Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 - 'Double Red' MK2 'Tropical' Dial 'Thin Case'
The first Sea-Dweller, the Reference 1665, debuted in circa 1967 and was designed with saturation divers in mind.
The key differentiator between a Sea-Dweller and its little sibling, the Submariner, is that the SD always has a helium escape valve (or 'HEV') on the left case profile and a higher domed crystal with no cyclops magnifier. The earliest prototypes were actually Submariners with the added HEV on the left case profile, but it was the 1665 that first bore the Sea-Dweller name on the dial.
However, this isn't your run of the mill ‘1665’...
This piece features two lines of text on the dial that read: “Sea-Dweller+Submariner 2000” in red, rather than the usual white. It has since become known to collectors as the "Double Red Sea-Dweller" or DRSD.
It dates to circa 1972 and features an excellent, thick 'thin' case with even lugs and no signs of polishing. The black bezel insert has taken on a faint navy fade. But the real treat with this piece is that the 'MK2' dial has changed to a gorgeous brown 'tropical' color. It shows only light wear with even patina across the Tritium plots with a matching handset. It comes fitted to a correct folded-link Oyster bracelet with a dive clasp.
A truly well-rounded package!
Movement:
Automatic-winding chronometer certified caliber by Rolex.
Bracelet/Strap:
Rolex stainless steel folded-link Oyster Bracelet with 9 links and signed fliplock clasp. Shows light previous polishing and normal wear throughout with moderate stretch. Sized for ≈7.5" wrist.
