professionals. The first reference of this historic model line was the 1665, and the first few batches within the reference were emblazoned with striking red text. These “Double Red” Sea-Dwellers have since become some of the most coveted dive watches ever made by Rolex.

The present Double Red Sea-Dweller is made even more attractive thanks to its tropical dial, a natural process where the colour has patinated from its original black to a handsome and even brown colour. Only Mk II dials are accepted to become tropical, and the dial type is indeed present and correct.

勞力士 ‘Double Red’ Sea-Dweller “Tropical MK II” 型號1665

精鋼鏈帶腕錶，備日期顯示及棕色錶盤，約1972年製

附帶證書

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."