209 Rolex A very fine and rare, ‘Double Red Sea-Dweller’, wristwatch in stainless steel, with escape valve.

Estimate: € 18,000 –⁠ 36,000

Introduced in 1967, the Rolex reference 1665 Sea-Dweller is a legendary tool watch. Having evolved as the “civilian” counterpart of the previously produced dive watches that Rolex created for COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise), a French deep-sea diving company, early Sea-Dweller models were engineered to endure extreme underwater conditions, with a remarkable depth rating of up to 2000 feet (610 meters). Equipped with a revolutionary mechanism, these watches set a new standard for durability and water resistance in their time. Rolex’s collaboration with COMEX led to the development of the helium escape valve, allowing for trapped gases to safely vent during decompression and cementing the Sea-Dweller’s reputation as a pioneer in dive watch technology. The present Rolex reference 1665 is no ordinary Sea-Dweller. From 1971 to 1977, Rolex featured the words “SEA-DWELLER” and “Submariner 2000” printed in red across two lines on the dial, earning this version the nickname “Double Red” among collectors in later years. Preserved in excellent overall condition, this Rolex reference 1665 stands as a remarkable example of the legendary Sea-Dweller model, showcasing a dial preserved in truly exceptional condition. With its crisp case proportions, immensely appealing dial, and the unmistakable presence of the iconic “Double Red” signature, this timepiece is a true prize for collectors who appreciate both rarity and historical significance.