Bidspirit auction | Exceptional Rolex Sea Dweller in
Exceptional Rolex Sea Dweller in steel from 1972 - Ref. 1665, in steel, automatic movement, serial number 3025XXX, ”Matching Numbers, ” this 1972 Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 1665 is one of the most iconic dive watches in history, popularly known among collectors as the ”Double Red” (DRSD) due to the two lines of red text on its dial. Developed in collaboration with the French deep-diving company COMEX, it was designed to overcome the limitations of the Submariner on saturation missions. Key Features: ”Double Red” Dial: The distinctive feature of this year's model is the two red lines that read ”SEA-DWELLER” and ”SUBMARINER 2000.” In 1972, it was common to find the Mark III dial variants (with a more robust typeface) and the beginnings of the Mark IV. Helium Escape Valve (HEV): Located on the left side of the case at 9 o'clock, it allows helium atoms to escape during decompression, preventing the crystal from popping out. ”Super Domed” Crystal: Uses a very domed and thick plexiglass (acrylic) crystal to withstand extreme pressures. Unlike the Submariner, it does not include the ”Cyclops” magnifying lens over the date to avoid structural weaknesses. Water Resistance: Guaranteed to 610 meters (2,000 feet), an astonishing depth for the technology of the time. Technical Specifications (1972 Model) Component. the time. Technical Specifications (1972 Model) Component. The auction house guarantees the authenticity of this watch and that it is in good working order, but does not guarantee that some small components may not have been replaced during subsequent Rolex servicing over the years. Reference 1665. Case: 40 mm diameter stainless steel. Movement: Rolex Calibre 1575 (sometimes referred to as 1570), COSC certified, with date function. Bezel: Bidirectional aluminum with a 60-minute diving scale. Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster (often reference 9315 with bent links or later 93150). Luminosity: Tritium hands and hour markers, which develop a highly prized cream or vanilla patina over time.