Property of an Important Asian Collector

1072

Rolex

Ref. 1665

Sea-Dweller, “Double Red MK III” “Ricciardi”

A very well-preserved and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, gas escape valve, date, “Double Red MK III” dial and bracelet, retailed by Joyeria Ricciardi

Estimate
HK$250,000–500,000
€28,300–56,500
$32,100–64,100
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1972
Movement No
D115’638
Reference No
1665
Case No
3’118’257, retailer stock no.: 157’285, “1665”, “257” & “I.72” stamped inside caseback
Model Name
Sea-Dweller, “Double Red MK III” “Ricciardi”
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex folded Oyster bracelet stamped “9315”, endlinks stamped “380”, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “D”
Dimensions
40mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Read Conditions of Sale
Good To Know:

- DRSD retailed by Joyeria Ricciardi with stock no. 157’285
- Beautifully aged MK III dial with lumes aged to a pumpkin hue
- Case is extremely well-preserved with thick lugs

The dials of the Double Red Sea-Dweller evolved through distinct variations categorized by "Mark" designations, with the Mark III configuration standing among the rarest and most desirable. This example features a Mark III dial, defined by several key characteristics: the "SUBMARINER 2000" text is printed in a noticeably smaller font than "SEA-DWELLER", the red text is applied directly onto the black dial surface without a white underlay, the depth rating features an open "6", and the Rolex coronet is sharply defined. Furthermore, the last three digits of the serial number are correctly repeated on the inside of the caseback.

The case remains in impressive condition, featuring thick lugs and defined bevels alongside crisp caseback engravings and clear numbers between the lugs. The Mark III dial is beautifully preserved, with luminous hour markers that have aged to a rich pumpkin hue. Revealing its most intriguing peculiarity when turned over, the watch features the number "157285" stamped behind the bottom right lug. While seasoned collectors will recognize this as a retailer inventory number, its bold, large-font stamping gives this specific piece its own distinct identity.

For enthusiasts of professional-grade tool watches, this represents a premier opportunity to acquire an extraordinarily well-preserved Rolex Double Red Sea-Dweller retailed by Joyeria Ricciardi.

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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