SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, SEA-DWELLER DOUBLE RED MODEL, REF. 1665, CASE NO. 3'745'844, CIRCA 1974

Made for approximately 10 years from 1967 to 1977, the reference 1665 was the first timepiece designed for use in saturation diving. It was fitted with a Rolex patent gas escape valve in the band and guaranteed waterproof to 610 metres depth. The valve was first developed on the Submariner model and allows helium and other gases to escape, enabling the watch to stand compression.

The 'Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000' is printed in red only for the early examples of 1665 and nicknamed 'double red'. Featuring so-called MK III dial, this present example was produced in around 1973-1974 with case number 3.7 million.