Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref 1665 Double Red Serial #221xxxx Circa 1967-68 Service 2019

The Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 first debuted circa 1967 and was designed for use during saturation diving. The main differences between the ‘Red’ Submariner and Double Red Sea-Dweller are the thicker case, the helium escape valve (HEV), the Sea-Dweller moniker on the dial, and the domed crystal without the Cyclops date lens. The origin of the nickname “Double Red” comes from the two-lines of red text on the dial reading “Sea-Dweller / Submariner 2000.”

The present example is from 1967/68 with Serial # 221xxxx and features a “Mark II” dial. The watch is in great, honest condition. Double Red Sea-Dwellers were typically used for diving, so not many survived in good, original condition. This watch has aged quite beautifully over the years, and all the lume has turned to a dark yellow-orange, almost pumpkin color. Overall, this is a great example of an iconic dive watch.

On the wrist, the Double Red just works so well. The proportions offering a substantial feeling while not taking over your entire wrist. The patina here is really stunning, extraordinarily well-aged and gorgeous. The domed crystal just begs the wearer to be mesmerized, rolling the watch to view it from different angles and understand how that expertly contoured Sea-Dweller crystal shows off the dial. 

This example came from the original owner in London several years ago and went into a my private collection. I had the watch serviced by an Authorized Roles Service center in Dec 2019 ($1900+). The past few years have seen the vintage market double down on stainless-steel sport watches, especially from Rolex. However, Double Red Sea-Dwellers have proven to be some of the hardest to find, rarely coming up for sale. Considering the condition of this watch, this is truly a great opportunity to add this exceptional example of a Double Red Sea-Dweller to your collection. 

Maker: Rolex
Model: ‘Double Red’ Sea-Dweller
Reference: 1665
Year: 1967-68
Case No: 221XXXX
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 39mm diameter; 17mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Rolex self-winding caliber 1575
Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel Oyster No. 93150 bracelet
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: Original Rolex Box – Service Papers 12/2019

Finally, With more than a decade in selling, trading and buying watches throughout the globe, there is an etiquette to this sport; “what’s your bottom/best price” doesn’t fit and is obnoxious.  Yes, it makes the rest of us talk about you.  Don’t be that guy… that guy is ignored.