THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1665
YEAR: 1979
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Sea-Dweller remains, to this day, the only sports Rolex born out of necessity. Unlike the Milsub, which was essentially an altered 5513, the Sea-Dweller was created because the state-of-the-art dive model Rolex offered simply wasn't up to the demands of the ever-changing subsea landscape.

The reference 1665 was produced from 1967 to 1983 (though it was only sold to civilians from around 1971). Until 1977, these watches were affectionately named "Double Red Sea-Dwellers" thanks to the red text. From 1977 to 1983, five more dial variations appeared (MK0–MK4), with the Sea-Dweller name and depth ratings now printed in white — earning the nickname "Great White."

The present example features a MK1 dial, seen from around the 5.1m to early 6m serial ranges. Although there is overlap with MK2 and MK3 examples, in our experience, MK1 dials are much rarer. In fact, we have encountered fewer MK1 Great Whites than DRSDs. Having spent its entire life on the Scottish coast, this watch remains in fantastic condition. The case has been polished before, but likely no more than once or twice. The dial is perfect, with the lume on the markers and hands aged to an even, creamy hue. The original silver date wheel is present. The insert has faded beautifully to a grey/lavender shade. The original 93150/580 bracelet with F-coded clasp (1981) retains its full links and has minimal stretch.

The movement has been recently serviced and is running like a dream at 0 s/d, 280 amplitude, with a 0.2 ms beat error. This is easily one of our favourite watches in stock.