40 Rolex Sought-After and Desired Sea Dweller “Double Red” Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 1665, With Beautifull Tropical Brown Dial

Estimate: €35,000 –⁠ 70,000

Model: Sea-Dweller
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: 1665
Year: 1973
Case N°: 3546275
Caliber: 1570
Movement type: Automatic
Bracelet: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement

Rolex has always had water as a favorite element for new and increasingly efficient tool-watches since, in 1927, put the first completely waterproof watch on the wrist of the British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze. From that moment on, the capacity of immersion of Rolex timepieces increased constantly, in 1967 was so presented the first evolution of the Submariner 5514 and was created the Sea-Dweller model reference 1665, one whose exponent is the lot offered here. These timepieces were considered as the world’s most robust and reliable water-resistant watches and the Sea-Dweller model amply embodies complex cutting-edge horological research and complex technical process which enable Rolex to be an industry leader for decades. The case has the same characteristics as the Submariner with the exception of a helium and gas escape valve positioned on the band at 9 o’clock to withstand the compression and allowing a greater immersion capacity up to 2000 feet (610 meters). “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 39mm wide is simply beautiful and the case back still shows the engravings in a very crisp way. The stainless steel folded bracelet is nice and has the original Rolex clasp. The well preserved unidirectional bezel is the representation of the iconicity with its black color and the graduated scale. The dial features one of the most rare — and at the same time most peculiar — versions: the Mark II. These type 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, exhibiting warm and all-matching patina on the hands and numerals. Definetly catching, this watch represents the history of Rolex and a gorgeous piece of collection.