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Lot Essay
The dial of the present timepiece belongs to the 'Mark III' series of the Double Red Sea-Dweller, produced approximately between 1970 and 1973. Mark III dials are distinguished by several subtle yet important details: the 'double red' designation is printed directly onto the dial without a white background and appears in a darker tone compared to earlier Mark II examples.
Further characteristics include the 'SUBMARINER 2000' designation rendered in a smaller font than 'SEA-DWELLER', as well as a Rolex coronet with clearly defined five tips and a pronounced oval base. Overall, the typography appears finer and slightly less bold than that found on preceding dial variations, lending the watch a distinctive and highly collectible aesthetic.
The 'Double Red' Sea-Dweller reference 1665
Launched in 1969, the Sea-Dweller reference 1665 was originally developed by Rolex for professional deep-sea divers. Early examples were reportedly supplied for testing purposes, specifically to evaluate the brand’s newly developed helium escape valve.
At great depths, helium gas could penetrate the watch case during saturation diving; upon decompression, the resulting pressure buildup risked causing the crystal to dislodge. Rolex’s innovative helium escape valve allowed the trapped gas to safely exit the case without compromising its water resistance. Following successful testing in extreme conditions, the Sea-Dweller was officially released to the public in 1970, establishing itself as one of the most important professional dive watches ever produced.
Further characteristics include the 'SUBMARINER 2000' designation rendered in a smaller font than 'SEA-DWELLER', as well as a Rolex coronet with clearly defined five tips and a pronounced oval base. Overall, the typography appears finer and slightly less bold than that found on preceding dial variations, lending the watch a distinctive and highly collectible aesthetic.
The 'Double Red' Sea-Dweller reference 1665
Launched in 1969, the Sea-Dweller reference 1665 was originally developed by Rolex for professional deep-sea divers. Early examples were reportedly supplied for testing purposes, specifically to evaluate the brand’s newly developed helium escape valve.
At great depths, helium gas could penetrate the watch case during saturation diving; upon decompression, the resulting pressure buildup risked causing the crystal to dislodge. Rolex’s innovative helium escape valve allowed the trapped gas to safely exit the case without compromising its water resistance. Following successful testing in extreme conditions, the Sea-Dweller was officially released to the public in 1970, establishing itself as one of the most important professional dive watches ever produced.