ROLEX | 'DOUBLE RED' SEA-DWELLER, REF 1665 STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1977

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D’005’162 Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 5’225’732 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 40 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 195 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex guarantee dated July 21st 1978, Greek service receipts, Rolex Oyster booklet, Rolex factory service booklet with carton Rolex service box, Rolex polishing cloth, document holder and 1976 /77 calendar card

DIAL: with signs of discoloration, through potential water damage, around the chapter ring between 7 and 3 o'clock, with strongest pronunciation between 7 and 12 o'clock. Uneven discoloration to the indexes, darker discoloration to the 9 o'clock baton. Hour hand with crack to the luminescent material, second hand showing stronger patination to the luminescent material than the hour and minute hand. Indexes and hands react similarly throughout. CASE: with small scratches and marks all around the sides of the case, more noticeable marks to the top right lug. Bezel with signs of discoloration stronger pronounced lighter discoloration to the extremity of the bezel. Strong patination to the luminescent pearl at 12 o'clock. Bracelet: 93150 (A) with 585 endlinks MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, date advancing. Helium escape valve not in working condition. Please note that the guarantee only contains the reference of the watch, but not the serial number.
"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."

In 1967 Rolex introduced the first version of the Sea Dweller reference 1665. This diving watch has been specifically engineered to sustain extreme depth for extended periods of time. The patented helium escape valve, first used on this reference, allows for accumulated helium to escape the watch without reducing its water resistance. But for this escape valve, the accumulation of gas could dislocate the plexi or damage the movement when expanding inside the watch during decompression. The present lot is fitted with a Mark IV dial, distinguishable through the top red line of the lettering being noticeably larger than the lower part. The Rolex coronet is also very distinctive in this version, as it appears bigger with thin and tall spikes that are clearly defined with the 'O' being quite wide.