255 Rolex Sought After and Desired, Sea Dweller “Double Red” Mk2, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Tobacco Brown “Tropical” Dial, Reference 1665, With Original Warranty

Estimate: € 40,000 –⁠ 80,000

Sold € 50,700

Model: Sea-Dweller
Reference: 1665
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1975
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 1575
Case N°: 4030323
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Warranty

In 1967 the Sea-Dweller joined the Milgauss, Daytona, Submariner, and GMT-Master as part of Rolex’s tool watch line up. The capacity of the immersion of Rolex timepieces constantly increased, and in 1967 was presented the first Sea-Dweller model reference 1665, one whose exponent is the lot offered here. The case has the same characteristics as the Submariner with the exception of helium and gas escape valve positioned on the band at 9 o’clock to withstand the compression and allow a greater immersion capacity up to 2000 feet (610 meters). The development of the valve was meant to prevent the issue of the crystal popping off by letting the gas escape the watch case and easing the pressure. “Rolex patented Oyster Gas escape valve” is also visible on the case backs, exactly like the present lot. Its remarkable conditions make this specimen a very nice opportunity for every watch collector: the stainless steel case 40 mm wide is simply beautiful and the case back still shows the engravings in a very crisp way. The nicely preserved unidirectional bezel is the representation of the iconicity with its black color and the graduated scale. The dial features one of the rarest and at the same time most peculiar—versions: the Mark II. These types of dials are defined by at least three features: first, the second red line of text font is smaller than the first. Second, the red fonts are bright red and very crisp with neatly defined serif. Third, the Rolex crown is not well-defined and the opening at the bottom is almost invisible. The whole dial has aged gracefully, gaining a tropical tobacco brown color and exhibiting warm and all-matching patina on the hands and numbers. Definitely catching, this watch represents the history of Rolex and a gorgeous piece of collection, further sold with its original warranty.