887
Rolex
Ref. 1665
Sea-Dweller “Double Red, MK IV”
A very fine and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, gas escape valve, “double red” MK IV dial, bracelet and guarantee
- Estimate
- HK$160,000 - 300,000€20,400 - 38,200$20,500 - 38,500
HK$453,600
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1977
- Reference No
- 1665
- Movement No
- D429’862
- Case No
- 5’148’040; inside caseback stamped “1665”
- Model Name
- Sea-Dweller “Double Red, MK IV”
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet “93150”, endlinks stamped “585", max length 190mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “VD”
- Dimensions
- 40mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 5th January 1978, 1978-1979 calendar card, green wallet, service invoice and additional diver’s extension link
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present example Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 “Double Red” from circa 1977 with a 5 million serial features a correct MK IV dial of which the “Double Red” letterings are vivid and clear, while the font of the red lettering is notably larger on the top line. The Rolex coronet is large, with clearly-defined spikes and a more pronounced “O” under the coronet. Sporting an attractive vintage appeal with a faded grey blue bezel insert from afar, a closer look at the watch reveals a dial with luminous plots that have aged with a desirable custard patina. Preserved in a pleasing condition, the timepiece is also accompanied by its original guarantee.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.
Browse Maker