Rolex. A stainless steel self-winding waterproof wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date and bracelet

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE, SEA-DWELLER, SUBMARINER 2000, CIRCA 1973

Details

Rolex. A stainless steel self-winding waterproof wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date and bracelet
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, Sea-Dweller, Submariner 2000, circa 1973
With nickel-finished lever movement, 26 jewels, the black dial with luminous dot and baton numerals, luminous Mercedes-style hands, sweep center seconds, Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 in red, date aperture, the tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case with revolving black bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw back and screw down crown, gas escape valve in the band, together with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and clasp, case, dial and movement signed
39 mm. diam.

Lot Essay

The Sea Dweller reference 1665 was the first diver's watch with a Rolex patent valve in the band and guaranteed waterproof to depths of 2000 feet. The valve was first developed on the Submariner model to allow helium and other gases to escape, enabling the watch to stand compression.

The present lot is one of the first Sea Dweller models as it features Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 in red print on the dial. This feature was discontinued in 1973 and the revised version had only white printing on the dial and the Submariner 2000 print was removed.

An example of reference 1665 is illustrated in The Best of Time - Rolex Wristwatches by James M. Dowling & Jeffery P. Hess, p. 269.

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