8020
Rolex
Ref. 1665
Sea-Dweller, “Double Red MK III”
An attractive and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, gas escape valve, date, “Double Red MK III” dial and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
The dials of the Double Red Sea-Dweller evolved over time, with each variation designated as a "Mark” and one of the rarest configuration is the MK III dial. Highly desirable this example features this specific dial, distinguished by several key characteristics: the “SUBMARINER 2000” text appears in a noticeably smaller font than “SEA-DWELLER,” the red printing is applied directly onto the black dial surface (without the white underlay seen on earlier Marks), an open 6 in the depth rating, and a sharply defined Rolex coronet. Additionally, the serial number is repeated on the inside of the caseback.
What significantly elevates its appeal and collectability is the excellent overall condition combined with well-documented Australian Army provenance. Originally issued to French oil rig divers, the watch is accompanied by a detailed letter from the previous owners— both Australian Army officers—along with period photographs documenting its use during missions: such as an meaningful operation the Darwin Reconstruction Commission after Cyclone Tracy to help rebuild the city. It was also a companion with the owner during enlisted in the Army Reserve at Perth, and duties as Combat Engineer and officer deployed to the Middle East.
For enthusiasts of professional-grade timepieces, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a Rolex that has genuinely endured real-world hardships and service.
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.