220 Rolex A higly important, historical and preserved in like new condition, Sea-Dweller, automatic wristwatch in steel, with dial signed Qaboos in red, commisioned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, reference 1665.
Estimate: € 250.000 – 500.000
Create an account or log in to place absentee and live bids.
- Model Sea-Dweller
- Year Circa 1973
- Reference 1665
- Case Material Stainless steel
- Case Number 3'543'270
- Bracelet Material Stainless steel Rolex bracelet, approximate length 195mm
- Movement Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
- Dimension 40mm Diameter
- Signed Case, dial and movement
Among the rarest and most historically significant versions of the Rolex Sea-Dweller, the present Reference 1665 “Qaboos”, dating to circa 1973, is an exceptional example preserved in virtually untouched condition. These highly unusual watches were specially commissioned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman during the early 1970s and presented as personal gifts to selected members of the British Special Air Service who had served in Oman during the Dhofar Rebellion. The watches were intended as a token of the Sultan’s gratitude for their service and contribution to the campaign, which ultimately led to the suppression of the insurgency. The present example is immediately distinguished by its extraordinary dial, where the traditional inscriptions of the Sea-Dweller are replaced by the Sultan’s name “Qaboos” in vivid red. Of particular significance, the watch bears serial number 3,54 M, making it, to our knowledge, the earliest known serial-numbered Qaboos Sea-Dweller. This exceptionally early number predates the approximately 80–100 examples generally associated with the later Omani-Asprey order in the 3.56 million serial range, further underscoring the rarity and historical importance of the present watch. Together with the red Khanjar examples produced for the same purpose, these watches represent some of the most compelling special-order Rolex timepieces of the period. Reference 1665 itself occupies a pivotal position in Rolex’s history of professional diving watches. Introduced at the end of the 1960s, it combined a date indication with the innovative helium escape valve, developed for saturation diving and prolonged underwater operations. The exceptional condition of the present watch further enhances its rarity. The stainless steel case remains remarkably sharp, retaining its original proportions and crisp factory finishing, while the dial, hands and luminous material are preserved in outstanding condition. Its virtually new-old-stock appearance is particularly remarkable for a professional tool watch manufactured more than five decades ago. Combining a fascinating military history, an exceptionally rare dial configuration, the earliest known serial number among Qaboos Sea-Dwellers and an extraordinary degree of preservation, the present watch is a remarkable survivor and an outstanding example of Rolex’s most historically evocative special orders.
Condition Report
Create an account or log in to view the condition report!
Auction Preview
GENEVA
Eternity Gallery Geneva, 19 Place de Longemalle
HONG KONG
Opera Gallery Hong Kong, 1 Duddell Street, Unit 01, 11/F, Central
MILANO
Portrait Milano Hotel, Corso Venezia, 11
BOLOGNA
Time on Show Bologna, Viale della Fiera, 20