Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16660 - Papers Pumpkin
Straight Facts
The Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 first debuted circa 1967 and was designed for use during saturation diving. Designed for people who needed something more robust than what a Submariner can offer. Of course, as we know sometimes the earliest generation does not end up being the icon.
The key differentiator between a SeaDweller and Submariner, is that the SD always has a helium escape valve on the side, and usually a higher domed crystal with no cyclops magnifier. This - overall - created a much cleaner look.
This present “Triple 6” model comes from a transitional time for Rolex. At the time, Rolex was starting to straddle the line between the original ‘serious tool watch’ designs that Rolex intended for, and a high-cost luxury goods item. The matte dials gave way to high gloss dials which feature plots of lume surrounded by white gold, very luxurious! Since today you can purchase a Sea-Dweller in 18K yellow gold & steel! - we all know which side won out between luxury and sport at the brand with the coronet!
However, this 1984 model still retains that matte dial that we as vintage collectors love so much. Moreover, look at that dial - which as aged and patinated to a highly attractive pumpkin color. Between the overall condition of the case and bracelet as well as the lume coloring alone it would be an incredible find - but wait there’s more, this example has its original papers as well! All and all - this is an incredible piece of kit for serious professionals who used them in underwater feats of engineering!
*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.
Condition Report & Details
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Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
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Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
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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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