THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1665
YEAR: 1981
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 Rolex sports watch born out of necessity. Unlike the Milsub — essentially a modified 5513 — the Sea-Dweller was created because Rolex’s state-of-the-art dive model simply wasn’t up to the demands of an ever-evolving subsea environment.

Reference 1665 was produced from 1967 to 1983 (though it was only sold to civilians starting around 1971). Until 1977, these watches were affectionately known as “Double Red Sea-Dwellers” due to the red text. From 1977 to 1983, five more dial variations appeared (MK0–MK4), with the Sea-Dweller name and depth rating now printed in white — earning the nickname “Great White.”

The present example features an MK4 dial — the final iteration of the 1665 Sea-Dweller — typically seen from around the mid to late 6-million serial range, continuing until the end of production in 1983. The dial and hands have aged to a mellow creamy hue, complemented by a ghost bezel — both signs the watch has soaked up plenty of sunshine. The case has seen minimal polishing and remains thick and even. The correct silver date wheel is still present. The K-stamped (1986) 93150/555 bracelet is in excellent condition with full links, and the watch will comfortably fit a 20 cm wrist. The original super dome T39 is still present.

The watch has just been serviced, including a mainspring replacement, and is running beautifully at -2 s/d, 285 amplitude, with a beat error of just 0.3 ms. Nothing beats a 1665 in the sunshine — with that super dome crystal, every glance brings a smile.