Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1973
    Reference No: 1665
    Movement No: D146130
    Case No: 3'515'184
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller "Double Red"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster, stamped 93150, end links stamped 585, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel twin lock folding clasp stamped 93150
    Dimensions: 39.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, outer case back signed "Rolex Patent Oyster Gas Escape Valve"

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1967, Rolex created the first Sea-Dweller reference 1665, which was the world’s most robust diver's watch, able to withstand pressures at a depth of 2000 feet, or 610 meters, below sea-level.

    The evolution of the model created several variations of the “Double Red” Sea-Dweller text on the dial, with earlier versions being especially desirable for collectors. The present watch is fitted with a Mark II dial - the successor to the so-called Mark I, as the font used for the word “Submariner” is slightly smaller than the word “2000”. The nickname “Double Red” is a result of the first two lines of text reading “Sea-Dweller” and “Submariner 2000” written in red.

    The caseback not only has the reference number stamped inside, but also has the last three digits of the case’s serial number right above it. The hour markers have aged to a pleasing caramel color that contrasts beautifully against the black matte dial. This example was made in 1972 and remains in excellent condition. “Double Red” Sea Dwellers, especially those fitted with these early dials, are highly sought after vintage Rolex sport models.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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104

Ref. 1665
A very fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with date, centre seconds and "Double Red Sea-Dweller" logo

1973
39.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, outer case back signed "Rolex Patent Oyster Gas Escape Valve"

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 

Sold for CHF32,500

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm