Description
This is one of the earliest thin case Sea Dwellers with a 1.7 million serial number. These watches were never popular when new as they were bigger than the Submariner Date, did not have a “Cyclops” and were pressure proof to 2,000 ft (as against 660 ft for the Sub); not a benefit that was commonly used.
Their unpopularity is evidenced by the fact that they were still catalogued for two years after the sapphire glass 16660 models were introduced.
The watch should have a double red dial, but this was switched during one of its services at Rolex Bexley, the caseback was also replaced by a later 1665 back during a service. The dial fitted is a Mk 1 ‘Great White’ with the vertical ‘ft’ on the depth rating; the tritium luminous has evenly discolored to a nice café-au-lait tone. These early 1665 Sea Dwellers with 1.7 million serials are selling for six figure sums, when they have their original dial; I never suggest buying watches as investments but this would be a good one if you can turn up an original dial and a great everyday wearing watch whilst you are seeking one. These early Sea Dwellers are easily distinguished by the slimmer case, which was hardly any thicker than a 1680 Submariner
The movement is a Rolex calibre 1570, rhodium plated, 26 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to five positions and temperatures, Kif flector shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring & Microstella adjusting screws.
The dial is 95+% whilst both the case and movement are 95 %.
The watch measures 39mm Diameter, 48mm lug to lug, it is 16.5mm high and takes a 20mm strap and a “heavy” flip lock Oyster band (with 12 links) is fitted.
SOLD
