1979 Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 Great White 'Rail' dial and 2024 Rolex service

Introduced in the late 1970s, the Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 “Great White” marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Rolex’s most hardcore dive watch. It was the first Sea-Dweller to drop the red text of its predecessor, replacing it with a clean, all-white configuration that emphasized legibility and function over flair. Designed to endure the crushing depths of saturation diving, the 1665 was born with the gas escape valve and a 610m depth rating—far beyond the reach of any Submariner of its era. Its imposing 40mm case, domed crystal, and no-nonsense layout made it a true tool for the professionals it was built to serve.

Within the Great White lineage, the “Rail” dial stands apart as the most refined and coveted variation. Produced for a brief period around 1977–1979, the Rail dial is named for the precise vertical alignment of the words Superlative Chronometer and Officially Certified. Their rarity, combined with their crisp execution, has turned the ‘Rail’ versions into a sought-after grail among connoisseurs.

Offered here is a Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 ‘Great White’ with ‘Rail’ dial from 1979.

The matte ‘Rail’ dial is in excellent condition with very little visible wear. The lume plots have aged to a lovely light creamy patina that matches with that on the hands. The hour hand has been relumed.

The case shows previous signs of polishing and normal wear. The case back remains in the same condition, with all engravings crisp. The bezel is sharp. The ‘Long 5’ bezel insert is a gem on its own, having aged to a stunning ‘ghost’ lavender, and the original tritium pip/pearl matches in patina.

It is fitted on its original Rolex Oyster 93150 solid-links stainless steel bracelet with 580 end links, matching clasp code VC and PATENTED divers’ extension that shows normal stretch and wear for its age.

The watch is running well and keeping time, as it was fully serviced by a Rolex retailer in Denmark in 2024 as shown on the receipts.

The original acrylic crystal has some marks.

Macros of dial and case are available under request.