Mark 4 1665 Rolex 'Double Red' Sea-Dweller

If you turn up a 5513 to 11, you wind up here: 1665. Specifically, double red. Vintage Sea-Dwellers are nothing like what you might know post 1990s. It was a beast in 1967, but you could almost call it svelte compared to a modern Maxi case. And then there’s the simple fact of the tritium dial bolstered by HEV. That’s a recipe that doesn’t get bettered, like horsepower and torque or curry and Kingfisher.  You also don’t have to contend with a cyclops. Four digit Sea-Dweller has a lot to love. And learn about.

In 1665 dials, the very first were single reds. There are thought to be 11 or 12 of these, given to professional divers chosen by T. Walker Lloyd, an oceanographic consultant of Rolex, for testing or as awards following US Navy Sealab expeditions. After these were the DRSD, an early model with two coveted lines of red text in production from 1967-1977. After both came the ‘Great White’ 1665 with all white text.

Of the evolution, each variant has its strong suit. The Mark 1 has the collectability and thin case. Mark 2 often goes tropical. Mark 3 is super rare and not often seen. Mark 4 was the most widely produced, so it’s the most accessible way in. And this is obviously leaving out the really early uber collectable stuff. Of that evolution, it is the Mk2 DRSD which has a tendency to most turn chocolate. Mk2 dials started in 1968 and were also the first to have a caseback displaying ‘Rolex Patent Oyster Gas Escape Valve’ after the Mk1 ‘Patent Pending’ backs.

Despite once being a tool of purpose, the 1665 is now lore and a collectors’ darling. More accessible dials can be hunted south of 40k while the very desirable tropical Mark 2 is fairly concretely at or above 100k these days. There’s a spread with real differences, it’s a sort of 5-series of vintage tool watches. But this whole era comprises the core of Rolex’s identity. Or at least the bit that is the most romantic. And that’s enough for me.

This example sports a beautiful dial with light patina and golden plots. The spacing all checks out and is as it should be. It should be noted upfront the case is very likely recut, but it is priced as such. The seller is forthcoming, noting 'professional polishing' which is that. It's aesthetically pleasing just should be noted. The bracelet clasp is also not original. It's a very handsome example, not necessarily the collector's darling but reasonably priced. It comes from a well-regarded Spanish retailer.