In 1967, the Sea-Dweller joined the Milgauss, Daytona, Submariner, and GMT-Master as part of Rolex’s tool watch line up. The Sea-Dweller on the surface seemed redundant to the Submariner, which at the time could reach a respectable 660 feet depth, more than necessary for most divers. However, Rolex wanted to accompany those pioneers seeking to reach the deepest parts of the ocean – and stay there for an extended period of time. One problem with deep sea diving at the time was the fact the Submariners’ crystal could pop off due to the build-up of helium molecules during saturation dives. Rolex solved the problem by incorporating an ingenious helium escape valve (HEV) into the left side of the Sea-Dweller case, a revolutionary invention now in use by so many brands today. While the earliest iterations were engraved with “Patent Pending Rolex Oyster Gas Escape Valve” on their case backs, this later changed to “Rolex Patent Oyster” once the patent was granted, as seen on the present watch.

In the late 1970s, Rolex ended its production of the Double Red Sea-Dweller featuring two lines of text in red on the dial 6 o’clock and replaced it with the “Great White” dial, which no longer used red lines of text. The present example is fitted with a MK III dial, distinguished by the closed “6” in “610” and the slope of the “f” in “ft”. Elevating the importance of this example is the prestigious and highly coveted “Tiffany & Co.” retailer signature featured on the dial.

The present watch is well-preserved, with a lovely dial and stands out by its homogeneously aged luminous material on the hour markers and luminous pearl on the bezel. The Sea-Dweller is a sporty and versatile watch that is both highly collectible and suitable for daily wear.