Introduction
The 1665 Sea-Dweller was the first watch manufactured by Rolex to include the HEV. Made specifically with commercial divers in mind, it had a depth rating of 2000 feet, as opposed to the 660 feet of the standard Submariner. At first commercially introduced with the text "SEA-DWELLER SUBMARINER 2000" in red, like ours here, this iconic red text was eventually replaced by all-white inscriptions in the late 1970s.
Debuting in 1967, with the specific aim of bolstering Rolex's dive watch offering, the Rolex Sea-Dweller was built upon the industry-leading dive watch credentials that the Submariner had earned Rolex over the previous 14 years. Created specifically with professional saturation divers in mind, Rolex collaborated with diving companies like COMEX to perfect the Sea-Dweller's design and ensure it would be the ultimate dive watch. Featuring the ingenious Helium-Escape Valve that Rolex had patented the same year, a hugely impressive water resistance, and a sizeable case design, the Sea-Dweller rightfully toppled the Submariner as Rolex's most hardcore dive watch. Today vended in a few separate styles such as two-tone, with various dials, and in two different case sizes (43mm and 44mm), the Sea-Dweller has taken a leaf from the rest of Rolex's offerings and merged its tool-watch focused design with tasteful aesthetics, to create one of the most sought-after and best-equipped dive watches that any diver might ever need.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Sea-Dweller
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1665
Bracelet
Stainless Steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1978
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring its iconic double red Mk4 dial, this example was amongst the last batch of double red Sea-Dwellers as the Mk4 dial was followed by the plain white inscription dial that also lost the "Submariner" distinction. Furthermore, this example's indices and hands have ages to contain a stunning creamy patina.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Designed to be a far more robust dive watch than the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller's 'secret weapon,' if you will, was its helium escape valve. Found at 9 o'clock on the case, this valve allowed gases to exit the case and prevent the crystal from exploding off the watch when under pressure.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. Case is full, with minor surface wear- primarily near the springbar holes. The bezel insert is missing a pearl and has some scratches. The crystal has surface scratches. The MK4 dial is in excellent shape, there are no chips on the edge of the dial, and the surface is generally free from any scraches. Hands are a slightly darker in tone, and have some fine cracks in the luminous material. The bracelet has 11 links total, 1 of which is removable. The bracelet has a "B" clasp code dating to 1977 and has the correct 585 endpieces for a Sea-Dweller. There is light stretch in the band. PLEASE NOTE: This is a late 5.2m double red seadweller and as such, the caseback does not have the "straight" Rolex engraved across the exterior, nor does it have the serial number engraved inside the caseback.
Our Perspective
Perhaps one of Rolex's most important stepping stones to conquer the diving watch niche, the Sea-Dweller showed just how ahead of the competition Rolex was with their helium escape valve and impressive water resistance. With its beautiful dial and perfectly aged bezel, this example will make a great addition to any collection.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
