8057

Rolex

Ref. 1665

Sea-Dweller, “Great White” MK I

A fine and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, MK I dial, gas escape valve and bracelet

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 160,000
€9,400 - 18,800
$10,300 - 20,500
HK$88,900
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1979
Reference No
1665
Movement No
D090’214
Case No
6’153’137, inside caseback stamped “1665” and engraved “3137”
Model Name
Sea-Dweller, “Great White” MK I
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93150”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 175mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “X4, 93150”
Dimensions
40mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Catalogue Essay

- When it comes to dive watches, Rolex is undoubtedly the first watchmaker that comes to mind, thanks to its rich history of producing exceptional timepieces for underwater exploration. Renowned for their robustness and impeccable build quality, Rolex has always been at the forefront of the industry. Since the introduction of the Submariner in 1953, Rolex has continuously strived to innovate and enhance their watches, aiming for superior quality and the ability to conquer even greater depths.

- In 1967, after years of dedicated research and development, Rolex introduced their first Sea-Dweller model, the 1665. This groundbreaking timepiece featured a helium escape valve, allowing it to withstand extreme depths. The results were so impressive that the patent for this innovative feature was granted in 1970, and the helium escape valve has been a staple in the Sea-Dweller lineup ever since.

- The present 1665 model showcases a highly sought-after “Great White” MK I dial, identifiable by the distinctive "open 6" numeral. MK I dials were produced for watches with serial numbers ranging from 5.18 million to 6.2 million. The current lot, with a case number of 6.1 million, perfectly aligns with this production period and dates back to 1979.

- Despite its age, the watch remains in excellent condition, boasting a strong case and a very attractive dial that exhibits an evenly aged luminous material, resulting in a captivating light yellow patina.

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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