ROLEX | SEA-DWELLER 'DOUBLE RED', REF 1665, STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1977

Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller in 1967, basing its design on the 8 year-old Submariner. This extremely compelling divers' watch saw its case fitted with an helium escape valve, allowing it to withstand much deeper water-depths. The earliest models bore the reference 1665 and featured 2 lines of red text, including the mention of "SUBMARINER 2000", decisively announcing the impressive water-resistance of 2000 meters or 610 feet.

Collectors and scholars have identified five chronological dial types for this reference between 1967 and 1977, each differing in minor details before the red text was replaced with a white script, launching the 'Great White' Sea-Dweller era.

The present late Double-Red example can undoubtedly be called a gorgeous one. Dated from 1977, its wonderfully preserved case evidences strong lugs and sharp bevels, with both the 1665 reference and 5'209'552 serial perfectly sharp between the lugs. The strikingly well-preserved fourth series dial bears a delightful creamy patina to the intact lume plots and matching hands, while the faded fat-font bezel is exhibiting a matching cream pearl insert. Concealed under a nostalgic domed crystal, it displays a large Coronet with oversized O in 'ROLEX'. The 'SUBMARINER 2000' text is furthermore considerably smaller than the 'SEA-DWELLER' script, while the meter depth rating bears a closed 6. Another charming touch, the vintage silvered date disc is printed with the beloved open 6 and 9. As with later Double Red Sea-Dweller iterations, the inner-case back is engraved with the full case number, while the outer part shows the circular "Rolex Patent Oyster Gas Escape Valve" observed on late Double Red examples and subsequent Great White iterations.

The Double Red Sea-Dweller has become an all-time favourite in Rolex collecting circles, making it extremely difficult to come by a nicely preserved, honest example. The present lot is accompanied by its original punched guarantee, bi-fold with leaflets and presentation case, making it a very attractive opportunity for the demanding Rolex collector.