Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1976
    Reference No: 1665
    Movement No: D080’312
    Case No: 4’196’570, repeated inside caseback
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller, “Double Red, MK IV”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93160”, endlinks stamped “592”, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “H”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Built to conquer the depths of the ocean, the Rolex Sea-Dweller was first launched in 1967. At the time of its production, it was among the most reliable and robust diver’s wristwatch in the market with a depth rating of 610 meters.

    The watch featured a triple lock crown to ensure its water resistant ability. The very first examples, or "prototypes" displayed a single red Sea-Dweller script. It was only later, starting with the " Mk I Patent Pending Sea-Dweller Double Red" that the dial displayed "Sea Dweller Submariner 2000" in two red lines, earning its moniker "Double Red Sea-Dweller".

    While the very first examples did not have a helium escape valve, Rolex eventually fitted their Sea-Dwellers with this mechanism, which allowed the trapped helium to easily escape. When the ref. 1665 was first released, Rolex had not patented the technology yet. Thus, the earliest Sea- Dwellers were engraved “Patent Pending Rolex Oyster Gas Escape Valve” on the caseback.

    The present example Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 with a MK IV dial from circa 1976 with a 4.1 million serial is identifiable via its “closed 6” of the depth rating and its spiked coronet. Offered in attractive overall condition, this present example is one to impress vintage Rolex connoisseurs.

  • 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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913

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 1665
A fine and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, gas escape valve, MK IV dial and bracelet

Circa 1976
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 220,000 
€14,300-26,200
$15,400-28,200

Sold for HK$302,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)