Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1977
    Reference No: 1665 inside case back stamped 5'216'985
    Movement No: D'468'078
    Case No: 5'216'985
    Model Name: "Double Red" Sea-Dweller
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster, reference 93150, end links stamped 585, max length 230mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex twin lock folding deployant clasp stamped H
    Dimensions: 39.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with Rolex product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
    Literature: For another example of a Double Red Seadweller, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 190.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1967, the Sea-Dweller is the ultimate tool watch. Originally conceived for dive expeditions, the model was officially introduced for "civilian" use in 1967. While the earliest "prototype" examples featured only a single line of text, "Seadweller", in red, Rolex later printed both the depth rating and Sea-Dweller signature in a bold, scarlet hue, which we see on the present watch.

    The Sea-Dweller's biggest technical innovation was the helium escape valve. During the 1960s, most watches did not have the capacity to submerge into great depths without breaking. The Helium Escape Valve allowed helium gas, which built up underwater, to be released during decompression.

    This example is fitted with a Mk4 dial, evidenced by the large and spiky coronet. Correct for a 5.2 million serial number, it is the most classic dial iteration found on the market. The dial has aged gracefully, exhibiting warm and all-matching patina on the hands and numerals. The case is offered in crisp condition, still showing bevels on the side of the lugs.

    This lot is accompanied by product literature from the era, as well as the fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • 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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154

Rolex

Ref. 1665 inside case back stamped 5'216'985
A rare and attractive stainless steel divers' wristwatch with centre seconds, date, helium escape valve and bracelet

Circa 1977
39.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€12,900-21,600
$15,500-25,800

Sold for CHF35,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017