Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 - 'Rail' Dial Unpolished W/ Full Set

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.

The piece that we have here comes from the very end of production prior to being replaced by the subsequent Ref. 16660. These pieces feature what we call 'rail dials' for the spacing between the unusual spacing within the "superlative chronometer officially certified" text on the lower half of the dial. While not unique to this reference, these only turn up from a small serial number range and are worthy of the recognition. 

Dating to circa 1979, this piece happens to remain in fantastic overall condition, full stop. The case is unpolished and shows normal signs of wear throughout, with visible factory finishing and only a few small noteworthy scratches. The bezel assembly is correct for the reference and is fitted with a crisp black aluminum insert with a lightly patinated Tritium pip. Inside, the matte black dial is beautifully preserved — seemingly flawless, in fact — with gently patinated Tritium plots throughout and a beautifully matching handset. The handset exhibits some minor surface oxidation and the Tritium within matches the dial perfectly. IT comes fitted to its correct Oyster bracelet with a signed fliplock clasp.

As if this piece didn't speak for itself, it is also accompanied by its full set of goodies. Included with this piece is its inner box, its outer box with the original "1665" sticker on the outside, COSC hangtag, serialized hangtag, signed steel anchor, booklets, and punched papers.

An absolutely fantastic overall package.