Introduction
Debuting in 1967, with the specific aim of bolstering Rolex's dive watch offering, the Rolex Sea-Dweller built upon the industry-leading dive watch credentials that the Submariner had earned Rolex over the previous 14 years. Created specifically with professional 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 offered 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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Sea-Dweller 'Great White'
Movement
Automatic cal. 1575
Reference
1665
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1979
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting a beautiful matte black 'Great White' dial (so-called due to its white 'Sea-Dweller' text), this example's original tritium hands have aged to include the same creamy yellow patina on its tritium indexes. Additionally, this example is co-signed by Tiffany & Co. making it a true rarity that the American jeweler would have originally sold to a VIP.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a famously robust construction, the ref. 1665 was a large watch when it was first released but today, it wears like a modern diver with its 40mm diameter filling the wrist like so many other contemporary timepieces.
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 very good overall condition. Case shows moderate surface wear, wtih soft lugs that have visible scratches and marks. There is a more prominent ding along the outer edge of the lower left lug that is visible in the images. Caseback engravings are worn but still fully visible. Crystal is scratched. The original dial is in very good overall conditon. There are some very light stains visible along the hash marks of the dial edge. The luminous plots are generally evenly toned, with some indexes having more darkened areas and minor surface abrading. The seconds hand has oxidation and may have been relumed at some point with a tiny crack visible. Watch comes on a solid oyster band with 580 endpieces and 10 links total, none of which are removable. There is light stretch with some visible notching.
Our Perspective
First introduced in 1977 and in production until approximately 1983, the "Great White" was so-called due to the all-white text of the dial that replaced the ref. 1665 dials that featured red text, making them a unique transitional oddity. Sporting a co-signed Tiffany dial with an appealing patina on its tritium hour markers and hands, this example is for enthusiasts seeking a true rarity.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
