1975 Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 DRSD 'MK IV' with Pumpkin Patina and Unpolished

The Rolex Sea-Dweller was developed in close collaboration with the French deep sea diving company COMEX. Their divers required a timing instrument that could withstand their working depths, plus be able to remain intact in ascent and decompression. Most of the watches manufactured at that time could not tolerate the extreme depths.  Helium gas would build up inside the case and at decompression the gas pressure would increase.  The rising inner pressure would eventually be released by breaking the crystal, the weakest point in the case design.

 

Rolex first developed the helium release valve in the 1960s and incorporated it into some of their Submariner watches delivered to the French diving company, COMEX.  The testing of these specially adapted Submariner 5513 models was so successful that Rolex specifically made a batch of watches for COMEX and the watch was given an official model number, the Ref. 5514.  This was such a success that Rolex decided to market the watch as the Ref. 1665 by 1967.

 

Regular production of the Ref. 1665, with the helium release valve already patented, started in 1971 with the Double Red Sea-Dweller, or DRSD.

 

The Double Red Sea Dweller eventually stopped production around the 5.2 million serial, in 1977, when Rolex released the new Ref. 1665 with some slight changes of which the most significant one is that the dial printings are no longer red, but white.

This example offered here is, in our humble opinion, the best Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 DRSD.

 

The MK IV black matte dial under the original crackled crystal is completely flawless, with no blemishes, scratches, or stains whatsoever. It presents an absolutely breathtaking, clean and perfect pumpkin patina on the hour lume plots, showing the original hairy-like texture. It’s simply mesmerizing. The original hands feature a matching patina too.

 

The bezel remains unpolished with sharp bevels. The original bezel insert is also great. It shows some marks from use and the original tritium pearl/pip has aged to a matching patina.

 

Added to the unique dial of this DRSD, we find an untouched case which remains unpolished presenting thick lugs and original bevels. It shows normal signs of use. The case back remains in the same condition, letting perfectly visible all engravings. The inner case back is correctly engraved with the reference number and matching serial number.

 

The original domed crystal presents a lovely crackling, loved by vintage purists, giving the watch even more character if possible.

 

It comes suited on its original 20mm Rolex Oyster 93150 stainless steel bracelet with 585 end links, period matching clasp code VB and divers’ extension that presents very little stretch, remaining in strong condition with normal signs of wear.

 

The watch is running well and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

This is indeed a unique opportunity of having the chance to own a one of a king 1665 DRSD. Once it’s gone, it’ll be gone for ever as this will reside in the strongest collections.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.