Introduction
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.
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 swapped for white inscriptions in 1977.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Sea-Dweller
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1665
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1977
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring its iconic Mk4 double red 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. Additionally, this example's hour markers and hands have aged to include a stunning bright yellow patina.
THE CONSTRUCTION
An imposing watch on account of its intended use as a tool watch for divers, the ref. 1665 is tall on the wrist thanks to its revolutionary HEV and domed crystal. Additionally, this example's uniquely aged bezel adds a wonderful level of visual depth to its aesthetic.
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 excellent overall condition. Previously polished case shows minimal surface wear, with some marks along the lug holes and some other superficial scratches. Nicely chamfered edge is observed on the lugs. The original bezel insert has some fading and scratches as seen in the images. The original MK 4 dial is in very good overall condition. Surface shows minimal wear and nicely aged luminous, but there are some minor chips on the edge of the dial located along some of the 5 minute markers. The luminous on the hands match the tone of the dial plots, but show cracking in each the hands as seen in the images. Watch comes on a 91350 oyster bracelet with 580 endpieces and a clasp code for 1988. The bracelet has 10 links total, with no removable links. It fits an approx 6 3/4" wrist and exhibits light stretch.
Our Perspective
Perhaps one of Rolex's most important stepping stones to conquer the diving watch niche, the ref. 1665 showcased exactly how far ahead of the competition Rolex was. With its helium escape valve and impressive water resistance, the ref. 1665 was the ultimate dive watch, a title the modern-day Sea-Dweller still retains thanks to the path the ref. 1665 paved.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
