The Rolex Sea-Dweller is the quintessential "tool" watch. Built "from the ground up" (or in this case the sea floor!) for saturation divers, the Sea-Dweller incorporates a helium release valve. Saturation divers wore Submariner models, but sometimes on ascent the helium molecules in their diving bells would expand during depressurization and cause the crystals to blow out of their watches! The Rolex engineers devised the helium escape valve, and the Sea-Dweller was the watch of choice for saturation divers from that point forward. Interestingly, the Sea-Dweller was the choice of only deep divers until the vintage Rolex collecting phenomenon started. Now it is a favorite among collectors given its authentic tool watch pedigree.
The reference 1665 was the first Sea-Dweller and is by far the nicest looking Sea-Dweller.
Strap one of these on your wrist and you can tell the thing is solid. The original stainless steel case measures an impressive 40mm diameter by 17.5mm thick. Crystal is thick and highly domed acrylic. The screw down crown is operating smoothly and perfectly. The diver's timing bezel turns smoothly in both directions. Bracelet is the Rolex Oyster reference 93150 with 11 links. The watch case and bracelet show wear, but there is no metal loss as the lugs are thick and even and the bracelet has zero stretch. There are light scratches, but nothing deep, and it appears this watch is in original unpolished condition.
Movement is the automatic winding Rolex Caliber 1575 with date and C.O.S.C. Chronometer Certification. Movement is running strong and well.
The dial is original and untouched. It's the dial on the reference 1665s that makes them the best looking Sea-Dwellers ever made. The luminous on large hour markers and hands have a patina that is yellowish, and even in color not only among the markers, but also between the markers and the original hands. The yellow color against the black dial color is strikingly attractive. There is also a date display on the Sea-Dweller dial at 3 o'clock.
If you don't already have one in your collection, get yourself a 1665 Sea-Dweller. This one is a great example (and check our other listings for more also). It will become one of your favorites - guaranteed.
If you have any questions about this watch, please call us at 1.818.707.7007.
-- Rob Spayne
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