Introduction
The 1665 Sea-Dweller was the first watch manufactured by Rolex to include the HEV. Made specifically with commerical 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, the all white variant appeared around 1979.
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 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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Sea-Dweller
Movement
Self-Winding Caliber 1575
Reference
1665
Bracelet
Stainless Steel
Year
1981
Condition
Light Use, Surface Scratches
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Matte Black
THE DIAL
The dial of this example is simply perfect. The original tritium hands have aged to the exact same tone as the tritium indexes of the dial. Although the hands exhibit some light oxidation (as shown above), no marks or scratches can be found on the dial.
THE MOVEMENT
The Rolex caliber 1575 movement is pristine and like new. No signs of wear, nor service marks can be seen on the caseback. The watch shows no indication of having been serviced previously.
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
The overall conditon is excellent. There is some minor surface wear, particularly noticeable around the sharp lug holes. Original factory finish is still evident (especially the sharp, well defined chamfers). Some scratches can be seen on the original domed crystal, with the deepest one visible around the 12 o' clock index. Dial itself however, is flawless.
Our Perspective
This is simply one of the most fantastic 1665 Sea-Dwellers' I have ever come across. In a condition that would please even the most discerning of connoisseurs, this watch would be a trophy in any collection.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
