ROLEX. A RARE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS, GAS ESCAPE VALVE AND DATE

Launched in 1967, the Sea-Dweller reference 1665 was the first Rolex wristwatch designed for use in saturation diving. It featured a Rolex patent valve in the band, first developed on the Submariner model, to allow helium and other gases to escape, which would enable the watch to stand compression at deep depths.

Very well preserved, the dial of the present watch belongs to the 'Mark III' series of the Double Red Sea-Dweller, in production between around 1970 to 1973. 'Mark III' dials are distinguished by a number of details: the 'double red' designation is written directly on the dial, without a white background print, and appears darker than that found on Mark II dials.

The 'SUBMARINER 2000' designation presents smaller fonts than the 'SEA-DWELLER' one. The five tips and the oval at the base of the Rolex crown are clearly defined. The overall impression of the fonts is thinner and less distinct than on the earlier versions.