‘DOUBLE RED’ SEA-DWELLER SUBMARINER 2000 MODEL, RETAILED BY ASPREY, REF. 1665, CASE NO. 3’567’002, INSIDE CASEBACK NO. 3’567’002, CIRCA 1973

Highly rare and exceptionally attractive, the present Rolex ‘Double Red’ Sea-Dweller reference 1665 was retailed by Asprey, as evidenced by the additional engraving to the caseback. The watch further distinguishes itself with an “error” diver’s extension engraved “pateted,” rather than patented. The watch's serial number is only three digits apart from other known Asprey-retailed Double Red Sea-Dweller examples.

The 'Double Red' Sea-Dweller reference 1665
Launched in 1969, it is believed that the original Sea-Dweller watches designated as reference 1665 were given to deep-sea divers to test Rolex's newly developed helium escape valve technology. The primary issue with the at-the-time dive watches was that at extreme depths, helium gas would build up within the case and during decompression, it would get to the point of watch failure, making the crystal explode off of the watch. Rolex's new creation allowed the helium gas to escape the case through the valve on the side while not allowing water into the watch. After many successful tests thanks to these divers, the Sea-Dweller model became commercially available in 1970.