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Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 - 'Double Red' MK4 Dial

Sale price$33,950.00 USD

The first Sea-Dweller, the Reference 1665, debuted in circa 1967 and was designed with saturation divers in mind. The key differentiator between a Sea-Dweller and its little sibling, the Submariner, is that the SD always has a helium escape valve (or 'HEV') on the left case profile and a higher domed crystal with no cyclops magnifier. The earliest prototypes were actually Submariners with the added HEV on the left case profile, but it was the 1665 that first bore the Sea-Dweller name on the dial.

However, this isn't your run of the mill ‘1665’...

This piece features two lines of text on the dial that read: “Sea-Dweller+Submariner 2000” in red, rather than the usual white. It has since become known to collectors as the "Double Red Sea-Dweller" or DRSD.

Dating to circa 1974, this 'MK4' variant comes to us in strong overall condition. The Oyster case with the helium escape valve on the left case profile, shows signs of a light previous polishing and light signs of wear throughout. The lugs remain thick and symmetrical with no signs of over polishing. The bezel assembly also retains defined knurling, and houses a black insert with a very light patina developing. The dial inside is simply immaculate. The black surface is clean and consistent and the Tritium plots remain completely intact and uniform in patina. The handset matches perfectly. This piece comes fitted to a correct Oyster bracelet with a fliplock dive clasp.

All things considered, this is a truly well-rounded example of an always desirable and uncommon reference.

Stainless Steel 1974 Automatic 40mm
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From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.

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